What is the difference between erotica and pornography
Perception of erotica and pornography has always been subjective and full of stereotypes and prejudices. According to the well-established opinion, porn is inevitably a rude, low and harsh depiction of sex, and the adjective "pornographic" bears only negative coloring. Eroticism, in turn, is considered by some to be nonsense and vulgarity, while others are the only "decent" way to arouse your imagination. Directors, psychologists, sex therapists and other experts explain the difference between erotica and pornography, why one phenomenon is socially more acceptable than another, and why semantic disputes are sometimes superfluous.
Tony Ward, the star of my movie "Hustler White", once told Rolling Stone that the difference between erotica and porn is in the lighting, and I agree with him. There are many criteria by which people evaluate the frankness of the material. Soft focus, diffused light, stage setting, montage, general attention to composition and atmosphere can make the viewer think of a very frank video in the context of erotica, not porn.
In erotic videos, the actors are flattered in post-processing or right during the shooting, choosing the most favorable angles to hide the rash on the skin, the absurdity of some positions and physiological details. At the same time, the difference between “art” and “erotica” is often easily seen. The first can sometimes be unusually realistic in order to break the illusion of "perfect" sex, which is cultivated in most modern porn movies. In eroticism, the emphasis from penetration and ejaculation is shifted to making love itself.
Historically, the dichotomy of porn and erotica has a class character. Porn - a spectacle for the masses, refers straight to the libido, and erotica, created for people with more subtle organization, hides the sexual act itself. Porn is often considered rude and exploitative, and erotic attracts attention with artistry and the veil of propriety.
I always say that the main difference between "art" or "erotica" and "porn" is only in how penetration is presented. The “upper class” regards a relaxed naked body as an aesthetic object. Porn is more often observed in a closed environment, it is more personal in nature and often uses politically incorrect techniques that allow it to be much more fun than erotica.
The difference between erotic and pornographic is in context. The word "pornographic" is much more often used incorrectly than "erotic". In this case, both words are used to evaluate something.
Eroticism has more positive connotations: “erotic” is often referred to as “positively sexual” phenomenon: classical, socially acceptable, etc. “Pornographic” is used to describe everything that is “negatively sexual” outside, in fact, the only purpose of porn (I am always surprised the phrase "watch porn": nobody actually watches it - everyone masturbates under it).
But “erotica” is too narrow a word to denote a really large area — one that Techcrunch journalist John Evans correctly identified as sexual content that is not pornography (it’s in this field Make Love Not Porn that acts). In MLNP, we are trying to find a new vocabulary for believable sex, so that one day we will have many other words in our disposition to write, discuss and explore this underrated topic from all sides.
The difference is the same as between "promiscuity" and "norm": we tend to call pornographic things that cause us discomfort, and erotic ones that turn us on. Most hard things really fall into the category of porn, and soft and aesthetic - erotica, but most often these characteristics are very subjective and speak more about the person who uses them than about a particular video.
Before I started creating my own porn, I worked as a nude model. I heard a lot of nonsense in arguing about the difference between art and porn, and it was important for me to find an answer so that no one could accuse me of posing for pornography. American photographer George Pitts, to whom I first posed and was a muse the first time of my work, told me: "Pornography is erotic without empathy." Approximately the same idea was expressed by the employees of other studios in which I later worked. But then I came to work in porn and saw that many artists and directors are really worried about what they are doing and have their own idea of exactly how to excite the viewer.
As I understand it, the choice of the right word is the choice of the class. The fact that a "normal" person finds exciting, most likely, porn, and that which turns a well-organized intellectual, most likely, erotica with its wrap of artistry. And even simpler: if the appointment of an artifact is simply to excite the viewer, this is porn.
The border between erotic and pornographic is shaped by marketing and a penchant for condemnation. I write erotic books - at least that's how they are positioned on the market - but it would not be a mistake to call them pornographic. In general, if someone tries to sell their erotic work, stating that they are “better” pornography, I lose interest in them. In short, erotica is socially acceptable, pornography is not completely.
This state of affairs is changing quite quickly, and pornography, especially video format, becomes the subject of wide discussion, mainly among the younger generation. But I think that it is impossible to clearly distinguish between these two categories. Both are, after all, created for excitement, but each has its own methods. Both terms are subjective: something that seems erotic to one, looks bland and unattractive to another. I think people should look for what makes them good (regardless of how it is officially called), instead of looking for useless differences in intangible things.
This is very subjective. For those who like pornography, these two terms are synonymous, although “erotica” covers some images outside of porn (for example, pictures with naked women). In the eyes of erotic lovers in porn only people are fucking, between whom there is no relationship, in contrast to this in eroticism there are love scenes of R-films. Well, there are still those who are against a broad view of sex in the media, and for them erotic is questionable, and porn is absolutely unacceptable.
The question of what is considered erotic and what is pornographic is subjective, but I think it all starts with our neuro-associations with every word. When most people think about eroticism, images of something sensual and annoying in a good sense arise. It is usually based on omissions and leaves a lot of room for the imagination of the beholder, leading to pleasure, desire and lust. "Pornography" is automatically perceived as a frontal image of sexuality. Many describe her less sensual and coarser than erotica.
I am more interested in where the desires of a particular person are located in the gap between these two phenomena. For some, porn may look erotic, while others need sensual stimulation to relax and enjoy sex. In any case, I would like my clients to explore themselves and their desires, because the main thing in this business is pleasure.
Something that is regarded as poorly arousing in France or Italy, in the USA can become highly popographic. And an American R-film, intended only for an audience over 17, may turn out to be pornography - if it is watched by an 11-year-old. In general, these words have a social and cultural tint that affects their perception.
Erotica and pornography both affect the topic of sex, but they are strikingly different. Erotica - sensual, hinting and a little painful. Imagination has to work to finish the scene that you need. It's your job.
Pornography is lustful, depraved, and completely devoid of imagination. The most erogenous zone in the whole body is the brain, and the imagination is the best tool to get maximum pleasure. Eroticism can be called a prelude, and porn is an act in itself, a steak without hissing.
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