Should access to pornography be restricted?

In carrying out research for this blog, I was forced to type the words “David Cameron porn” into Google. That’s something I hoped I would never have to do! Fortunately, the results it drudged up related to the latest government ruling on pornography that will force internet users to opt in if they wish to view X-rated material.

The law, which will take effect in 18 months’ time has met with some controversy, with many criticising the ‘nanny state’ mentality at play. Others feel that the lawmakers are naïve and that the ruling won’t prevent those who want to access adult-only sites from doing so. I guess my feeling is that any step towards restricting access to porn is a good one, but that more can certainly be done.

Google search figures show that more people in the UK visit adult-only sites than Facebook and Twitter put together. The data shows that 8.5% of searches were for online pornography, while just 7.3% sought access to social networking websites. Perhaps most worryingly, the study did not include hits from mobile phones or searches for child pornography, which tend to occur on secret networks that are often referred to as the ‘dark internet’.

Meanwhile, another campaign is underway to criminalise porn that appears to simulate rape. While some argue that consumers of pornography are discerning enough to recognise the difference between entertainment and real-life crime, others (like me) feel that rape does not make for suitable entertainment content in any shape or form.

Fiona Elvines, operations co-ordinator at Rape Crisis South London, says: “We see the harm of rape pornography in the ways the material assists in normalising offending for perpetrators, helping them legitimise and strategise their crimes, as well as overcome internal resistance. 

“Evidence shows rapists use rape pornography as part of their deliberate pre-offence preparation. The amended law will make this in itself a crime; a significant step towards primary rape prevention through giving legal grounds for intervening before a sexual offence is committed.”

Now I’m not suggesting that everyone who watches this kind of material is about to go out and re-enact what they have seen, but why watch it at all? I think it’s sad that this legislation is necessary, but it certainly is necessary.

On a lighter note, some good news came in this week on the lads’ mag front with The Co-operative forcing publishers to cover up indecent images using modesty covers. Introduced in response to customer feedback, it hopes the screens will prevent children from being confronted by pictures of scantily clad women during the weekly shop. We hope other stores will follow suit.

Child Eyes, a project that aims to restrict children’s exposure to sexual and violent images, welcomes this decision. However, it recognises that “there is still a lot of work to be done”. A statement from the organisation says: “We need to keep the pressure up to rid the streets of sexual imagery. There is no automatic filter in shops and supermarkets! We are still working hard to make Britain more family-friendly and we need you.”

You can click here to sign a petition making it illegal to display pornography around children, and follow @ChildEyesUK on Twitter for regular updates.

Finally, you can support Sorted magazine. Designed to reach out to men without using sexual imagery, we are thrilled that anti-pornography measures are hitting the headlines and that the general public is eager for protective measures to be introduced.

We know that pornography isn’t going to go away, but we believe that children should be shielded from it. We also believe women should be respected and cherished rather than gawked at and objectified. Finally, we believe men should be offered a better alternative; a magazine that is entertaining but that deals with the real issues of life in an engaging and practical way, for example.

We printed a whopping 40,000 copies of our July-August issue and were able to give away a large proportion of these to many who might not have picked it up otherwise. It would be great if you could support us by buying a one-off copy for a friend, subscribing to the magazine yourself, advertising your business within its pages or by making a donation.

Our September-October edition is about to go to print and are excited about the impact it is going to have! Thanks for all your support.

Domestic violence against men

The issue of domestic violence has really been on my mind in the last week, particularly after seeing a horrendous cartoon featured on Genius Football’s Twitter feed. I’ll spell it out in words as we don’t want to republish the image:

(Man and woman in clinch) Woman: “Hey love. I have arranged our honeymoon on August 17^th.

(Man hits woman in the face, causing a large flow of blood) Man: “Dafuq? I aint missing the start of Premier League. Go alone.”

