You Don't Have to Feel Anything

Years ago, I met Chasey Lain. For some reason I can no longer recall, I guess it was part of some story I was working on at the time, I ended up with her and some other porn stars at the Viper Room. At the time, Lain appeared to be high. Over the years, I saw mentions of her online. That she was an addict, turning tricks, had a kid. A slow-motion train wreck.

Today, someone, a male, sent me an an email link to these videos.

"While I find it appalling to air one's dirty laundry online, I find the condition and behavior of Chasey Lain equally appalling. How the mighty have fallen. I really think there is some commentary to be made here, but I wouldn't be qualified to make it."

I'd heard about the videos but hadn't seen them. They're pretty depressing. I wrote the guy an email back, asking him what his relationship is to all this.

"I have no relationship except being befuddled and disturbed by what I saw. I'm a guy, I watch porn, but if this is what the girls become... I don't know the industry at all. I've heard tales here and there about meltdowns like this, but to see it is another story. The girl needs help, clearly. I'm just wondering if this is common in
the industry; if this is the culture and what your insight on it might
be. Think it would be an interesting and insightful post."

1. Correct. You don't know the industry at all. This is the shit that ends up on the editing room floor.

2. Correct. The girl needs help. Who knows if she'll get it.

3. This is not common. This is not uncommon. Welcome to Porn Valley.

4. This is a part of that culture. This isn't Wicked. Or Vivid. But it is a part of Porn Valley. Of course, it's part of America's reality, too. Have you seen the tweaker down the street? He's not that far from you.

5. My eyes roll when people call porn empowering. Porn is porn. "Pro-porn" pundits turn a blind eye to girls like Chasey to sell their own delusions that have nothing to do with Porn Valley's realities.