Retro pornography is an art form that has been around for centuries and has continued to evolve over time. It is defined as "any sexually explicit media produced prior to the advent of home video technology" (Penley, 2014), which includes photographs, drawings, paintings, film, and literature. Retro pornography is often associated with cultural fantasies about innocence and corruption that are projected onto its aesthetics. This can be seen through its representation of traditional gender roles, sexual dynamics, and societal norms.
In retro pornography, men are often portrayed as dominant figures who take control of their partner's bodies and pleasure themselves without regard for her needs or desires. Women are depicted as submissive objects who exist solely for male satisfaction. These ideas have roots in traditional gender roles and power dynamics where men were expected to be providers and protectors while women were expected to be housewives and caretakers. This kind of binary thinking still exists today and is perpetuated by retro pornographic imagery.
The fetishization of virginity also plays a role in these cultural fantasies. In retro pornography, virginal women are often portrayed as pure, innocent creatures who need to be deflowered by their male partners. This idea stems from the belief that a woman's value lies in her chastity and that once she loses it, she becomes tainted and less valuable. This concept is harmful because it places all the responsibility for a woman's worth on her ability to remain untouched instead of valuing her as an individual. It also creates pressure for women to maintain this ideal, even if they don't want to.
Retro pornography is also influenced by historical context. During times of war, for example, there was a strong emphasis on patriotism and masculinity. Men were encouraged to fight for their country and prove their strength and bravery, which led to a rise in sexually explicit propaganda posters featuring nude soldiers with phallic symbols. This type of imagery helped to promote a sense of national pride and sexual prowess. Similarly, during periods of economic hardship, erotic images of naked working-class women were used to sell products and services. This kind of objectification reinforces the idea that women are commodities that can be bought and sold rather than individuals with agency over their bodies.
Retro pornography reflects cultural attitudes towards gender roles, power dynamics, and societal norms through its depiction of traditional ideals about innocence and corruption. While these fantasies may seem harmless on the surface, they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and expectations that have negative consequences for both men and women. We must continue to challenge these ideas and work towards creating more inclusive and equitable representations of human sexuality.
What cultural fantasies about innocence and corruption are projected onto retro pornographic aesthetics?
Cultural fantasies about innocence and corruption are commonly projected onto retro pornographic aesthetics because it is believed that people were more pure and unspoiled in the past than they are today. In this context, retro pornography may be seen as a nostalgic attempt to return to a simpler time when sexuality was not as complex and morally ambiguous.