Making a joke of a man beating a woman for any reason is enough to make anybody’s stomach turn. The picture has since been taken down from the social media site and I hope the person who posted it is well and truly ashamed.

But it’s actually domestic violence against men I want to talk about. This is partly because our Smart Talk (problem page) panel recently received a letter from a guy who was being hit by his wife, and partly because there is so little focus on this type of violence in the media. Domestic violence against women is certainly a taboo, but we could be forgiven for thinking that violence against men simply doesn’t happen.

Did you know that one-third of domestic violence victims are men? I have to say I was shocked at that statistic, and I actually looked it up to verify it (with the National Centre for Domestic Violence). Because when those two ugly words are spoken, I invariably think of a man standing threatening over a terrified and defenceless woman.

I admit this is ignorance on my part, but I also think that male victims are repeatedly, and wrongly, ignored. According to the same site, one in six men will experience domestic violence during their lifetime and a 999 call is made every three minutes by a male victim.

Perhaps this issue doesn’t get as much ‘air time’ because men find it more difficult to talk about abuse and to ask for help. After all, men are supposed to strong and protective aren’t they? Surely admitting to being hit – not least by a woman – is to admit weakness and defeat? Of course, this isn’t our opinion at Sorted; it’s just the way some men see themselves. Then when violence occurs they blame themselves for not upholding the media-fuelled ‘standard of manhood’. Regardless of gender, any human being can be abusive to another, whether verbally or physically, and this has no bearing on the victim’s physical or emotional strength.

It is important to talk about domestic violence, because silence perpetuates the problem and gives the abuser power. Some find it helpful to speak to a close friend, while others prefer to talk to a stranger, such as a counsellor or a church leader. Doing so helps to release pent-up emotions and can enable victims to see solutions where before there was only hopelessness. Admitting that abuse is taking place isn’t a sign of weakness; it takes immense courage to do this.

Others feel that speaking about domestic abuse is a betrayal of the partner carrying out the abuse. Many blame themselves and feel they deserve to be hit, while others love their partners deeply and want to fix things without stirring the waters. Each case is different and there is no right or wrong way to act, but it’s important to accept that the violence is wrong and that, one way or another, it has to stop.

There are several groups out there to help men experiencing domestic violence, including Men's Advice Line and ManKind Initiative. Men’s Advice Line offers the following advice for male victims:

·         Keep a record of the dates and times of any incidents. If you have been injured, seek medical attention and the doctor will make a note of your injuries

·         Keep your phone charged and on your person at all times in case you need to make an emergency call

·         Tell a trusted friend or family member what's been happening

·         Make sure your passport and important documents are kept in a safe place (preferably with a trusted friend)

·         Report violence or criminal damage to the police

·         Don’t retaliate, it's not safe

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence of any kind, get in touch with Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 or via the website.

Read more on this issue in the upcoming edition of Sorted magazine, out August 19.

A shift away from boobs, babes and bums

A couple of weeks ago, the news broke that Blue Publishing, the company that publishes Loaded magazine, has been forced into administration. While the lads’ mag will still be available through new firm Loaded Media Limited, it seems Blue Publishing’s mass expansion plans for the title have been put on hold.

Now we’re not mentioning this because we delight in other people’s misfortunes, but we are interested in the anti-nudity shift that seems to be emerging in the media, and particularly in the lads’ mag domain. The ‘No More Page 3’ debate has been well publicised – it has even been addressed in parliament – and a more recent campaign entitled ‘Tesco: Lose the Lads’ Mags’ is also gathering speed.

Derided by some as ‘feminist claptrap’, it’s clear that this recent trend goes far deeper; many of these campaigns are supported by and even led by men. It seems that men want more than just boobs and bums these days, and some even consider this type of female objectification to be an insult to the ‘fairer sex’. 

Even those that have been embroiled in the lads’ mag industry appear to be changing their minds about what makes for appropriate content and what doesn’t. A Daily Mail interview with former Loaded editor Martin Daubney is particularly revealing.

