Books in Review / Livres

THE PORNOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN: A LEADER'S HANDBOOK
by Margaret Smith and Barbara Weisberg, $11.00, (published under the sponsorship of Education Wife Assault).

Reviewed by Renate Krakauer

In this comprehensive, clearly written and well-organized handbook, Margaret Smith and Barbara Weisberg have provided a valuable educational tool for women who want to work on the issue of pornography in their own communities. There has been so much in the media recently about this issue that there is a real danger that the fight against pornography will be isolated as another "social problem" (or a Women's problem) with the prescribed treatment being increased censorship. By developing the content and process of the workshop in a feminist context, Smith and Weisberg implicitly reject a simplistic, band-aid approach.

The process which the workshop leader is directed to follow is based on fundamental principles of adult education and feminism. The participating women are encouraged to explore their own perceptions and feelings and to develop their own strategies for action. At every stage, women's experiences are validated through individual and group exercises and discussions. The workshop ends on a particularly positive note (surprising for those who may think there is nothing positive that can be said in regard to this topic) with a guided fantasy, designed to envoke in the participants feelings of empowerment and appreciation for women's individual and collective strength.

In presenting the content of the workshop, Smith and Weisberg have avoided using pornographic material for its shock value alone. Rather, they establish a framework and a foundation for looking at pornography which allows women to share comfortably and freely their emotional responses when exposed to it. This provides a basis for interpretation of the images represented and for an understanding of the connection made to images of women in popular culture generally. By placing pornography on a continuum as an extreme manifestation of values about women which are pervasive in society at large, and by exposing it as a lucrative industry within our economy, the authors preclude quick and easy solutions. Instead, they encourage the development and implementation of a multi-faceted approach to fighting pornography which women can undertake in their own communities. They stress the need for positive alternatives, not just negative opposition which, by its nature, tacitly allows the purveyors of pornography to define not only the limits of the fight, but also the underlying values about women.

Throughout the handbook, detailed, step-by-step directions are given for group leadership. These are supported by explanations for exercises and discussion material, clearly identified objectives for each section, and resource materials. A good balance of films, written and participative exercises, and discussion is used to achieve the goals of the workshop. Although the material is presented so that it can be used by all women, not only those who are experienced group leaders or who are already involved in the pornography issue, it is never condescending or over-simplified. An appendix provides participants' kit materials with articles, discussion and exercise sheets, and a bibliography.