Porn in the library

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - A forum among Monroe County residents was recently held for them to speak out their view on whether patrons of the Central Library of Rochester should be allowed to view inappropriate or pornographic Web sites.

The issue has been the buzz in Rochester after Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks threatened to pull funding from the Central Library after a television report showed library patrons viewing pornography in the Central library. Patrons can request librarians to allow them access to Web sites that are being blocked by the library's filtering system. The filtering system sometimes blocks topics like breast cancer and sexual assault. Some patrons, on the other hand, are not browsing thru reference sites, but porn.

Brooks' warning prompted the library officials to temporarily prohibit patrons from unblocking inappropriate or pornographic Web sites until the issue is resolved. There is after all a US$6.6 million funding at stake and without sufficient funds there is the possibility of closing the library.

It would be a sorry loss to have the library closed; especially in that it is a nice place. The library is divided into two sections - the old and new building, separated by a road. However, an underground passageway links the two buildings. It is what I like most about the place, aside from the huge collection they have.

The debate however deals with the legality of viewing pornographic materials in a public place. From what I've heard from Americans discussing this issue they are citing the First Amendment rights, giving them the privilege to gain access to Web sites and to information. Others say, on the other hand, that it is okay to view explicit materials on the Net as long as children are not involved. However, other residents have also spoken out that it is inappropriate to view this kind of material, especially as it is in a public place and there is the risk of exposing children to these sites.

We had a debate on this issue in one of my classes. Some of my classmates argued that it is just okay and that there are many other issues that need to be addressed. Others wondered what kind of people have the guts to view such porn sites in a public area. They should view such materials in their homes. Oops, I haven't said that there is no Internet café in Rochester.

I asked my professor if viewing of porn sites in the library is not illegal then why aren't there any porn videos on the shelves. He said porn videos are more of personal materials rather than resources, though it is not illegal to distribute such materials in the US. That is why there are stores exclusive for their distribution. I again asked, if I am a collector of adult materials will I be allowed to donate these materials to the public library if it's not illegal? He said, this is a matter of Constitutional debate and needs further review by the court.

When I had the opportunity to watch several documentary videos on cable TV about human sexuality, a topic that is still controversial when discussed on Philippine TV, I understood the psychology of man's need to be exposed to materials and events that are considered "explicit". One of the videos featured a store that sells sex aids. The amazing thing is customers can try the equipments being sold, with the assistance of the store clerks! The clerks would ask the patrons if they were satisfied the products or if they would want to try another. Now, how good is that? Another feature showed men and women attending strip shows. Of course, those who are involved in the features were interviewed. They were no non-sense topics appropriate for adults! Imagination is the key element here. After all, sex is part of human life.

The libraries in the schools I go to, postings on computers remind students that browsing thru porn sites is inappropriate, read "inappropriate" not illegal. However, who has the backbone to view these explicit materials while other students are around? They'd rather have "fun" during Spring Break.

The issue got me into thinking - if this happened in the Philippines, how would people react? I was imagining those in the church issuing statements, condemning such acts. I never heard any church authorities in Rochester issuing remarks on this controversy. The issue is the state's problem not the churches. I haven't seen a more religious people than these Americans. The Church is a big thing here. However, they also believe in the separation of church and state. And they make it sure that it is imposed. That is why a forum was called (I heard another set of consultation are being planned) so that the people can decide on it.

One of my favorite shows is "Birthday" which is being aired on Discovery Health Channel. Women giving birth are featured. On how labor and delivery take place are shown. The women's parts are usually exposed, but I find it inoffensive. There is beauty and delight watching family members reduced to tears after the delivery of a new member of the family. However, it got me wondering how "moralists" in the Philippines would view this show. They'll probably troop to the Congress and demand that the show be cancelled or edited. It was as if they were ashamed of how they were born. I wonder if computers were installed in Bacolod City Public Library will patrons be allowed to view adult material? Will they be considered resource materials? After ll, sex is seldom discussed at home. Can we say that it is immoral to view adult materials? Are "sexy" materials inappropriate? What is the dimension of morality? Who should decide as to what materials we should view?

(Published in Sun.Star Bacolod April 04, 2007 under my column The Mango Generation. Cited in City Newspaper)