Penn and Teller Bullshit Season 6 Episode 1 War on Porn
- TVMA
- June 19, 2008
- 27 min
-
8.0 (148)
Penn and Teller's show Bullshit! was a highly successful and critically acclaimed series that ran from 2003 to 2010. The show featured the comedic duo debunking popular beliefs and exposing scams and hoaxes of all kinds. In season 6, episode 1, entitled "War on Porn," Penn and Teller take on one of the most controversial and divisive issues of our time - pornography.
The episode begins with Penn and Teller asking the question "Is porn bad for you?" and immediately delves into the history of the anti-pornography movement, dating back to the Victorian era. The duo points out that since the dawn of human civilization, there has been some form of pornography and that the current "war on porn" is just the latest manifestation of this longstanding moral panic. They argue that pornography is not inherently immoral, but rather a matter of personal taste and choice.
Penn and Teller then interview a number of pro-porn activists, including adult film stars and directors, who argue that pornography is a legitimate form of expression that should be protected under the First Amendment. They make the case that the vast majority of women who work in the adult industry do so voluntarily and that the industry is an important part of the entertainment business that generates billions of dollars in revenue.
The show does not shy away from the darker side of pornography, however. Penn and Teller interview a number of anti-porn activists, including feminists who argue that pornography is exploitative and damaging to women. They show examples of violent and degrading pornography and point out that the industry is rife with abuse and exploitation.
The episode concludes with Penn and Teller arguing that the solution to the pornography debate lies not in censorship or moralizing, but in education and personal responsibility. They point out that pornography is a complex issue that cannot be easily dismissed or solved, and that everyone has to make their own choices about what they find acceptable.
Overall, "War on Porn" is a thought-provoking and well-researched episode of Penn and Teller's Bullshit! series. It examines all sides of the pornography debate and presents a nuanced view of a complex and controversial issue. As with all episodes of the show, it is entertaining, informative, and irreverent.