In classifying things as art, the thought is to differentiate that which is and is not. However, I wonder how much of this classification is driven by fear. It sounds almost absurd to think that some of the distinctions one makes in choosing what is to be taken as art, an emotion would be taken into consideration. Although, since we are not only rational beings but also emotional ones, it stands to reason that at times judgments may be clouded by person's or a society's emotions. I bring this up in regards to our latest chapter. In the first article by Kieran, he briefly touches on the notion that society may be reluctant to view pornography as art because of the connection it would have with morality. So my question is this: does the classification of something being art in turn validate that which is being depicted? We've all seen paintings of wars, and in light of this example, the previous question does not seem to fit. However, in the case of pornography in relation to the previous question as well as to the notion of fear;society may fear that it is somehow saying that what is being done is valid, since it is art.

Take for instance the Marque de Sade's 120 days of Sodomy, there are some rather disturbing acts that take place in book. If this is considered erotica or pornography and also art, does it means that the what happens in the book is also art? Could fear in this instance, of what that could possibly mean for our moral values, be a factor in its consideration of art?



Text from the translation of the book found on
http://www.globusz.com/ebooks/120Days/

This is part of day fifteen.



"Do you want to shit?" he asks.

"No, Monsieur."

"Well, I do, I’ve something copious to get rid of, if you’re interested in the pertinent facts; so prepare yourself to satisfy this particular need of mine . . . take off your skirts."

They are removed.

"Lie down upon that sofa. Raise your thighs."

Lucile settles herself, the old notary arranges and poses her so that her wide--flung legs display her cunt to the fullest advantage, in which open and prominent position it may be readily employed as a chamber pot. So to use it was his heavenly intention; in order that the container respond more perfectly to what is to be demanded of it, he begins by widening it as much as possible, devoting both hands and all his strength to the task. He takes his place, pushes, a turd lands in the sanctuary Cupid himself would not have disdained having for a temple. He turns around, eyes his work, and with his fingers presses and thrusts the filthy excrement into the vagina and largely out of sight; he establishes himself astride Lucile once again, and ejects a second, then a third stool, and each is succeeded by the same ceremony of burial. Finally, having deposited his last turd, he inserts and tamps it down with such brutal zeal that the little one utters a cry, and by means of this disagreeable operation perhaps loses the precious flower