The world of entertainment has left us all virtually numb to violence. Video games, movies, songs, even your favorite television program is filled with violence and suspense. We stare vacantly at a screen, not even flinching at “The Walking Dead” and the newest “Grand Theft Auto” video game. PsychologyToday.com released an article that states that science has developed mounting evidence that says that violent forms of entertainment can lead to brain changes, aggressive behavior and poor decision-making.
Don’t worry, this isn’t another piece about how the media has trained us to be desensitized killing machines — or at least that isn’t all this column is about. We are perfectly comfortable poised on our couches watching movies that depict (often senseless) acts of violence. Yet, discussions on sexuality are often shunned and considered taboo. Perhaps I should clarify: certain discussions within the realm of sexuality are considered to be taboo.
Sex and violence are all over our TV screens. Usually, these sexual relationships are between heterosexual couples that society has regarded as “acceptable.” In recent years, television programs have taken great strides to challenging many of the standards about sex on television. We all fell in love with “modern family) Cam and Mitch from ABC’s “Modern Family.” Well, we didn’t all fall in love with them. Some argued that the show was an “abomination” and went against Christian values. Yet, primetime television continued to challenge the standard, and shows like “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Scandal” feature main, gay male characters.
While these are great strides, there is certainly more work left to be done. There is a lot more to sexuality than gay male sex. Ways need to be made for trans, queer and lesbian actors and actresses in the entertainment industry.
Apart from society’s discomfort in watching these dynamics on television, we are not as a whole comfortable discussing sexuality in everyday life. The ramifications for this refusal to address this subject include slut shaming, the over-sexualization of the female body, and ignorant laws such as House Bill 2. If you want to make sex a political issue, let’s talk about the number of politicians who rape and molest innocent people, yet face absolutely no repercussions.
Our society has a strange approach to discussing sexuality. I find it bizarre that something that is the basis for the creation of most life is such a prohibited topic. The further you stray away from gender binaries, the more at risk you are for being shamed. Many cultures differ in regards to their views on sexuality. The same often follows for different religions, races and age groups. What is okay for the college student may be different for a baby boomer.
But, if your moral compass tells you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with watching a film in which people engage in senseless acts of violence, but two fully grown, consenting adults engaging in a non-conforming sexual relationship keeps you up at night, then you may need to check yourself.
- Print edition
- Sex: It’s not that weird
- Playlist: ‘Let’s talk about sex’
- Amazon’s top 10 best-selling sex toys for online shoppers
- Sexual com class to host ‘kinky science fair’
- NCSU provides resources to promote sexual health
- GLBT Center offers safe space, counseling for all
- Greek Life works to prevent sexual assault through education
- Professor Crane-Seeber talks male feminism, rape culture
- Professor teaches Women and Men in society without using ‘he’ and ‘she’
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