Sexual expression progresses, double standard prevails

America has a rich history that has contributed to the general perception we are taught to… America has a rich history that has contributed to the general perception we are taught to have on the norms of sexuality and sexual expression. Though the way we express ourselves sexually has changed over the years, some archaic beliefs have been carried over from generation to generation. It is important to look at the things that influence us in society, how they affect us and how we choose to express ourselves sexually.

According to Sally Cline, author of “Women, Celibacy, and Passion,” “It took courage for a single woman to admit that she was enjoying an active sexual life. Today it takes courage for her to admit that she is not.” This emphasizes how times have changed and how social norms are a factor in influencing people to talk about their sex lives.

A person who is sexually active is seen as the “norm,” whereas a virgin may be isolated from others and could even be influenced to lose his or her virginity at a faster pace just to feel like a part of the in crowd.

According to a study conducted in March by Dr. Robert Rector and Dr. Kirk Johnson, many more teens are taking vows to preserve their virginity, although the majority of these teens broke the vow, delaying having intercourse by an average of 18 months. They also contracted sexually transmitted diseases at the same rate as those who did not take these vows.

Another thing that influences people within society is the media. It is where people find the latest fads and trends and also where our generation is socialized on a daily basis. With this in mind, it is obvious that situations regarding sexual expression could also be adopted from here.

Let’s just say that a young girl observes a woman she admires onscreen. She may take her perceptions and beliefs into consideration when it comes time for her to make her own decisions concerning her sexuality and sexual expression.

An example of this can be witnessed in the effects of Destiny’s Child’s “Soldier.” In this song, Beyonce goes into detail about her kind of soldier. Interestingly enough, the “low cut Caesar with the deep wave” hairstyle, are qualities that accurately describe her current boyfriend, Jay-Z. Thus, some young people who listen to this are left believing that these qualities in a man are sexually appealing since they look up to Beyonce.

And in the midst of all these influences is the ever-so-popular double standard that exists sexually between men and women, which is so pervasive in all aspects of society. But something that raises concern is the fact that external forces such as the media do not only influence children but also adults and the way they raise their children.

For instance, I have male friends who are encouraged by their fathers to be “players” and to get as many girls as possible within in a short period of time. Even in contemporary households it seems as though it is OK for males to have sex with as many girls as they covet.

Behind closed doors, there still seems to be much talk about how women having sex with many men are seen as unladylike. Most people encourage females to be quiet when it comes to their sexual endeavors and they are often forced to be inconspicuous about their actions.

It should come as no surprise that female rappers like Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown are often seen as controversial because of sexually explicit lyrics that are similar in graphic nature to their male counterparts. More often than not, it’s unacceptable for women to do the opposite of what is expected of them from society, and any woman who does this is considered a “ho'” or “loose” instead of sexually adventurous or free spirited, terms that are typically used to explain a man’s loose sexual behavior.

Obviously these general perceptions about sexuality cannot be changed overnight. But the first place to start is in the home by simply setting your children on equal footing regardless of their sex. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to be more concientious consumers of the media. If something on television TV conflicts with the message you are sending your children, change the channel.

We are all left to wonder how these views on sexual expression could possibly change over the years. It is evident that some progress has been made, but unfortunately, for now, the double standard prevails.

E-mail Leisel atlog4@pitt.edu.