“This morning we’re going to be talking about a topic that isn’t always talked about openly: we’re going to be talking about pornography.”
This is how Campus Counselor Char Hochstetler opened Monday’s convocation on the subject of pornography use. Over the next 45 minutes students heard a personal reflection from an anonymous male student, an analysis of pornography used by a Goshen therapist and ways they could learn more.
This convocation was first imagined two years ago when the Campus Health and Wholeness committee identified it as a leading issue for student education. Last semester, Hochstetler and other faculty members began planning the convocation.
“I worked with a task force of four other faculty beginning last semester to plan the presentation and any follow up opportunities like the discussion groups last evening that we hoped would be helpful,” says Hochstetler. “I hope it was helpful to just give the topic more exposure because I think it is a reality for many people.”
After Hochstetler introduced the topic, an anonymous student reflection was read by Jake Shipe, resident director of Yoder Hall.
In this essay, the student reflected on his personal use of pornography. He noted that pornography often got in the way of his relationships with others and that his life improved when he abstained.
He said that when not using pornography he has “more time, more peace, more confidence and more love.”
“I don’t want my sexuality to be controlled; I want my sexuality to be mine,” he said, pointing out that pornography has skewed the way he looks at women.
Next came a presentation by Sheldon Swartz, a Goshen-based therapist.
Swartz said he often works with patients on their dependence on pornography. He attributes this to how easy it is to access it with current technology, noting that “access to it is as easy as opening the fridge.”
“Pornography substitutes respect for the value and dignity of another human for a quick, superficial thrill for oneself," he said. “One’s overall view of what men and women are for is affected.”
Swartz said pornography can be an escape from the stress of a real relationship.
“You cannot learn to love well without being hurt” he said. "Intimacy is hard, porn is easy.”
After Swartz spoke, Hochstetler concluded the convocation by sharing ways students could follow up on this topic, noting helpful Web sites and encouraging students to speak to someone they trust.
Hochstetler says the feedback she has heard about this event has been positive, saying she has “heard appreciation for providing info on the subject.”
According to Swartz the use of pornography is a “powerful distraction from the hard work of living and loving well.”
To receive more information contact Char Hochstetler at chardh@goshen.edu.
