BODIES ON THE LINE

>>  The idea behind BODIES ON THE LINE is straightforward: to put experts on pornography into conversation in order to think more critically about issues of safety and health within the porn industry.  By “experts” we mean those who work within the industry (such as performers, directors, and producers), scientists who do research within the industry (such as social scientists, epidemiologists, or public health researchers), and those who create policies around these issues.

>>  The site takes a decidedly anthropological perspective on these issues in the sense that it explores the diverse, and complicated  social relationships these conversations inevitably bring up.  Whose bodies, so to speak, are on the line when discussing questions of safety in this industry?  Is it the bodies of those having sex on camera?  The safety of those viewing the images?  Both?  What positions should, or does, the government take on such issue?  BODIES ON THE LINE traces the connections and gaps between the individuals and institutions concerned with these questions, and hopes that the industry can become a better place by putting these experts into closer conversation.

>>  BODIES ON THE LINE was started by Christopher Baum – a PhD student in anthropology at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City.  If you’re interested in contributing, learning more, or getting involved – please get in touch!