Al Goldstein, American publisher and pornographer (d. 2013)
Alvin "Al" Goldstein (January 10, 1936 – December 19, 2013) was a pivotal American figure in the adult entertainment industry, widely recognized for his groundbreaking work as a pornographer. He played a significant, albeit controversial, role in the United States by openly challenging prevailing obscenity laws and, in doing so, helped to normalize the presence of hardcore pornography in mainstream discourse and accessibility.
Goldstein's most notable venture was the establishment of Screw magazine in 1968, a weekly publication that unabashedly featured explicit content, detailed sexual reviews, and opinionated, often vulgar, commentary. This groundbreaking magazine was distributed through newsstands, directly confronting public sensibilities and legal statutes of the era. Through Screw, Goldstein became a vocal advocate for First Amendment rights, frequently engaging in legal battles against obscenity charges and censorship efforts, which often garnered national attention and, ironically, contributed to his notoriety and the magazine's circulation. His relentless legal skirmishes, often successful in challenging the definition of obscenity, paved the way for broader acceptance and availability of adult materials, effectively pushing the boundaries of what was considered permissible in print media.
In his obituary, The New York Times aptly captured Goldstein's complex and often contradictory public persona, describing him as "a cartoonishly vituperative amalgam of Borscht Belt comic, free-range social critic and sex-obsessed loser who seemed to embody a moment in New York City's cultural history: the sleaze and decay of Times Square in the 1960s and ‘70s." This vivid portrayal encapsulated his unique approach to media and his life.
Unpacking Al Goldstein's Public Persona
- The Borscht Belt Comic: Goldstein's style was deeply influenced by the raucous, irreverent humor of the Borscht Belt comedians, known for their risqué jokes and willingness to push social boundaries. He infused Screw with this same brand of audacious humor, often employing satire and self-deprecation, which distinguished his work from purely clinical or exploitative pornography. His public appearances and editorials were characterized by a sharp wit and a confrontational, no-holds-barred attitude.
- Free-Range Social Critic: Beyond just publishing explicit images, Goldstein positioned himself as a commentator on American society, sexuality, and hypocrisy. His editorials in Screw often lambasted politicians, religious figures, and moral crusaders, championing sexual freedom and individual liberty. He saw himself as a provocateur, using explicit content not just for titillation but as a tool for social commentary and challenging societal norms.
- Sex-Obsessed and Controversial: While the term "sex-obsessed loser" from the obituary might seem derogatory, Goldstein himself often embraced and amplified his controversial image. He deliberately courted outrage, understanding that controversy fueled sales and kept him in the public eye. His personal life was often as public and unconventional as his professional endeavors, further solidifying his image as an unapologetic iconoclast in the realm of sexuality.
Goldstein's rise coincided with, and in many ways defined, the era of New York City's Times Square in the 1960s and 1970s – a period characterized by a vibrant yet gritty counterculture, burgeoning adult entertainment industry, and a palpable sense of urban decay and transformation. He was a quintessential figure of this "porn chic" era, operating openly amidst the burgeoning adult film theaters and peep shows, contributing to the district's notoriety while simultaneously championing what he viewed as fundamental rights to expression. His work, therefore, became an indelible part of understanding this unique cultural and urban landscape, reflecting both the freedoms and the perceived moral decline of a tumultuous period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Al Goldstein
- Who was Alvin "Al" Goldstein?
- Alvin "Al" Goldstein was an American pornographer and publisher, best known for founding Screw magazine. He was a prominent figure in the adult entertainment industry who actively challenged obscenity laws and advocated for First Amendment rights, contributing significantly to the normalization of hardcore pornography in the United States.
- What was Screw magazine?
- Screw was a weekly adult magazine launched by Al Goldstein in 1968. It featured explicit sexual content, reviews of adult films and establishments, and provocative editorial commentary on sex, politics, and society. The magazine was infamous for its bold content and Goldstein's confrontational style, which often led to legal battles over obscenity.
- How did Al Goldstein help normalize hardcore pornography?
- Goldstein's primary method was the widespread distribution of Screw magazine through conventional newsstands, which brought explicit content into public view. He also engaged in numerous high-profile legal battles, successfully defending his publications against obscenity charges under the First Amendment, thereby setting precedents that gradually broadened the legal definition of what was permissible in adult media.
- What was Al Goldstein's public persona like?
- Al Goldstein cultivated a highly controversial and unique public persona, often described as a blend of a Borscht Belt comedian, a scathing social critic, and an unapologetic advocate for sexual freedom. He was known for his vituperative wit, self-deprecating humor, and a willingness to provoke outrage, using his platform to challenge societal norms and hypocrisies.