Thread: The Role of Sex in Culture and Society.

Many different societies have different views about the role of sex. In some cultures, homosexual sex is considered maladaptive or nonspiritual or evil. In many cultures, sex is treated as sacred and the people view it as being something that should exist only in a politically and religious sanctioned relationship.

How should sex be viewed in societies throughout the world? Should it be left up to the politicians and theologians?

This is an interesting topic, BG. I guess coz the title doesn't include the word Muslim, a lot of folk will ignore it

Anyway, in answer to yr questions. Sex should be viewed by society as being a healthy part of life. It shouldn't be treated like something dirty or something where women are objectified or anything like that. Politicians and theologians should stay out of trying to guide how society views sex, imo...

I think the cultural role of sex in America is most prevalent as a marketing tool. There's more sexual content in commercials for "Girls Gone Wild" than most programs. Fashion magazines, even food advertising where the pretty girl is moaning seductively over her V8 or whatever. Buy this - get laid. You would think people would catch on.

I'm not saying this to be a self-loathing American, but I think sexuality in the US is more manipulated by culture and business and politics than it seems to be in other cultures. Ultimately, it could be beneficial for the world to get on one sexual standard of equality and openess, I suppose. Maybe part of this is due to our prevelant religions treating that which is of the body as nothing but one big id, in effect evil and something we need to atone for. I don't think you see that as much in African-American culture...just go to a black church and see how the body is vital to worship.

I think Billy Bragg has some fun notions on this subject: YouTube - Billy Bragg - Sexuality

Unless I'm screwing the president or the pope I don't see as to why they should have a say in it. And as far as creating a global sexual standard is concerned I say bullshit.

Creating such standards will only create expectations within relationships, forcing people to perform acts that they wouldn't normally willingly partake in, but now feel compelled to do, because everybody else is willing to do it...

Originally Posted by Kanabi

reating such standards will only create expectations within relationships, forcing people to perform acts that they wouldn't normally willingly partake in, but now feel compelled to do, because everybody else is willing to do it...

Sorry. I might have used a poor word choice. I didn't mean "standard" in the sense of a regulation. I was suggesting it might be good if we detached sexuality from its political and religious baggage. But I can see why you'd think what I said meant creating standards.

Originally Posted by Davocrat

Sorry. I might have used a poor word choice. I didn't mean "standard" in the sense of a regulation. I was suggesting it might be good if we detached sexuality from its political and religious baggage. But I can see why you'd think what I said meant creating standards.

Ok got it now... Attachment 813 ... just hit me upside and call me Roger...

Originally Posted by Burning Giraffe

How should sex be viewed in societies throughout the world? Should it be left up to the politicians and theologians?

No one should be able to do me without my consent. Just because someone thinks my standards are low, does not mean I'm going to give it up for them, and I think government should be willing to back me up on that with laws and such outlawing forced intercourse.

Whatever is done consensually behind closed doors is not the business of anyone except the participants.

I agree. I don't care if you're screwing mules, as long as I don't have to see it, hear it or video tape it, do whatever the hell you want.

BUT..... I still think that we need sex education because there are a whole mess of kids in each generation who think they'll live forever and take part in some unhealthy sexual practices. They should be taught that, while it feels good, it's not a game and that you shouldn't treat your body and sex lightly. I'm not saying teach them abstinence (we could try, but they rebel) teach them responsibility. Sure, it's supposed to be the parent's who do that, but not every kid has the luxury of having parents who are responsible themselves.