Chad Calek’s article on pornography opened up a whole new virtual world for many Iowa State students.

It is gratifying to know the investigative depths to which Chad will plunge to keep his readers informed.

If you were interested in the dog, stick with Chad!

If, however, you are interested in an intelligent discussion on pornography, let me suggest something different.

Today (Wed. 2/3) the YWCA begins a discussion series on pornography.

Our first informal program at noon in 244 of the Memorial Union is about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered pornography.

So when Chad admires his collection of “lesbian pornography” what does he mean?

Is he talking about images of women produced within and for the lesbian community?

Or is he talking about a genre of pornography that has very little to do with lesbians and is far more focused on straight men?

Our following Wednesday With the YW program examines race and pornography.

We will meet in 248 of the MU at noon on Feb. 10 to discuss how pornography has been used to perpetuate myths about people of color and our “base, animal nature.”

Our series concludes with a comparison between pornography and erotica (noon in 236 of the MU on Feb. 17th).

Are the distinctions based on differences of power and consent or class?

This series is an excellent opportunity to have a thoughtful and honest discussion of pornography.

There are very real costs and great freedoms at stake.

Please join us.

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Jehan Faisal

Senior

English and women’s studies

program coordinator

Ames-Iowa State YWCA