“To me, it was harmless fun, dictated by market forces,” he told the tabloid paper. “What’s more, I was paid more money than I’d ever earned in my life to do it. I’d always dreamed of editing Loaded and vowed to do whatever it took to stay there. 

I never stopped to consider issues like the crass sexualisation of women. Moral naysayers were party-poopers, and if they attacked me, I’d attack them back –  harder.”

Looking back, he sees things a little differently: “We were normalising soft porn, and in so doing we must have made it more acceptable for young men to dive into the murky waters of harder stuff on the internet. And, for that, I have a haunting sense of regret.”

However, Martin is realistic about the future. “Let’s be clear: you can’t ever ban pornography,” he says. “Like tax and Tory U-turns, it is painfully unavoidable and lots of consenting adults consume it of their own free will. But we must tighten up the current laws to make it unavailable to children, as it can be so damaging. It sells boys the debasing view of women as one-dimensional fakes: fake boobs, fake hair, fake nails, fake orgasms and fake hope.”

Moreover, it seems Tesco is taking these concerns seriously. The supermarket chain’s chairman, Sir Richard Broadbent said he was considering the campaign targeted at Tesco and that he had been ‘startled’ by some of the content featured in the lads’ mags featured on the stores shelves.

When Sorted launched in 2007, it was specifically aimed at guys who were looking for an alternative to the nudity-rich, content-poor men’s magazines on the market. By including a wide range of features from celebrity interviews to gadgets, cars, music and even sex, Sorted is all about providing a high-quality magazine that men can read openly and with a clear conscience.

In response to the shift in demand away from these semi-pornographic magazines, Sorted has increased its print run to 40,000 copies per issue. The magazine is also distributing free copies across London – in bars and restaurants, tube and railway stations, airport departure gates, universities and gyms – and also via a dedicated Sorted Taxi that will roam the streets of the capital for the next year giving out thousands of copies and discussing the issues the magazine raises.

Show the retailers your support for a magazine that doesn’t objectify women and is more entertaining than the soft-porn shelf-huggers that are available to adults and children alike. 

Click here to buy your copy of Sorted today or help us to give more copies away by clicking here and donating.

Lads’ holidays with a difference

When you hear the term ‘lads’ holiday’, it’s easy to envisage rowdy groups of lads munching on kebabs and stumbling out of nightclubs in the early hours of the morning. So how about challenging the stereotype and opting for a more cultured group holiday this summer? Here are five great holiday destinations for your alternative lads’ holiday this year.

Soller, Majorca

Soller is nestled in the valley of the famous Tramuntana Mountains and has been virtually untouched by the mass tourist trade. For the active men in your party, rent a bike and explore the stunning landscapes. Or why not hike your way to the famous Puig Major? At 854 metres, it’s the highest peak on the island. 

Those that want a break from exercise can rent a car and explore the traditional Majorcan villages. The tiny settlement of Fornalutx was recently voted the most picturesque village in Spain and the nearest port, just three kilometres away, is ideal for those who desire some well-needed beach time.

This resort offers an array of restaurants, particularly in the main town square. Most serve traditional cuisine, such as paella and seafood, and plenty of Spanish wine. For culture lovers, a visit to the thirteenth century Church of Sant Bartomeu should be top of your list. 

Vilamoura, the Algarve

Known for its stunning beaches, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of relaxing activities in Vilamoura. The Old Course is renowned in the golfing world as one of the best in Europe. Remember to take a handicap certificate with you, as most clubs will not let you play without one.

Spend a day visiting the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, where graves dating as far back as the Bronze Age have been discovered. There is also a museum on site where you can view ancient relics and learn more about the Algarve’s history. For a little downtime, head to the idyllic Praia da Falesia beach and follow the coastal boardwalks for stunning views of cliffs and coves.

