Meaning: The quote by Andrea Dworkin addresses the impact of pornography on the perception of women. Andrea Dworkin was a prominent feminist and writer known for her radical views on pornography and its effect on women's rights and the portrayal of women in society. Her quote highlights the historical lack of access to pornography for women and the subsequent astonishment at the content and its portrayal of women. Dworkin argues that despite women's disbelief, men do internalize and believe the messages conveyed by pornography about women.

Throughout history, women have been excluded from many aspects of society, including access to certain forms of media and expression. This historical exclusion from pornography and other sexually explicit materials meant that women were not exposed to the often degrading and objectifying representations of women that are prevalent in such content. Therefore, the sudden exposure to these representations on the shelves of supermarkets or in mainstream media can be shocking and distressing for many women.

Dworkin's assertion that women do not believe that men believe what pornography says about women reflects the disconnect between women's understanding of their own worth and the dehumanizing portrayal of women in pornography. Women may struggle to comprehend how men can consume and internalize the messages conveyed by pornography, which often depict women as mere objects for sexual gratification, devoid of agency and humanity.

However, Dworkin contends that men, regardless of their individual character, do believe the messages conveyed by pornography about women. This is a powerful and provocative statement that challenges the pervasive influence of pornography on societal attitudes towards women. It suggests that the objectification and degradation of women in pornography have seeped into the collective consciousness, shaping perceptions and expectations of women in the real world.

Dworkin's viewpoint aligns with her broader critique of the patriarchal structures that perpetuate the subjugation of women. She argues that the consumption of pornography perpetuates and reinforces the subordination of women by promoting harmful and degrading stereotypes. Through her work, Dworkin sought to expose the insidious ways in which pornography contributes to the normalization of violence and exploitation of women.

In conclusion, Andrea Dworkin's quote encapsulates her uncompromising stance on the detrimental impact of pornography on women and society as a whole. It sheds light on the profound disillusionment experienced by women when confronted with the dehumanizing portrayal of their gender in pornography. Dworkin's words serve as a powerful call to challenge and dismantle the pervasive influence of pornography on the perception of women and to strive for a more equitable and respectful representation of women in all spheres of life.