Sasha Grey on Tyra Banks

Recently, my friend informed me of a segment of the Tyra Banks show that interviewed an 18 year old porn star on the rise to fame. It seemed interesting enough so I decided to check it out on YouTube. According to the episode, Sasha Grey has been in the porn industry for 8 months and has already appeared in over 80 films. Her niche in the industry is her young appearance and ability to play "school-girl" type roles. The episode framed Sasha as a confused and misguided young woman who should not be, or has no reason to be involved in porn. I found this especially interesting due to a response video made by Sasha Grey that was posted on the Internet after the episode aired. In the video, she immediately appears older, and accuses the producers of the Tyra Banks show of editing the interview in their favor. She also informs us that her physical appearance on the show, that Tyra referred to as making her "easily mistakable for a middle school student" was also a request of the producers. Before the episode she was told to come dressed in her everyday clothing, which consisted of a home-made shirt, jeans, and heels. When arriving on set, the producers thought she looked too old and asked her to change into a convenient pink sweater and plain brown shoes.

My analysis of this occurrence frames the media as producing societies disapproval of young girls in the pornography business. Though I personally know I could not participate in such "gang bangs" and other degrading sexual acts on film or in real life, I think it is wrong for the media to frame a young woman as not having the ability to be comfortable with her sexual body and able to make her own decisions. As we have learned, every person experiences their body and their selves differently and she is, by law, an adult and allowed to participate. Thus the Tyra Banks show has taken an ageist approach to the issue, that if adopted completely by society could move to make pornography illegal. My objection to pornography becoming illegal is due to the importance of monitoring such industries. Like other things illegal, outlawing pornography will not stop its production. Thus, the monitoring of the porn industry is important because it creates rules and regulations that require standards of safety and health for those involved. Though at the same time, I feel conflicted on the issue, because I do not so much support pornography itself and I know that child pornography and pedophelia is suggested in such "school-girl" type roles played by Sasha. Perhaps, if anything, the abolishment of type casting girls in young fantasy driven roles is what is most important.

Thoughts?