Typically considered a science fiction author, Russ's writings on pornography and her important contributions to feminist thinking about pornography and sexuality are often overlooked. She wrote several influential essays on these subjects, including "Pornography by Women, for Women, with Love" (1985)[1], "Pornography and the Doubleness of Sex for Women"[2], and "Being Against Pornography"[3], which can be found in her archival pieces located in the University of Oregon's Special Collections[4].
These essays include very detailed descriptions of her views on pornography and how influential it was to feminist thought in the late 80's and early 90's. Specifically, in "Being Against Pornography", she calls pornography a feminist issue. She sees pornography to be the essence of evil in society, calling it "a monolithic, easily recognizable, uniquely evil essence; and at the same time, commercially available, explicit, sexual fantasy."[3] Her issues with pornography range from feminist issues, to women's sexuality in general and how porn prevents woman from freely express their sexual selves, like men can.[3] Russ believed that anti-pornography activists were not addressing how women experienced pornography created by men, a topic that she addressed in "Being Against Pornography."[3]
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- ^ "Pornography by Women, For Women, With Love - Fanlore". fanlore.org. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Pornography and the doubleness of sex for women by Joanna Russ". www.ejumpcut.org. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ a b c d Russ, Joanna (nd). "Being Against Pornography". University of Oregon Special Collections (Box 13, Folder 6).
- ^ "Archives West: Joanna Russ papers, 1968-1989". archiveswest.orbiscascade.org. Retrieved 2015-12-08.