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Jews in the American Porn Industry:

When we think of Jewish contributions to American culture, Hollywood often comes to mind. But what about Hollywood's seedier cousin, the adult film industry? Nathan Abrams' article, "Jews in the American Porn Industry," sheds light on a little-known yet significant aspect of Jewish American history. This article explores the historical, cultural, and psychological factors that have led to a disproportionate Jewish presence in the American porn industry, challenging us to reconsider our understanding of Jewish identity and cultural influence.

Historical Context
In the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants found opportunities in the distribution of erotic materials, laying the groundwork for future involvement in the porn industry. Jewish entrepreneurs were prominent in the trade of erotic books and magazines, with many German-Jewish immigrants leading the way. By the mid-20th century, figures like Reuben Sturman, known as the "Walt Disney of Porn," dominated the industry. Sturman controlled much of the pornography circulating in the U.S. during the 1970s, owning over 200 adult bookstores and revolutionizing the distribution of adult content. His legacy was continued by Steven Hirsch, founder of Vivid Entertainment, who brought mainstream marketing techniques to the porn industry, making it a multi-billion-dollar business.

Cultural and Psychological Factors
For many Jewish individuals, entering the porn industry was a form of rebellion against traditional Jewish values and societal norms. The taboo nature of the industry made it an attractive avenue for those seeking to break away from the expectations of their families and communities. Jewish involvement in porn can also be seen as a challenge to the dominant WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) culture in America. Some Jewish pornographers and performers viewed their work as a way to subvert Christian moral authority, using the industry to defy the puritanical values of mainstream America.

Economic Motivations
Like their counterparts in Hollywood, many Jews entered the porn industry primarily for financial gain. The industry offered a lucrative opportunity for those willing to take risks and innovate. Jewish entrepreneurs, with their marketing genius and entrepreneurial spirit, were quick to capitalize on the growing demand for adult entertainment. The low barriers to entry in the early days of the industry allowed Jewish immigrants, often excluded from other professions, to establish themselves as key players in the business.

Secularism and Identity
Most Jewish individuals involved in the porn industry are secular, identifying more with Jewish culture than with religious practice. This secularism allowed them to engage in an industry that might otherwise be seen as incompatible with traditional Jewish values. While some, like Reuben Sturman, maintained a connection to their Jewish identity through charitable donations, many others were culturally Jewish but not religiously observant. This detachment from religious norms enabled them to navigate the morally ambiguous world of adult entertainment.

Representation and Stereotypes
Jewish performers like Ron Jeremy and Seymore Butts (Adam Glasser) have challenged stereotypes of Jewish masculinity, presenting an image of the Jewish male as sexually confident and successful. Ron Jeremy, often referred to as "the Hedgehog," became an iconic figure in the industry, appearing in over 1,600 adult films. His success has been seen as a boost to the psyche of Jewish men in America, offering a counter-narrative to the traditional image of the studious, sallow Talmud scholar. On the other hand, Jewish women in porn are portrayed as breaking away from the stereotype of the "Jewish American Princess," asserting their independence and sexual agency.

Sexual Liberation
Jewish involvement in porn can be connected to broader movements of sexual liberation in the 1960s and 1970s. Many of the intellectual leaders of these movements were Jewish, and porn can be seen as an extension of these revolutionary ideas. Figures like Wilhelm Reich, Herbert Marcuse, and Paul Goodman, who wrote extensively on sexual freedom, influenced the cultural shift toward a more liberal view of sex. Jewish porn stars like Richard Pacheco even cited these thinkers as inspirations, viewing their work in the industry as part of a larger movement for personal and political liberation.