Let’s put aside Politics, join hands and condemn pornography

This is an opportune time to put aside politics and join the crusade to condemn pornography. There is enough evidence to prove that the use of pornography as entertainment has steadily grown. Porn websites rank very high in the ratings of sites frequently accessed by Fijians.

Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya has started a campaign to ban pornography and create public awareness about its destructive impact and its link to rape and sexual offences.

Despite the cultural and religious sensitivities about sex issues, we cannot remain silent despite the different political camps we represent.

It is alarming to see the correlation between the rise of domestic and sexual violence and the increase in the viewing of porn sites.

It is even more disturbing to learn that young children are accessing them in the evening when they should be doing their homework.

We cannot lull ourselves into thinking that the negative impact of pornography is minimal – that it is providing entertainment to a lot of people.

Pornography is a big multi-billion dollar business because many people are hooked on it.

This is an evil empire that is causing untold damage to individuals, relationships and families. And we need to be talking more about it.

But there appears to be an eerie silence as if people are reluctant to talk about it.

The more we remain silent the more pornography will infiltrate our communities.

There is an abundance of literature around about the negative impacts of pornography.

We need to read it including our children and grandchildren. Discussion on the subject should be an integral part of family dialogue at home.

When children are well grounded at home, they are most likely to behave appropriately at school and stay away from the influence of pornography.

The example, however, needs to be set by parents and adults.

Children tend to take the family lessons more seriously when they are taught with love, understanding and humility.

Pornography, as we know, gives us instant self gratification which does nothing to bring us genuine and lasting relationships and happiness.

It’s addictive and corrosive influence destroys the soul of a person who is hooked on pornography. It affects marriages and family relations. A family-centred approach to address pornography is the best way to go. This should then be supported by church teachings and school counselling.

At the national level, all politicians from both sides of the political divide should be talking about it, not just Ms Tabuya.

People also need to hear it from their elected representatives because pornography‘s destructive impact has a social and economic cost.

So it is in the national interest that we address this issue.