“Brain, Heart, World”… a must-see
I watched a three-part documentary film this weekend, named “Brain, Heart, World” from brainheartworld.org, which is a must-see. It’s about the effects of pornography on your brain, relationships and the world. It caught my eye that the message never centered on whether porn is good or bad, per se, but rather based on scientific evidence and tangible effects regarding the three areas.
During its first minutes I dreaded it would be a plainly instructive discourse, but soon realized this seemed so at first because the format was meant to be approachable for young minds. I was quickly hooked and playing one episode after another. Mixing several testimonies with professional opinions from neurologists, psychiatrists, etc. it shows the ways in which your brain changes when exposed to porn, as well as its addictive effect — controverted topic — and the ways in which it can alter our personality, preferences and approach to life.
It then presents what happens to our way of relating to others, among other things because we create a bond with the screen, as well as with a fictitious and exaggerated version of reality, instead of sustaining authentic relationships — impossible not to think this happens too when we spend all the time in social networks instead of living our lives! — And, of course, it also sets forth the way in which watching porn affects our possibility to be happy.
Finally, enter the shock when the film shows the direct and undeniable link between the porn industry and human trafficking, as well as how it is impossible for a consumer to tell the difference between content produced by free and informed decisions and the one produced out of abuse, the influence of porn in family violence and in the objectification of women, and more.
It is interesting that the film goes from the individual aspects — your brain, how it affects you, — then moves to your circle — your heart, how porn affects the ones near you and your relationships, — and ends with the whole of society. While the first and second episodes are alarming as they make you see all the harm that is done to you and the ones around you by porn, as well as the changes it produces in your personality, way of thinking and relating to others, the third part is overwhelming since it shows some of the terrible things behind the porn industry, and how each additional consumer implies its growth and continuance.
Undoubtedly, we are not flooded by information of this sort, among other things, because this is a multi-million dollar industry — as covered in the film.
Regardless, what I liked the most was the hopeful tone of the documentary film. Despite showing terrible effects and heartbreaking stories, it sends an optimistic message, addressing directly people who may be trapped in porn consumption and giving them information as to where to turn for help.
By the way, I only just learned that today is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. Even coincidentally, I hope this helps at least one person to do just that.
