I'm curious. I was watching a little bit of Sasha Grey's interview with Tyra (something that obviously got tons of viewers and exposure), and while she definitely did the best she could with Tyra's already made-up mind and a bevy of people of the mindset that she's a weak little confused/abused girl who needs rescuing, it still made my little heart ache to not see the kind of strong representation I want to see. If you could pick any woman in porn to stand up and give the entire industry a voice to the more mainstream, who would you choose? Who seems most able to communicate herself in a strong voice, as healthy, responsible, emotionally and psychologically stable, who knows her reasons for doing porn and who is genuinely happy and proud of herself, someone who can speak intelligently and who is well-versed in the debates about pornography (from historical, moral, and scientific viewpoints), and who can hold her own- and win- in a debate against the anti-porn forces? I've always put my stock behind Nina Hartley, because she totally fulfills all these points . . . but I'm starting to wonder if maybe Lorelei Lee might be picking up the torch, because she is always incredibly eloquent and extremely smart. So- who would be your pick, and why? Edited by - cand86 on Oct 13 2008
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born 2b a loner Deactivated User
19 Posts 10/08
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 4:02PM
I'd prefer someone who's distantly (not directly) connected to the industry. Not to say that porn actors/actresses aren't capable of giving intelligent discourse on the matter--it's just that I don't think they'd get very far. Joycelyn Elders would do well.
Interesting. How distant do you mean? I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time, I think it's easy for people with an agenda to dismiss the words of those who aren't directly connected to the industry- a sort of "You aren't there, on your knees taking facials, so you don't know the horrors these women are going through." kind of thing. Maybe? Oh yeah, and Jocelyn Elders is still a hero of mine.
I think Annie Sprinkle is indirectly a great spokesperson. There are also some great theorists out there like Wendy McElroy and Nadine Strossen (who are not directly related to the industry).
Nina Hartley was precisely who came to my mind (even before I read your post).
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born 2b a loner Deactivated User
19 Posts 10/08
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 4:29PM
I think the surgeon general would know a little bit about the psychology involved, even though she's not directly related. The porn industry is pretty much already in support of the porn industry...it needs people in religion and government to say: "yeah it's ok". There is nothing in the Bible about porn. Porn is a very large profitable industry that the government takes huge chunks of change from. Pornographers are the only ones in the media I know of that have opted to censor themselves only to have the original subject matter become even more of a taboo. Nevertheless, the porn industry will continue to shoot itself in the proverbial "foot" cos everybody hates change. I think that those in the industry would not be in support of someone non-industry being it's spokesperson, however unhealthy that is. Edited by - born 2b a loner on 10/13/2008 4:31:30 PM
I would go with Juli Ashton instead of NH. I know she is out of the biz now, but when she was she fit your description to a tee. Nina can come off too clinical and I think Juli has a fresher appearance that while not really germaine to the issue, does help get the message across.
Two great choices IMHO: Kylie Ireland Julie Night Kylie is the better spoken of the two, because she has the most experience with interviews and she is a business woman who has been on both sides of the camera, as well as working in other industries besides adult. However Julie would throw the whole argument of "dumb, abused, uneducated, so she does this to make money" out of the window. I don't know how many posters on ADT are aware of Julie's background, but she's a scientist, doesn't need to do adult for money and does the hardest of the hard porn because she WANTS to. Black and Blue Media: PR and Publicity
Nothing says I love you so much as a tongue in the ass. 2884 Posts 1/03
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 8:38PM
I have been of the opinion that one of the reasons Sasha won Performer of the Year was because many in porn see her as the kind of representative and face of the industry they'd like portrayed. Arguably mature beyond her years, intelligent, sex positive, and not being coerced or manipulated into doing the things she does. Everybody talks about how there will never be another Jenna Jameson, as her popularity and crossover appeal seems a one time thing (and a mostly Howard Stern engineered phenomena), but in her way, Sasha is the Jenna for a new generation, providing she sticks around and expands on her already existing notoriety. I don't think a search is needed for another spokesperson, although I don't think Sasha would endorse this idea of herself being that person at present.