Come the evening, make your way to Vilamoura Marina, where you‘ll find a range of tavernas and restaurants serving delectable dishes. Enjoy the Portuguese specially grilled sardines as you gaze out over the beautiful harbour.

Caleta De Fuste, Fuerteventura

This laidback resort is perfect for those wanting to relax in the sunshine without a care in the world. There are excellent golden beaches with clear shallow waters to cool off in and you can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as banana boats and water skiing, on the main beach.

For those who would rather be under the water, visit the Deep Blue Diving centre and book yourself in for a scuba diving course. This company caters for all abilities and it’s a great experience to share with friends. When on land, quad bikes are the best way to explore and can be rented for a very reasonable price (just make sure you bring your driving licence). Bike off along the dirt tracks and explore this volcanic island in style, stopping off at various sandy lagoons along the coastal route.

Alicante, Costa Blanca

Alicante is an ideal resort for guys who want to experience traditional Spanish culture and excellent sunshine. Spend your days relaxing on Playa del Postiguet beach or snorkelling on Playa de la Albufereta beach. 

Make sure you visit the Basilica de Santa Maria, a glorious eighteenth-century church, which shows off the stunning Spanish architecture. Towards the outskirts of the town you will see the impressive Santa Barbara Castle, towering over the city from high cliffs. There are plenty of parks dotted around the city, which are great if you’re craving some shade and fancy a quick siesta under the trees.

In the evening, sample local cuisine at the Piripi restaurant and enjoy a mouth-watering array of tapas and seafood. Why not end your evening in the Desafinado jazz bar, where you can meet a few of the locals or other, like-minded travellers?  

Funchal, Madeira

Madeira offers sunshine all year round. Funchal is the island’s capital and offers an excellent combination of culture and activities to enjoy on your getaway. Sign up for a whale and dolphin watching boat tour, or visit the famous Mercado Dos Lavradores; a traditional farmers’ market.

Those who fancy a real holiday challenge can navigate their way along the sixteenth-century Levada trail, hiking high into the mountains. In the evening, head to Joe’s Bar to enjoy a few drinks and a great Portuguese atmosphere. If you’re looking to make a real night of it, Kool nightclub is the spot for you, the club is full of locals; very different from other Brit-centred nightspots in Europe.

  

Just because you don’t fancy partying hard in Ibiza or Magaluf, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a memorable group holiday this summer. Click the following links to find out more about hotels in Majorca, hotels in the Algarve and hotels in Madeira.

You can get more great holiday ideas from former BBC presenter John Carter in the latest issue of Sorted magazine – hot off the press! Click here to order your copy today.

Dads worth more than £3,000 a year for help and advice

With Father’s Day around the corner (June 16), I trawled the net looking for inspiring things to do to celebrate the big day. Unfortunately, most of the suggestions were rather nauseating – write your dad a poem, plant a tree for your dad, ask him what he wants to do – so I decided to write about the value of our fathers and the other important men in our lives.

This brought me into contact with an interesting piece of research from Saga Home Emergency. I know, it probably doesn’t sound that interesting, but I thought it was, so here goes.

The study showed that fathers spend two-and-a-half days a month, on average, helping out or advising their adult children on a range of practical issues. 

The most popular reason people call on their fathers is to help with DIY, with 46% of children asking for help with this. Around 42% get their father's help with a home emergency and 40% get financial advice from their dads.

On average, women get three days and men two days of help a month from their fathers. When multiplied by the average male salary, this equates to a whopping £3,387 a year!

While those aged 18-24 appear to be the most reliant, around half of those aged 35-44 still regularly turn to their dads for help. Even when children reach their fifties, a third of fathers are still asked for help with DIY, money matters and home emergencies.

Chief executive at Saga Services, Roger Ramsden, says: "Perhaps, if an emergency should arise on Father's Day, children will remember to give their dad a break and call out an expert. At the very least they should pop round to make their dad a well-earned cup of tea!"

That doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me - our dads certainly deserve to be treated this Father's Day; not just for the help and advice they give us, but for all they do year in year out.

Even better, you could sign your dad up for a subscription to Sorted magazine so he knows he is valued all year long. 

Alternatively, you could buy a bumper box of 40 copies for just £50 and treat all the guys who have touched your life!

How are you planning to spend Father’s Day? We’d love to hear your un-nauseating suggestions! Happy Father's Day to all our readers.

Like father, like son

I was inspired when I read of a dad and lad combination taking on the Edinburgh Marathon this weekend. I was even more touched when I discovered that they were running in memory of their father/grandfather.

Tim (48) and Liam Howlett (23) plan to raise £2,000 in support of Prostate Cancer UK in memory of Brian, who died from the disease aged 72. They also hope to raise awareness about the disease, which sadly claims thousands of lives each year.

Tim tells the EDP24: “It’s so easy to get prostate cancer and not realise that you have got it because the sort of symptoms are all associated with getting old. I think my father probably had it about a year or so before he even realised something was wrong, and by then it was too late.”

According to both men, training for the race has brought the pair closer together. “We were close before but we’re even closer now because we have spent a lot of time training and going through the pain of running 20 miles together,” Tim continues.

“We’ve agreed, even though Liam’s younger and fitter than me, we’ll finish together come what may, even if it means he’s got to slow down so I can stay with him.”

As Father’s Day approaches (June 16), start thinking of fun things you can do with your grandfather/father/son. What did you enjoy doing with your own father as a child? Is this something you could ‘recreate’? Make the most of this day to spend some quality time with the important guys in your life.

Secondly, and this probably isn’t something you want to think about, why not do some research on prostate cancer yourself? More than 10,000 British men died of prostate cancer in 2010, so it’s worth finding out what the symptoms are and getting checked out by your GP if you have any concerns. And encourage your mates to do the same…

Finally, Father’s Day is a great time to treat your male friends, relatives and colleagues to a copy of Sorted magazine. We’re offering limited-edition bumper packs of the magazine at just £50 for 40 copies so you can give them out left, right and centre without breaking the bank.

Alternatively, buy a Sorted subscription for one special guy and the gift will last a full year! An annual subscription costs just £21 for six issues including UK postage, and if you subscribe by direct debit before June 30, you could win £12,000. Click here to place your order today.

Feel free to share your best Father’s Day memories in the comments below. What are you planning to do this year to make it extra special?

Let’s get this thing Sorted!

Guest blog from

Stephen Baring

I was in yet another airport waiting for a plane and picked up one of the free magazines to pass the time. Sorted grabbed my interest and I was some way into it before it dawned on me that it was a magazine with a Christian ethos. I was thrilled.

Here, at last, was a Christian magazine that really stood a chance of being read by non-Christian guys; a magazine that our God can be proud of. It perfectly took Christianity out of the confines of the Church and into the world, in a relevant, entertaining way. 

I am a business person, with a strong understanding of sales and marketing and an involvement in publishing. Magazines are not cheap to produce and distribute. I spoke to the editor Steve Legg and was inspired to help when he told me that he does not draw a salary from the magazine.

The fixed costs are £10,000 a month and it is up to us as successful Christian business people and professionals to draw alongside Steve and support him in one of the UK’s most potent evangelistic projects.

If fifty of us commit to sowing just £200 per month in the magazine, we cover the fixed costs, allowing advertising revenue to be used to further develop the magazine and get more copies out there. 

And remember, we are not doing Steve a favour – quite the opposite! He is doing us a service by providing us and our businesses with the opportunity to partner with a project truly significant in the kingdom of our Lord.

I do not know Steve well and have not been involved with the magazine up to now. I ask you, too, whether you know Steve or not, to partner with me in supporting the work of Sorted. 

Don't pray about it, just do it.

Email steve@sorted-magazine.com to find out how you can support the magazine.