There is a video online with a porn video filmed on the world's filthiest beach. You click on it and a donation goes to an organisation called Ocean Polymers who clean up beaches. I asked if it was the same org as the Porn hub partnership. They said yes. So I just wrote a couple of lines to the company:
"Is the Porn industry something that Ocean Polymer supports? How does that fit with your values? "
I got this in response:
*"Hi there and thank you SO much for the further contact.
I do not feel it is my place to take a position on the political or social aspects of the Porn industry itself. If I could solve one of, what I deem to be the world’s problems (plastic in our oceans), I would die a happy lady so I ensure I stay focused to that one cause as if I looked at ALL the issues we face as humanity I would be entirely overwhelmed.
At OP the team’s focus is aimed at progressing our work to get our marine based solution to mismanaged plastic and waste out on the ocean and in the water to start rectifying the mess that humanity has made to this delicate eco system. We completely understand that some people might be uncomfortable with our partnering with Pornhub, or any brand within the adult industry for that matter. But whether or not you approve of porn, no one can deny its massive popularity (Pornhub alone receives over 100 million unique visitors a day) around the world. We’re not here to judge those who produce porn, work in the industry, or those who consume it. Our mission has always been to reach as many people as we can with our message in order to incite change. For us, this campaign was an opportunity to reach out to an absolutely enormous audience in an attention grabbing way and is ultimately in line with our mission to spread awareness of the crisis we face. The couple that appear in the video are adults, and a real couple in a long term relationship who upload their own homemade videos to the channel. They willingly participated in the film and have stated how happy they are to be working work with both Pornhub and Ocean Polymers on a campaign to help raise awareness for such an important issue, which is one that is close to their heart. I’m not about to judge them for their sexual preferences and just because they enjoy porn doesn’t mean they can’t also care about our planet and doing what they can, just as I do in my industry of choice.
I commend any company and their CSR when they use their reach and influence for positive change, especially at our time our planet needs it more than ever and I only wish and hope that other more mainstream brands undertake such responsibility to use their voice for positive change on behalf of our planet. We are all part of this problem and humanities impact on our earth is not subjective to 1 country, ethnicity, sex or industry, so why wouldn’t we engage all channels possible to share the message and make people think about their impact. Ultimately we must all work together to be part of the solution.
I am impressed by Pornhub and their commitment to subjects concerning the environment , women issues and sexual health and through their charitable association ‘Pornhub Cares’ they have created an annual scholarship for women in tech , collaborating with different NGO’s and charities in the process. In their initiatives the brand is taking a step toward tackling issues that face their users in hope to use their powerful presence in the media and culture to incite change and in this instance do their part to curb the ever growing crisis we face in our oceans today. I feel they are arguably doing more for social responsibility than many that really should be.
They use their reach to provide a powerful positive message, On International Women’s Day to honour women they changed their icon and quoted the importance of remembering always that women are not sex objects but are equals deserving of equal respect. They offer a sex ed section on their web, they have resources to combat revenge porn and domestic abuse this is just a couple of examples I am aware of re their commitment to promoting positivity and responsibility in the sex work industry and they are actively use their widespread influence in a responsible manner. Many women have incredibly successful, fulfilling careers in this industry through their choice, is that a career I would pursue personally ‘no’ but it is not my place to judge anyone – We all have different paths and believe we should follow them with conviction, respect and good vibes.
If you ever want to talk further don’t hesitate to contact me,
Have a great afternoon "*
From a female manager.
All hail Pornhub for all they do for the world - without them women will never be free and the oceans will remain dirty.
I despair.