The traditional/conservative, libertarian, and feminist approaches to pornography are reviewed; and the referential and condensation symbol aspects of the issue are discussed. Pornography is viewed as a poor referential symbol because it has different meanings for different people and is probably synonymous with violent sexually explicit materials for most Americans. It is a condensation symbol for threats to the morals, lifestyles, and the associated social status of its most concerned opponents. The history of pornography and conflicts over explicitly sexual material from the Ice Age to the 1980's are reviewed, with emphasis on how cultural and technical change affect the nature of pornography, its consumers, and movements to ban or limit pornography. Academic studies on the effects of pornography are reviewed that show mixed results and can be used to support arguments on either side of the debate. While a relationship between violent pornography and antisocial behavior is clearest, results suggest that explicit depictions of violence are more a cause of violent behavior than depictions of sex per se. Three myths about pornography -- that it has become more violent, that "snuff" films (those depicting actual torture and murder) exist, and that child pornography is prevalent -- are discussed in terms of their symbolic meaning for antipornography activists. Approaches to the pornography conflict are discussed in the light of its symbolic nature and changes in the audience associated with technological changes, particularly the introduction of the videocassette recorder. The advantages and disadvantages of official censorship, public education, and the local option inherent in the contemporary status quo are discussed, and the last option is recommended, accompanied by restrictions on display, advertising, and purchase age. 273 footnotes.