A Word … With Jason Johnson

Porn and Prejudice

Is racism in pornography fueled by the shame and silence of its audience?

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Episode Notes

Pornography is more than a dirty secret. It’s a profitable one, making billions from American consumers each year. And like much of entertainment, it trafficks in damaging racial stereotypes. On this episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Carolyn West, a psychology professor at the University of Washington who produced the documentary Let Me Tell Ya’ll Bout Black Chicks: Images of Black Women in Pornography. They discuss the often violent racism within the porn industry, and how that affects the way society views Black sexuality.

Guest: Carolyn West, professor of psychology at the University of Washington

Podcast production by Jasmine Ellis

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About the Show

America doesn’t need another conversation about race. At least, not the kind we’ve been having … the ones that are sparked by a crisis and move quickly from shock to empty promises to forgetting. No. What America needs are REAL conversations about race—ones that shine a light on the facts, the history, and the reality of how race plays out in our politics and society. That’s what Slate offers each week on A Word … with Jason Johnson. A veteran political commentator, Johnson will bring his incisive wit to thoughtful discussions with leaders, journalists, and other change-makers who will tell the truth about America’s challenges around race and offer ideas on the way forward.

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