this post was submitted on 23 Sep 2023
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I think words like “thirsty” and “thirst trap” are self defeating. Actual thirst is your body’s biological response to a need for water. Without water, you’ll die. Calling porn sites “thirst traps” suggests that people have a critical need for porn - which is often contrary to the point the author is trying to make.
Arguing about the ethics or morality of something that’s “necessary” for survival is irrelevant. Anyone who’s against pornography is perfectly within their rights to share their opinion, but they should avoid the word “thirst”.
Edit: I know the issue of pornography can evoke strong feelings in some, but I’m only talking about word choice, folks.
I’m also not one of those tiresome people people who refuses to admit that they’re wrong, and acts like a child when faced with sound opposition. If someone would actually put their opinion into words, instead of just downvoting, I’d appreciate it.
Consider another association with thirst: Desperation. In the mind of the author porn consumption is negative so anyone consuming porn is doing this out of desperation, despite knowing better. It essentially describes people being controlled by their base instincts. And thus this site is a trap, luring people against their will.
That is how I would interpret the word thirst in this context anyway. It's not about a critical need, it's about thirst being irrational and highly compulsive.
Awesome! Thank you! This is the kind of thought provoking response I was hoping for.
Additionally, it’s a really good point. I totally missed this interpretation, and I think it’s better than mine.
Sure, no worries! I haven't been disappointed yet by responding to downvoted comments so I will keep doing it :)
Just another similar metaphor: Power hungry. Not the stove kind but the dictator kind. To be honest, there are quite a lot of body related metaphors, e.g. drowning in trouble, blinded by ambition. I guess it comes down to evoking some strong emotion.
I think a lot of people (myself included) are used to the combative, hostile environment of reddit. An actual friendly disagreement is a foreign concept to them. Personally, I enjoy it when other people present different perspectives. It’s both interesting and a great way to learn.
And yeah, “power hungry” has a similar vibe. Nice!
Totally agree, though I haven't really participated that much on Reddit. Seems like any disagreement is quickly framed as trolling over there.
Yeah. People are very defensive, because even the insinuation of disagreement is taken as a personal attack. It gets into your head, and takes a while to get over. You forget that reasonable, well-meaning conversations are even possible. It sucks. I’ll never go back.