EDITORIAL: Forthcoming Ron Jeremy appearance an open, honest chance to talk porn
News of Ron Jeremy's second visit to Central Michigan University in February, when he will debate anti-porn pastor Craig Gross, set off a heated debate online about whether the 59-year-old porn star should even be on campus to begin with.
Some think Program Board is lowering the university's standing and credibility by bringing him on campus.
However, the fact that Jeremy's previous visit to CMU garnered so much attention and debate is reason enough to justify his visit.
Jeremy and Gross will discuss important topics including pornography addiction and whether porn empowers or degrades women. These are serious issues that demand serious attention, and if bringing in a controversial porn star sheds light on these issues, so be it.
Just like other events featuring controversial speakers, including the recent Westboro Baptist Church visit, the campus community has the option to choose not to attend the event. If students are not interested in being part of the conversation Jeremy will bring to campus, there's a simple solution: don't attend.
However, if people are interested, this debate has the potential to yield valuable information to the audience.
After all, how much does the average CMU student really know about porn?
Some pornography, without question, can be degrading to women; it should not be assumed that the entire industry is riddled with men aiming to belittle women, but people will always make assumptions, even though those who react should be considering Program Board's impulse for bringing Jeremy here.
In fact, Program Board might really be on to something here. After all, sex sells — and the overwhelming response to Jeremy's appearance solidifies that statement.
Although porn isn't always openly discussed, is the conversation really much different than the daily conversations we have about sex? Through television, movies, magazines and books, sex is a constant topic of discussion, and some might argue Jeremy's appearance on campus is simply an organized discussion about the topic.
Through this debate, students have the opportunity to have their questions answered by somebody who has vast knowledge of the topic.
It's better for the topic to be discussed than hidden, and inviting Jeremy to speak about porn is a tasteful way to foster a conversation that is often tastelessly done.