Picman, while my admiration for Ms. Grey is great, I don't think she'd be a good fit for this role as I envision it. Edited by - Dr_Fell on 10/14/2008 2:15:47 PM
Julie Night and Kylie Ireland are two great choices. I think I can offer another who was in because she liked it, can handle herself in front of the cameras, has other professional careers, is intelligent and articulate: Ashlyn Gere.
Nothing says I love you so much as a tongue in the ass. 2884 Posts 1/03
Posted - Oct 14 2008 : 5:47PM
There is no actual position to be filled here. In fact, there is no tangible entity "the porn industry" as so many people seem to envision it. The porn industry should do this... The porn industry should do that... It's a wonder these disparate elements have even agreed on testing through AIM. Whoever represents the industry is about public perception, not choice. For a time it was Mary Carey, who was an industry joke, but people knew her because she knew how to drum up publicity. I don't know that Sasha is that person now, but her "Q" rating is about as high as anyone's in the industry at the moment.
Dr. Sharron Mitchell. She has seen and done it all, is highly articulate and very bright. Maybe I am reading your post wrong but what you seem to be looking for is more like a woman who would come across as young, smart, has their shit together and would represent the porn industry in a positive light. I'm sure that many active performers fit this bill. However, what you seem to be suggesting is more of a PR person rather than what a "typical" adult performer is like. The fact is, there are a number of women and men who totally have their shit together in the biz. Putting a spotlight on them won't dispel common misconceptions about the industry as a whole though. It may show that "hey, there is a good side to this", but it will not change people's minds who are convinced that every man and woman in it are a poor, lost soul who need saving. Really though, what is there to gain out of convincing the mainstream that porn is "better" than what close-minded people think it is. How much of a positive spin can you put on what they see as evil. It isn't like we have to live underground as fans, performers or otherwise. If people want to shit on us for the choices we make personally or professionally, they can go fuck themselves.
pornography wasn't sex but fantasies of an impossibly hospitable world 12377 Posts 9/07
Posted - Oct 14 2008 : 9:58PM
I hope that's a joke. Nina Hartley is the strongest spokesperson because she doesn't try and excuse all the bullshit in the industry either, so she doesn't come across as an apologist.
Quite a few years ago I've seen Nina Hartley appear on the Phil Donahue show. And all she got for her positive views about the porn industry were some obvious looks and grunts of disgust from Phil Donahue. He didn't insult her with words. But his non-verbal language towards her was definitely insulting. I don't know just how much Phil Donahue swayed his mostly female audience. But he certainly tried to turn the audience against Nina Hartley. When you are dealing with hostile media. Then they always try to make porn look bad, no matter what you do or say. Perhaps the only way porn industry can improve its image among the general population is through paid public relations advertisements in mainstream media. Modestly dressed female porn stars saying something positive about porn in a discrete way on TV would probably improve the image of the porn industry a lot. Instead of having hostile reporters in control. Why not put up someone like Katja Kassin to say something positive about porn? She is beautiful. And her face is famous enough. She doesn't need to do anything indecent or unusual to get recognition among the public.
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MikeSouth Deactivated User
511 Posts 11/02
Posted - Oct 16 2008 : 2:09PM
i cant believe what i read here....Sharon Mitchell? a fake doctor? How many of you suggesting Nina have actually spoken to her for more than an autograph? Tristan is a good choice Ron Jeremy does an outstanding job Maybe i shouldn't be surprised by all this, but I am
That's a wonderful quote- who said it? It does certainly get to the core idea that hostile media who have made up their minds aren't [probably] going to be swayed. :(
No...it wasn't. Ron spends more time than just about anyone out there defending our industry. He's likable, and even his opponents like and respect him. Plus, he's walking proof that you can be in this industry for 30 years and not be some depraved lunatic. And, he's more well-known than anyone in the industry not named Jenna Jameson.
Veronica Hart Georgina Spelvin Asia Carrera Ashlyn Gere Tricia Devereaux Stephanie Swift Jeanna Fine Nina Hartley Jewel DeNyle Deauxma Tina Tyler Porsche Lynn
Ron Jeremy comes off as scum to the mainstream. Tristan would come across as someone out to make a buck. I'm not saying that is the case, but that is how the mainstream would perceive her."Tristan, a follow up question, can we have some more information about the official butt-plug you offer for sale?". I can understand why you would not understand what the mainstream's perspective is being so far removed from it - you are, after all, entrenched in the biz. I didn't realize that Sharon Mitchell's P.h.d. was fake. Thanks for clearing that up. I was under the impression she received it from an accredited school.
