A First Amendment Junkie By Susan Jacoby Summary

In her essay “A First Amendment Junkie”, Susan Jacoby argues that there needs to be an interpretation of the First Amendment, specifically when it comes to forms of expression such as pornography. Jacoby first states that she has received hate from feminists for her stance and comments on pornography. She asserts that this argument over pornography is no different than any other argument made about the First Amendment. Pornography is not anymore disgusting or disturbing than the other First Amendment arguments according to Jacoby. Not only are all of the arguments the same, but Jacoby states that they blur the lines between actions and thoughts. Jacoby writes that she has been questioned over pornography involving children and that she believes it is not a First Amendment right, but adults abusing their …show more content…
She then argues that feminists disagree and refuse to talk about things when they are not completely vulgar. Jacoby next discusses the difference between men and women. A magazine such as Playboy may fare well while a magazine such as Ms. will be banned for obscenity. Feminists, according to Jacoby, are trying to censor pornography as a way to use the power they are otherwise unable to use. Jacoby closes by sharing a personal experience following the viewing of a movie. She states that this movie equates sex to death both as a message and visually, yet parents with children were also watching it. She expects the parents to do their job instead of waiting for others to do it for them. Jacoby ends by stating that the First Amendment can never be overused as it is its own cure. In “A First Amendment Junkie”, Susan Jacoby argues that if people cannot discuss this matter, then they will never be able to discuss anything else that is more pressing. She argues that people need to reevaluate and take another look at the First