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A few more replies, since I was offline for a while and missed a few good points...
Beastiepoo:
The trend I am talking about is a little slippery, perhaps because I am associating a few things. When people say something along the lines of "that's not moral" on this board, and indeed when I mention it privately on ICQ with *some* industry people, a common reply is "oh well, it's the adult industry". I guess it can be meant in a lot of ways, but all of them worry me.
As for the place of morality... I guess what I would say is that morals are personal for each person, but only in the details. The idea of morality is to get at some sort of more universal concept of what is right. Yes, each person's morality is different, but to have a moral system is to hope it is the right one. I will stand up and say that being a racist is a matter of (bad) morality. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
As for associating with people whose morals I don't like... Yes, that is a start. I certainly won't do business with someone who strikes me as unethical and scummy. Even if I could make more money doing it. However, I do not think avoidance is the only way. One important element of morality is that we express a dislike for that which we consider immoral. That leads to the possibility of shame, or other emotions, that can undermine the principles of the immoral person, or reenforce the principles of moral people who are listening. As such, I feel it is acceptable to say out loud when something bothers me.
And, no, you're not on my ignore list. Your reply to all of this was calm, well-reasoned, and genuine. You did not once attempt to prove me wrong by calling me a pussy. You're all right in my book, whether or not we agree... And I suspect we're not so far off.
FiveEyes:
I am not questioning the morals of the industry. An industry is a collection of people... and I do not think all, or even most, of the people in the industry are guilty of the pet peeve I happened to bring up today, or immorality in general.
I believe that erotica/porn/adult material can be made, and presented, in ethical ways, and in unethical ways. I do my best to stay on the side wearing the white hats, and I don't lose a lot of sleep with uncertainty about the morality of my own business.
Ian X,
Defender of Truth, Justice and Warm Cuddly Feelings
Crusader for Morality,
Keeper of Proper Ethics
and Defender of the High Horse
;)
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