Does it count if you're related?

I don't know why my sister decided to go to the same university as I, but for whatever reason, she did. And because she did, my parents bought half of a duplex for us to live in together. She never cleaned up after herself, and would in turn call our parents to let them know that I was…

Thank you for saying this. I feel like we fall into the trap of "She CHOSE this," when the reality is that we don't really have a choice if we're convinced the options are "do this!" or you are unloveable/unworthy of success/undeserving of happiness. Seriously— how often do we buy into the idea that we'd be in a…

I also didn't know! And I think she looks amazing. Love it.

Mark, I make a point to read your stories because I love your writing voice. I'm glad you're here, and that you're willing to cover the painful stuff.

I bet that would be super lucrative!

I want an ice cream truck for adults. One that delivers after my kids' bedtime when I can't run out and get my own, but I could really use some frozen dairy self medication.

Yes. A thousand times yes. My kids are getting NO enforced bedtime tonight. Birthday party this evening and then all the ice cream and movies they can handle after. Gah. I just can't with this stuff. Sorry you have to write this sort of thing, Mark.

If you look further down this thread, I have several citations. There was actually an article that Lindy West wrote on Jezebel not that long ago about how pornography exposure decreases gray matter in the brain as well.

I'm not saying feminists in general— because I identify as a feminist. Sorry if it came across that way— I just mean I don't understand why people who identify feminists celebrate an industry that victimizes so many. And I appreciate your explanation, and I can totally get on board with that. I'm just not on board…

Agreed— there is such thing as exercise addiction and food addiction. But there has been research showing that mere exposure to pornography, not necessarily having an addiction, increases rape myth acceptance. Exposure to Pornography and Acceptance of Rape Myths, Journal of Communication Volume 45 Issue 1, Pages 5-26.

Oh, I think the whole system needs work. There isn't one particular group or individual who can shoulder all of the negative consequences of all of it. I just don't think it's productive to go the other way and say, "Well, you aren't at total fault for this, so let's celebrate you!" Cruel optimism. I like that.

So, "can't beat 'em, might as well join them and make a buck"? Sounds more like acceptance of a terrible problem and profiting off of it rather than actually doing something about the problem.

Is 2010 recent enough for you? Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography and Violence: A New look at the Research. In J. Stoner and D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs of Pornography: A Collection of Papers (pp. 57–68).

Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. M., and Yuen, C. (2010). Pornography and Attitudes Supporting Violence Against…

It's not about the kind of sex a woman has. Do whatever you want behind closed doors. But when it's pornography, and you're creating a product, and trying to make money off of that product, there is an escalation to keep customers returning to provide a profit. And in that escalation, there is an attitude of violence…

It is courage, though. Because there are plenty of people on here who are willing to turn a blind eye to the research and statistics about pornography (paid writers included) because it doesn't mesh with their opinion, and they'll attack anyone who disagrees with their agenda.

Thank you for having the courage to say this on here. I don't understand the applause the sex industry gets from feminists, because I don't understand it as anything more than embracing misogyny and objectification. You are selling your sexuality. You are a token for your sexuality. And in the process, you are…

I LOVED "Misconceptions" by Naomi Wolf. "Attached at the Heart" is also great if you are considering attachment parenting.

God bless you. I now know what I'll be listening to as I clean my kitchen this morning. Oh, Chocolate. You light my heart up.

Equal opportunity objectification! That's the point of feminism, right?

Does this story mean people will stop telling me to smile?