Notre Dame Conference Criticizes Porn

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame has hosted a conference entitled "Pornography: Fantasy, Reality and Industry" which left attendees with the message that "pornography is what the end of the world looks like..."

The conference was held this past Friday at Notre Dame's Center for Continuing Education.

University of Texas journalism professor Robert Jensen opened the event by asking attendees to complete the sentence, "Pornography is ..."

According to student news site "The Observer," responses ranged from "expressive" and "entertainment" to "seductive" and "dehumanizing."

Jensen had his own answer in mind, however.

"Pornography is what the end of the world looks like," Jensen said. "When one looks honestly at the contemporary porn industry, one sees some disturbing images of where this world is heading."

Jensen cited adult producer's growing fulfillment of the broad range of marketplace demands as one basis for his opinion; discussing how adult companies need to continually produce "new and interesting products" that have evolved from straight, vaginal sex in the 1960's and '70's, to anal sex in the '80's and even more extreme material today.

"I asked one [pornography producer] about the rise of anal sex in the 80s," Jensen said. "The producer replied that the majority of women do not seek out anal sex, so when men get angry at their wives, they secretly think to themselves that they would like to do that. Since they can't, they like to watch it."

Jensen described anal sex as "the sexualizing of male domination and female subordination. [It's] a disturbing mirror for the culture in which we live."

Focusing on the market demand for depictions of sexual practices that some women may find objectionable along with the desire for profits are leading adult companies down the road to violence and pedophilia, Jensen claimed.

"Where is the industry going, and what could possibly come after this?" Jensen said. "I have asked this to several pornographers. Some will say, 'I hate to say it, but the only place left to go is overt violence.' The other place to go is to continue to sexualize youth."

Following Jensen's presentation, Pasquerilla West rector Sister Susan Bruno, Corby Hall religious superior Father Peter Jarret, sophomore Patrick Tighe and senior Stephanie Brauer, engaged in a panel discussion about pornography at Notre Dame.

"Dependency on porn has been dubbed a psychological addiction," Tighe said. "But there is not one group in the counseling center dedicated to men and women addicted to porn."

Despite the lack of a formal program being in place of this, Jarret claimed that students were open with him concerning pornography.

"I was surprised and edified by the willingness of people to come and knock on my door and talk about their issue," Jarret said. "I found these conversations revealing, honest, and had a great appreciation for the person sitting next to me, talking. There was a sense of being trapped in something they lost control over."

Sister Susan called for attendees to work towards an end to porn addiction.

"We all have to get involved in changing this culture, changing this mentality," Bruno said. "In the end, we want to reject, resist and end the industry of pornography."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Show More