The observation I was trying to present was not implying, but centered around the question of women's sexual agency in porn. So yes, referring to "takers and taken" was meant to address the agency question. I want to underscore the fact that this observation is limited to the porn I have seen, which is by no means extensive, but which has impacted me strongly; moreover, in discussions with other women, the question of women's sexual agency in hetero-oriented porn has come up several times, and I have found many other female friends to have been left with the same sensation that something about the portrayal of sexual relationships in the porn they have seen feels negative, and it seems to come down to sexual agency.

Elizabeth, I am happy to hear that the porn you are most familiar with and/or taken by (no pun intended) does not fit this description so neatly, and would really like to check it out. Maybe what I've come into contact with is more mainstream, or just generally uglier, less-glossy stuff...but I've noted through group discussions and personal talks with friends that many people (women in particular, but men as well) are hurt by specific types of pornographic portrayals, but are willing and interested to talk about it. The hurt I'm referring to has to do with our society, and how pornographic portrayals of women and men's agency fit into our actual cultural practices - our characterizations in film and literature, our cultural treatment of heterosexual relationships, and of men versus women in general, et cetera.

I think I need to find some relevant reading on these topics, as I am not well-versed by extremely interested. (Any ideas, anyone?) I am also really interested in the variety of opinions, responses to these ideas, and discussions that might pop up over the Internet - hence my involvement in the forum :)

Also, I think your idea is awesome! I would love to have a discussion about a porn film. I think I'll gather some interested friends and get back to you? It's a great idea; maybe we can open a discussion page for it? So, who wants to pick the first film?

h.k.