Melinda is well-known internationally for her tireless advocacy for girls and women in relation to sexualisation, objectification, pornography, exploitation and gender-specific violence. She is co-founder of Collective Shout, an independent not-for-profit campaigning for a world free from sexploitation in all its forms.
The pornography industry argues that it is simply providing necessary “sex education”. Indeed, it is educating. But what exactly is being taught? Melinda comments on a 2012 review of research on “The Impact of Internet Pornography on Adolescents” which found that adolescent consumption of Internet pornography was linked to attitudinal changes, including acceptance of male dominance and female submission as the primary sexual paradigm, with women viewed as “sexual playthings eager to fulfil male sexual desires”. The review’s authors found that “adolescents who are intentionally exposed to violent sexually explicit material were six times more likely to be sexually aggressive than those who were not exposed”.
Churches far too rarely consider these crucial issues. Melinda’s talk is an important opportunity to become better informed by evidence-based research, and understanding the nature and scope of the problem. Only then can we be equipped to respond proactively and constructively, making an essential contribution to the needed cultural change and societal transformation that women and girls deserve?
Melinda Tankard Reist will be addressing the topic “Too Much, Too Young” on September 14 at 7pm
Venue: YWAM Precinct Warehouse. 312 Walker Street, Townsville City
Register your attendance here: TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG: HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE NAVIGATE A ‘SEXED-UP’ WORLD WITH MELINDA TANKARD REIST or scan the QR code below.
For more information go to https://www.collectiveshout.org/