Re: Porn vs. Science Fiction

As an avid Science fiction reader and having viewed pornography (both smutty and "artsy") I will have to take a strange stance in my own views laced with bits of Sontag's. First we have to consider what pornography is used for versus what Science fiction is used for. Pornography's  sole purpose is titillating the viewer, the industry has worked for years to refine angles, lighting, and exciting situations. In literary pornography (erotica) the language is worked around the brain stem as to excite the most primitive response. Porn is generally directed toward men and their natural inclination to be visually wired, this holds fast with Science fiction as well with grand adventure schemes and exotic locations (space).  While there are many similarities between the genres as already mentioned by Elizabeth, the core difference is its purpose. The purpose of much Science fiction is to enumerate on the human condition while putting the characters in often the most vulnerable positions. I mean a lot of it is also simply adventure based, written for escape and fun, but rarely is it subversive. 

The porn industry is like any other industry, looking for financial gain in any way possible. If the industry can figure out a way to make their product more appealing in order to sell more pornography then they will, no matter the cost. Good science fiction never dresses up models to look like eight year olds simply to make money. Good pornography appeals to whatever demographic of viewer it sees a market for.