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Why Sex Ed Needs Fixing and Old Fashioned Taboos Need to Die

Typically old fashioned views surrounding sex need to be reevaluated.

By Alie DayPublished 7 years ago 3 min read
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Let's all be a little more Marilyn and a little less Norma Jean.

Since the dawn of time, the human species and animals alike have engaged in sexual activity. Not only for the purposes of survival and evolution, but also for pleasure.

So why is it that sex is still such a taboo subject in such modern times as these?

Sure, sex is everywhere you look; on billboards, in tv shows, films magazines and every other kind of media you can think of, but just because it is commonly represented visually, does not mean it has made its way up in the world in terms of common conversation.

We still live in a time where many people find it extremely difficult to express not only their opinions on sex, but also any words that might involve more than a little biology. And though some may just steer away from the subject because they're not interested in it, others seem to steer away because they are afraid.

In the days of platforms like YouTube, it's easier for young adults to learn more about sex if they decide to do so, but it often turns out that those individuals feel that they have to hide their curiosity through fear of being judged by their peers, families, and even strangers. Where does it end?

I'm not saying that talking about sex at the dinner table with your grandmother is a good idea, but in modern times, should sex still be talked about in hushed whispers, with code names for genitalia and rosy cheeks at the mention of protection and contraception? I don't think it should.

Sex Ed in schools sorely needs to be updated. No longer should an embarrassed teacher sit behind their desk while a room full of students laugh at the words "penis" and "vagina." No longer should Sex Ed videos consist of a cartoon woman being thrusted into by a cartoon man with a penis big enough to make free willy look like a tic tac (in the missionary position nonetheless).

Sex Education should, in times like these, be taught by professionals who can make the topic of sex interesting rather than embarrassing. It should be taught by someone who will not only discuss straight sex, but gay sex, oral sex, and everything in between.

Sexually transmitted infections should be talked about in detail, highlighting the consequences of the issue, rather than just focusing on the name of the diseases a person might contract. The same goes for contraception and bun-in-oven preventative methods.

Teens are still running around having very public, very illegal sex in woodland areas without the knowledge of comfy beds, good foreplay, the benefits of lube, and the delight of knowing that various kinks and fantasies are nothing to be ashamed of.

When are we going to stop treating sex like a crime and start treating it like the miraculous activity it can be if you're experiencing it with the right partner? When are we going to stop teaching women that it is their sole job during sex to pleasure their partner, and start teaching them that they have a right to a good time too?

It's 2017 and somehow, schools are still teaching teenagers that sex is solely for reproductive purposes, that it should be spoken about in back alleys in hushed whispers if at all, and there's only one way to do it. Let's start teaching young adults that talking about sex is okay, that having safe, fully consensual sex above the legal age is also okay and that having sexual fantasies is okay too.

Sex is great; we should be celebrating the phenomenon, not shying away from it at all ages.

Many people may comment on the idea that glamorising sex to students will make all of them want to jump the bones of everyone they meet without a care of the consequences, but as I'm sure most adults will remember, that is in fact the case for most hormonal, pubescent individuals, regardless of what they do or don't know about the subject; so isn't it better to have them fully aware of what's going on in their bodies and minds and what will happen if they don't keep themselves safe and take precautions, than to let them run around blind, clueless and end up having to fumble their way through their first pregnancy scare or free chlamydia test alone and in secrecy?

Just some food for thought.

Thanks for reading.

conventions
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About the Creator

Alie Day

Twenty-something misfit with a passion for music travelling, writing and art. Fully qualified music producer, music photographer, travel photographer, ex-music manager and full time struggling creative. Work hard and achieve.

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