Several weeks ago, a number of students received an email about a group of Bronx middle school students who wanted to visit Princeton. The idea was simple: at-risk students might be motivated to stay in school if they could see the fruits of years of academic labor. Unfortunately, only a few days before the slated visit, we received another email. The students could no longer visit Princeton because of budget cuts. At this announcement, the school threw up its hands in dismay and declared that there was nothing to be done to help these kids.
Air travel used to be a real Event with a capital “E,” something that you would dream about and count down to. The old-time airlines like TWA boasted wide aisles, big seats, attractive stewardesses, and complete meals with real silverware for everyone (even the plebs in coach).
Who will want to watch porn when it ceases to serve our need for escapism? When it comes down to it, porn is essentially the stylized and idealized version of the sex act that can offer us some sort of reprieve from the monotony of our own bedroom activities. It is a relief from those moments when, caught in the missionary position for the umpteenth time, we look at our partner and see a drop of sweat on her brow, uneven breasts, a smallish penis, or that piece of spinach from dinner between his teeth.