Part V: Representing Sexualities

Watch and Respond: The Codes of Gender

This film and activity draws on several concepts from multiple readings and is best used toward the end of this unit.

1. Show the clip of The Codes of Gender.

2. Ask students to take 5–10 min and write on the following prompt: “Describe how any three of the concepts from this unit are illustrated in this film.”

3. Following the exercise, the instructor may use the prompt as a way to begin a class discussion about the readings and/or collect the exercise for grading.

Pornography versus Hollywood?

This exercise pairs well with the Jensen article.

1. Listen to Terry Gross’ interview with David Simon and George Pelecanos: creators of HBO’s program The Deuce, which deals with the porn industry in New York City in the 70s and 80s.

2. Use the following discussion questions about the mainstreaming of pornography:

• Do you agree that porn as an industry has had such a heavy influence on our public lives (advertising) and our private lives (online sites like xHamster and YouPorn)? What does this reveal about American culture which is typically seen as prudish regarding sexuality?
• Were you surprised when Simon and Pelecanos mention that the porn industry didn’t have the “casting couch” culture that has plagued Hollywood? Is it hard to believe that porn is in many ways “cleaner” than mainstream Hollywood?
• Why is it valuable to study the history and influence of pornography?

Feminist Pornography?

1. Watch Olivia Tarplin’s TedX talk on Feminist Pornography.

2. Lead a discussion using the following prompts:

• What do you think distinguishes feminist porn from mainstream porn?
• How can feminist porn be used positively to educate people about sex?