The Digital Home Video: The porn double standard on planes

Flight attendants say you shouldn't be allowed to watch porn while you're on a plane. But I think there's a double standard here that hasn't been addressed.

And as always, drop me a line or follow me on Twitter!

[KevLeviathan]

Hey Don, kevleviathan and geehumshriber here,

We think ANY porn on an airplane is a bit much. Although the grandma behind us probably enjoys it more than we do. All things considered, society is moving to ban a lot of things in public spaces like smoking and indecent exposure. How is looking/watching porn in, let's say, a mall, any different than watching porn on an airplane? Given the nature of humans in this day and age, wouldn't one feel a bit... awkward? Getting off on porn in a public space? Maybe the curtain is the simple answer.

Kevin + Graeme.

[mcooper13]

That's a good idea... but how do you classify animated gif's?

How about this solution:

One should be allowed to view pornography on a flight.

However one should not be allowed to use pornography on a flight.

[dehdehduh]

ok.. i saw this on my desktop said what the hell porn will get anyones attention... but be real man... watching porn on a plane... what is wrong with you?? you know that there will be someone on the plane that will object to that.. heightened up security!? One way to let pedifiliers have fun without commiting an actual crime.. this kid is so stupid and did not make one valid point but constantly repeating sweet nothings.... think about it ok u have a playboy magazine which you can breeze though and look sort of like what my friends and i used to do in junior high but with a sports illustrated swimsuit issue raised down a level u see. which would be offensive also. But their is no double standard here at all. Its called having respect for your environment and the people around you. This was the dumbest thing i watched on the net in a long time..

But kudos for making me create a profile for cnet. Thanks. Next time argue something alittle more worth arguing about... ReTarD

[Rrhain]

Huh? You're not allowed to read Playboy on the plane, either. You can bring it on the plane, but you can't take it out. There is no double standard.

The best way to handle this rather than try to block web sites (because you'll never get it all) is to handle it the same way you do print material: If something is going on, the flight attendants will politely tell the person that they need to put it away.

[ofmyony]

I believe that we should act in a way that is responsible and does not offend anyone. Blocking websites or using filters is not the answer.

People get annoyed and offended all the time, we find a way to deal with it. People are told to refrain, leave, turn off a device and so on. Then they can file a complaint and be heard at a later date if they feel the decision of the responsible party was unjust.

It is the right of those responsible to make decisions for the public and it is up to a judge to rule on the behavior if it opposed by the infringing person but if asked to refrain the person should understand and refrain until the appropriate time.

So hear you go don't block sites and individuals follow the guidelines. If you don't like it, fight it.