[derleth]

> think there may be some correlation between a man liking porn and a man treating women as mere sex objects

I doubt it, given the negative correlation between porn and sex crimes:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/v046j3g178147772/fulltex...

Maybe it's the case that those who most objectify others will be satisfied with using porn pretty much exclusively if that's an option, but I doubt it works like that. I think porn simply fulfills the 'punching bag' need, and allows other emotions to come to the fore in the real world.

> I have found that whining and complaining that men should not treat women as sex objects is a really weak position to take because it respects the assumption that all the power to change things is held by men

I fully agree.

I also think that one part of achieving equality is to realize that women objectify men, and that it's in their power to stop such behavior. Especially since any man who objects to being objectified by a woman is placed in a very precarious position in our current society, much like how people pretty much assume it's impossible for women to rape or abuse men.

[Mz]

Have an upvote, though I don't see any reason to believe that the negative correlation between porn and sex crimes in any way proves that my personal opinion, based in part on first hand experience interacting with heterosexual men, is wrong. I think all it means is that having some outlet is better than having no outlet, not that viewing porn makes would-be rapists have more humane and enlightened attitudes towards women. Similar to the fact that countries with inadequate legal exports are your biggest exporters of illicit drugs: They need hard currency and that need doesn't go away just because they lack better options. If given better (more socially acceptable) options, people will usually take the easier path that leads to fewer problems. It is a form of self interest, not necessarily an expression of deeply respecting other people.