Pornography in the Classroom: Another Challenge for the Art Educator

Abstract

Encounters with visual images contribute to how we conceive of ourselves and the ways in which we develop conceptions of other men and women. This article explores ramifications of this perspective in a society in which pornography is evident and accessible. Definitions of pornography are discussed. It is argued that art educators working with students have a responsibility to identify, present, and critically study some images in their classrooms that may be pornographic by some definitions. Approaches to the study of pornography are suggested.