Consider the Lobster and Other Essays

1. The adult film industry is a complex economic and cultural force

The US adult-film industry, at $3.5-4 billion in annual sales, rentals, cable charges, and video-masturbation-booth revenues, is an even larger and more efficient moneymaking machine than legitimate mainstream American cinema (the latter's annual gross commonly estimated at $2-2.5 billion).

Economic powerhouse. The adult film industry generates more revenue than mainstream Hollywood, demonstrating its significant economic impact. This financial success is driven by diverse revenue streams including sales, rentals, cable charges, and video booths.

Cultural influence. Despite its controversial nature, the industry has a pervasive influence on American culture. It shapes attitudes towards sexuality, relationships, and body image. The industry's marketing strategies and award ceremonies mimic mainstream entertainment, further blurring the lines between adult content and mainstream media.

Technological pioneer. The adult industry often leads in adopting new technologies, from VHS tapes to streaming video. This pioneering role has implications for how other industries approach technological innovation and content distribution.

2. Awards ceremonies reveal deeper truths about the industry and society

The Annual AVN Awards are always scheduled to coincide with the International Consumer Electronics Show (a.k.a. CES), which this year runs from 8 through 11 January. The CES is a very big deal.

Legitimacy seeking. The Adult Video News (AVN) Awards, often called the "Oscars of Porn," attempts to legitimize the industry by mimicking mainstream award shows. This parallel scheduling with CES, a major technology event, further emphasizes the industry's desire for mainstream acceptance.

Cultural commentary. The awards ceremony serves as a mirror to society, reflecting changing attitudes towards sexuality, celebrity, and entertainment. The event's popularity and media coverage highlight the public's fascination with the adult industry, even as it remains taboo in many circles.

Industry networking. Beyond the glitz and glamour, these ceremonies serve as crucial networking events for industry professionals. They facilitate business deals, partnerships, and the exchange of ideas, much like any other industry conference.

3. The industry grapples with ethical concerns and push-poll tactics

Because we've been lied to and lied to, and it hurts to be lied to. It's ultimately just about that complicated: it hurts. We learn this at like age four—it's grownups' first explanation to us of why it's bad to lie ("How would you like it if … ?").

Ethical dilemmas. The adult industry faces numerous ethical challenges, from concerns about performer exploitation to the impact of pornography on society. These issues are often glossed over in the pursuit of profit, but they remain a significant undercurrent in discussions about the industry.

Push-poll tactics. The use of misleading push-polls in political campaigns is mirrored in the adult industry's marketing strategies. This manipulation of public opinion raises questions about the industry's integrity and its impact on democratic processes.

Trust and authenticity. The industry's struggle with truthfulness reflects a broader societal concern with authenticity and trust. The constant barrage of marketing and manipulation in both politics and pornography has led to a cynical public, yearning for genuine connections and honest communication.

4. Pornography's impact on performers is often overlooked

Deceased starlet Nancy Kelly's real name was Kelly Van Dyke. She was the daughter of TV's Jerry Van Dyke and so, of course, the niece of Dick.

Human cost. The adult industry often glamorizes its performers, but the reality can be far darker. Many performers struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, and the long-term consequences of their career choices.

Family impact. The revelation about Nancy Kelly (Kelly Van Dyke) highlights the personal and familial implications of working in the adult industry. It serves as a reminder that performers have lives and relationships outside their on-screen personas.

Career limitations. Many performers find it difficult to transition to mainstream careers after working in adult films. The stigma associated with pornography can have lasting effects on their personal and professional lives.

5. The line between marketing and authenticity is blurred in adult entertainment

Can you sell someone's refusal to be for sale?

Marketing paradox. The adult industry often markets itself as authentic and unfiltered, even as it carefully crafts and manipulates its image. This contradiction highlights the complex relationship between authenticity and marketing in modern media.

Consumer psychology. The industry exploits psychological needs for intimacy and acceptance, packaging these desires into marketable products. This commodification of human connection raises questions about the nature of relationships in a commercialized world.

Ethical consumption. Consumers of adult content grapple with the ethical implications of their choices. The industry's marketing often downplays these concerns, focusing instead on the fantasy and escapism it provides.

6. Technology and social trends shape the evolution of pornography

The science of sales and marketing was still in its drooling infancy in 1961 when Kennedy was saying "Ask not …" The young people he inspired had not been skillfully marketed to all their lives.

Technological impact. Advancements in technology, from high-speed internet to virtual reality, continually reshape the adult industry. These changes affect content production, distribution, and consumption patterns.

Marketing sophistication. The adult industry has become increasingly adept at marketing, employing sophisticated techniques to target and retain consumers. This evolution mirrors broader trends in digital marketing and consumer psychology.

Cultural shifts. Changing social norms and attitudes towards sexuality influence the types of content produced and consumed. The industry both reflects and shapes these cultural shifts, often pushing boundaries and challenging taboos.

7. The industry's future faces challenges from extremism and oversaturation

The thing to recognize is that the adult industry's new respectability creates a paradox. The more acceptable in modern culture it becomes, the farther porn will have to go in order to preserve the sense of unacceptability that's so essential to its appeal.

Escalation of content. As pornography becomes more mainstream, there's a push towards more extreme content to maintain the industry's transgressive appeal. This trend raises concerns about the potential harm to performers and viewers alike.

Market saturation. The proliferation of free online content and amateur productions challenges the traditional business model of the adult industry. This oversaturation may lead to consolidation or the emergence of new business strategies.

Regulatory challenges. As the industry evolves, it faces ongoing legal and regulatory challenges. Balancing free speech concerns with efforts to prevent exploitation and protect minors remains a complex issue.

Last updated: January 22, 2025