How did hardcore porn become so mainstream?

Look, I'm no prude, and I defend the right of consenting adults to blah blah blah and the government does not belong in the bedroom blah blah blah and above all freedom of the press blah blah blah, ok? But all the same, how is that I turn on KGO-AM this week, one of the most respected news-talk radio stations in history, and hear Ronn Owens interviewing Ron Jeremy, the hardcore pornstar, as if he is some kind of elder statesman? Like he's some kind of hero! A role model! Since when is it that someone who makes their living by having meaningless sex on camera a person to be admired? I know that porn has become more mainstream over time. And let me repeat - watch what you want, no harm no foul. But don't bring somebody like this out into the light of day and try to tell me they belong on the talk show circuit. Is this the lasting legacy of Howard Stern, to lower standards to the point where things that were sketchy for Tom Snyder at midnight 20 years ago, are now acceptable at 9am on a weekday?

Comments

Anonymous said…
Whoa, there, cowboy! Man, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Ron Jeremy is harmless - merely a comedic reminder of the hirsute "Debby Does Dallas" porn of the 70's and 80's. They weren't "doin' it" on the air were they? He's merely a front man for that closeted industry, a cult hero like Bruce Lee to martial arts movies or Jane Fonda to the liberal movement. Is it any worse than the ongoing Anna Nicole dead body,who's your daddy saga? Where's my Playboy at?
February 23, 2007 at 8:20 AM
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