Prurient Interests

Friedman's Prurient Interests explores the evolution of obscenity debates in early 20th-century New York, connecting historical controversies to contemporary issues.

In Prurient Interests, Andrea Friedman delves into the intricate history of obscenity debates in New York City during the early 20th century. By examining the cultural landscape of motion pictures, burlesque, and Broadway theater, Friedman highlights how these forms of entertainment faced intense scrutiny from anti-obscenity activists. This scrutiny not only shaped public perception but also influenced the development of a modern obscenity regulation system, which would later be codified nationally by the U.S. Supreme Court. The book reveals the complexities of the struggle to define obscenity in a rapidly changing society.

Friedman meticulously traces the emergence of the concept of 'democratic moral authority,' which suggested that obscenity should be regulated based on the standards of the average person. This shift displaced middle-class women from their roles as anti-obscenity advocates and opened doors for male religious figures to position themselves as representatives of the public. Through this lens, Prurient Interests provides a critical examination of how societal norms and values have been negotiated and contested over time.

As the narrative unfolds, Friedman connects historical arguments about obscenity to contemporary debates, illustrating how many of the concerns voiced in the early 1900s continue to resonate today. Issues such as the potential for certain entertainment forms to incite violence against women or corrupt youth remain at the forefront of modern discussions. This innovative study enriches our understanding of the ongoing obscenity controversies that still echo in today's culture wars.