Freethought & Rationalism Archive

dangin · 02-06-2003, 06:05 AM

The illustrated kama sutra springs immediately to mind as a shining example that existed long before photography. And let's not forget the Song of Solomon.

But this is an excellent reminder of the pervasiveness of humanity's natural interest in sex.

The Other Michael · 02-06-2003, 06:57 AM

MD looks like a better fit for this thread.

cheers,
Michael
MF&P Moderator, First Class

Demosthenes · 02-06-2003, 08:27 AM

I've been to the Secret Museum and Pompeii. To be honest, I didn't find the secret museum particularly pornographic and I was the one who brought it up to my parents when we were in Naples. I already was familiar with the common sexual attitudes back in the ancient times and the museum just served to reinforce the stark differences between the modern sexual ideas and the ancient world.

I've noticed that some people seem to think that the kinky sex acts were only invented in the last 30 years, but umm no.. they were around long long time ago, popular, and definitely not "kinky". Sex's just a pleasurable and fun act, something to be done with other people. It can be an emotional act or not, there's so many varieties when it comes to sex, it's amazing.

I'm curious also about the Japanese and Chinese attitudes towards sex. I'm under the impression that Japanese people are open to it

Totalitarianist · 02-06-2003, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lunachick
There is a myth among some people, including scholars, that pornographic images began with the invention of the photographic process.

Inspired by a combination of a BBC Radio 4 programme I'm listening to right now, and this thread, I decided to explore the history of sexually explicit images and pornography.

Why? Because, quite frankly, I get bored with modern arguments in the modern world regarding the erotic. They are almost inevitably aggressive/defensive on a personal level, and the arguments tend to be circular. On one hand, there will be someone asserting "empowerment!". And on the other hand, someone will cry "victim!" And around and around it goes. Some are empowered, some are victimised - just like in any business, any enterprise. Today, Zoe and I have been victim to our laziness and the fast food industry, via McDonalds. (ick).

Anyway, don't you think it's more interesting to explore the history and development of something so powerful and so influential as the erotic, as pornographic images, and human sexuality.

From the "Secret Museum" of Pompeii excavations and the discovery of explicit scenes of sexual acts of all kinds there, through the ages of art and culture, to modern adult video; pornography ain't no nu thang. It's sex as visual art! Or, at least, it can be.

In fact, with regard to Roman times, "early archaeologists were surprised to discover just how drenched in sexual imagery that life was: statues, paintings, mosaics, amulets, bracelets, necklaces, images on shop fronts, in dining rooms, bedrooms and gardens -- not to mention the pictures in brothels." Goodness!

Here are some links you may find interesting, should you wish to explore such a rich history:

http://ancienthistory.about.com/gi/d...ret%5Froom.htm

http://ancienthistory.about.com/libr...hel_images.htm

http://latinlinks.users.btopenworld....c/phallus.html

http://www.angelfire.com/zine/dailytravesty/64.html

http://www.dropbears.com/b/broughsbo...erotic_art.htm

http://www.allyourtv.com/moviesspeci...graphythe.html

http://www.vergemag.com/0201/features/feat1.html

and, of course, there is always more...

So, please feel free to share your ideas or knowledge (without moral 'judgement'), as I endeavour to learn more of the objective history of the erotic and it's role in culture, modern and ancient.

Thanks.

PS: I'm not entirely sure I'm in the right forum, so please feel free to move it if i got it wrong.

There are some disgusting, degenerate, filthy people in this world.

HaysooChreesto! · 02-06-2003, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Totalitarianist
There are some disgusting, degenerate, filthy people in this world.

Not gettin' any?

Totalitarianist · 02-06-2003, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lamma
Not gettin' any?

Ebonics?

lunachick · 02-06-2003, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Totalitarianist
There are some disgusting, degenerate, filthy people in this world.

That there are, Trebax. They are called totalitarianists. But that has nothing whatsoever to do with this thread. This thread is about the history of erotica; not about brutal and murderous despots.

Thank you.

wade-w · 02-06-2003, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lunachick
That there are, Trebax. They are called totalitarianists. But that has nothing whatsoever to do with this thread. This thread is about the history of erotica; not about brutal and murderous despots.

Thank you.

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

Totalitarianist · 02-06-2003, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lunachick
That there are, Trebax. They are called totalitarianists. But that has nothing whatsoever to do with this thread. This thread is about the history of erotica; not about brutal and murderous despots.

Thank you.

I was talking about pornographers and those who enjoy viewing pornography, and not despots. I hate despots--especially brutal and murderous ones. Why you brought this up is beyond me.

Ronin · 02-06-2003, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Why you brought this up is beyond me.

Among an assorted plethora of other things, I have no doubt.

Ah...ah...ahhhhhh.........haiku! ~

cherry blossoms fall
landing atop my penis
quickie with petals

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

02-06-2003, 06:05 AM	#11
dangin Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: The Middle, Kansas Posts: 2,637	The illustrated kama sutra springs immediately to mind as a shining example that existed long before photography. And let's not forget the Song of Solomon. But this is an excellent reminder of the pervasiveness of humanity's natural interest in sex.

02-06-2003, 06:57 AM	#12
The Other Michael Honorary Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In the fog of San Francisco Posts: 12,631	MD looks like a better fit for this thread. cheers, Michael MF&P Moderator, First Class

02-06-2003, 08:27 AM	#13
Demosthenes Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: a speck of dirt Posts: 2,510	I've been to the Secret Museum and Pompeii. To be honest, I didn't find the secret museum particularly pornographic and I was the one who brought it up to my parents when we were in Naples. I already was familiar with the common sexual attitudes back in the ancient times and the museum just served to reinforce the stark differences between the modern sexual ideas and the ancient world. I've noticed that some people seem to think that the kinky sex acts were only invented in the last 30 years, but umm no.. they were around long long time ago, popular, and definitely not "kinky". Sex's just a pleasurable and fun act, something to be done with other people. It can be an emotional act or not, there's so many varieties when it comes to sex, it's amazing. I'm curious also about the Japanese and Chinese attitudes towards sex. I'm under the impression that Japanese people are open to it

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.