I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way 158 Posts 9/08
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 3:33AM
Everyone - First of all Sharon's PHD is most certainly not fake. Where did you hear this? Bizarre how rumors start. And I have not only spoken to Nina, I've had long discussions about sex, politics, religious, children, cooking (she's an awesome cook), fashion, art, music (she's a jazz fiend), dancing (she loves dance theater), TV shows (she was a big fan of Deadwood as was I, and a long time fan of ER and 60 Minutes), and is smart, articulate, well educated and sweet. We were good friends. She not only would make a good spokesperson for the industry, she IS a good spokesperson for the industry. On that note, did anyone check out Sasha's interview with Tyra on YouTube? Look up similar topics (to the right side) and you will come across Nina's interview with Tyra - which illuminates my point above. Most of the people listed on this thread who would make good spokes persons, are in fact spokes persons!!! Sharon Mitchel, Veronica Hart, Tristan (accomplished book writer and community activist) Annie Sprinkle and Jenna to name a few.
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MikeSouth Deactivated User
511 Posts 11/02
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 3:59AM
OK explain to me how this isnt a fake diploma Sharon has no Baachelors degree, no masters degree only a GED. She has no published thesis The "school" she attended is not accredited Her diploma is is no different than a PhD in insensitivity from the Mike South Institute for insensitivity and pornography. As for the rest of your argument....fan boi drivel...
I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way 158 Posts 9/08
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 4:07AM
HAHAHAHA you are hysterical!!! I am Sarah Jane Hamilton, former porn star and long time friend of Nina. Last time I looked, there was nothing "boi" about me. And everything I said is completely 100% bonafide true. In fact, I have nothing to gain from this. I'll get back to the thread on the Sharon thing with some evidence. Like I have all the time in the world to do this ... but for her reputation, I will.
Sharon Mitchell received her P.h.d from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. IASHS states "The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality is fully approved for graduate education in Sexology by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education of the State of California." I do not know the details of or wish to research the Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education of the State of California or the legitimacy of her Degree. All I know is what I said in my original post, "She has seen and done it all, is highly articulate and very bright.", that is enough for me. Additionally, her work with AIM is highly commendable and should not be overlooked. Here is a good interview with her. [Mod edit: made clickable link.] Edited by - killbillvol69 on 10/17/2008 11:32:26 AM
Patience is a virtue, but who wants to be virtuous? 4283 Posts 4/00
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 1:09PM
Juli Ashton Stormy Daniels Sasha Grey Tristan Taormino
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MikeSouth Deactivated User
511 Posts 11/02
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 1:18PM
Sarah honey I know who you are, it doesn't preclude you from sounding like a fan boi, and save yourself the disappointment on "Dr Mitch" it's all very well documented.
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MikeSouth Deactivated User
511 Posts 11/02
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 1:20PM
Damn....that may be a helluva idea a degree program in pornography and insensitivity from lil ole me....I'd say you are well on your way to the AA, question is...Is it an art or a science?
Just another bare bum in the shiower 1739 Posts 12/04
Posted - Oct 17 2008 : 1:33PM
I think you need to parachute into the industry someone who already has mainstream appeal but also some dirty porn street cred - Kim Kardashian. Otherwise, Sasha is fine - I really think you need a girl who is still "opening her legs on film".
My vote is for Stormy Daniels. She has poise, class, charisma, intelligence and is a success in almost every aspect of the business. She has already made many mainstream appearances in various media and is helping break down the "porn star" stigma that many people not interested in adult entertainment have about the industry. Also, her work in protecting children from adult-oriented products online through the ASACP is another feather in her very full cap.
Again, it doesn't matter who you get to say it or how they say it. You're talking about people who don't want to hear a word you have to say. They don't care if it makes sense or not. It's like an atheist trying to convince Pat Robertson that he's right. It ain't gonna happen. They ain't ignorant. They're stupid.