By Penny Theodorakopoulou,
Today’s society has embraced the sex positivity movement, which calls for the decriminalization of all sexual expression. Although the concept of sex positivity is good, the movement has gone too far in its promotion, creating a society where sex is prioritized over all other things. The sexualization and objectification of women, a culture of rape, and the disrespect for consent have all been influenced by the normalization of sexual content in the media and the pressure to engage in sexual activity. This article will examine how excessive sex positivity has bad effects and how society’s fixation on sex has more negative effects than positive ones.
The guilt and stigma that have historically been attached to non-normative sexual behaviors gave rise to the concept of sex positivity. Regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status, it attempts to promote acceptance and appreciation of all forms of consensual sexual expression. While there have been some positive developments brought about by sex positivity, like more visibility and acceptance of minority sexual identities and a platform for sexual health education, it has also led to an unhealthy and unrealistic obsession with sex.
The pathological obsession with sex that has been promoted by the media has been a major factor. Social media, TV, movies, and commercials are all rife with sexual content. We have been so desensitized by this frequent exposure to sexual content that we are no longer aware of its negative effects. Because we are so used to seeing sexual content, we tend to forget that it is not natural to continually be exposed to it.
Despite my initial reluctance, I believe I should address the negative consequences of excessive sex-positivity in today’s society. But I will make an effort to do it in a way that is as gender-neutral and objective as possible. People are now predominantly assessed on their sexuality and physical appeal due to the sexualization of individuals in society. It is noted that women are more frequently the targets of this kind of sexualization. They are specifically urged to think of themselves as sexual objects and to place more emphasis on their attractiveness and sexual appeal than on their brains, abilities, or talents. This has resulted in a culture where women – but also people in general – are expected to dress skimpily, have sex, and adhere to rigid beauty standards.
A culture of rape and sexual assault has also been influenced by the broader sexualization of society. Individuals are taught to perceive persons who appear provocative (by society’s “standards”) as sexual objects, which might result in a society where sexual assault is accepted as usual. Sexual assailants frequently do not see their victims as human people with agency and autonomy, but rather as objects to be utilized for their enjoyment. Sexual assault is no longer taken seriously in our culture and the victim is frequently held responsible for it. This is due in part to the normalization of sexual objectification.
Another factor contributing to a culture where consent is not taken seriously is sex positivity. While the movement highlights the value of consent, it has also helped to create a society where consent is frequently taken for granted or ignored. A culture where sexual activity is perceived as a normal aspect of human conduct and where permission is frequently viewed as an afterthought has been influenced by the normalization of sexualization and objectification. As a result, there may be instances where individuals participate in sexual activity without fully comprehending what they are consenting to or feel coerced into engaging in unwelcome sexual activity.
The temptation to engage in sexual activity is a problem with excessive sex positivity. The idea that having sex is a rite of passage and that everyone should partake in it is promoted by society. Young people who are still forming their own sexual identities are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of this pressure. Teenagers may believe that they must engage in sexual activity in order to belong or be accepted by their peers. Young individuals may behave sexually before they are ready or in circumstances where they are not entirely aware of the repercussions of their actions as a result of this pressure.
Everyone is affected by the harmful effects of excessive sex positivity, but young individuals who are still forming their sexual identities are particularly vulnerable. Recognizing the negative effects of toxic sex positivity is essential, as is working to develop a society that values emotional connection, personal development, and intellectual interests, while – simultaneously – supporting healthy and respectful sexual expression.
In conclusion, it is evident that excessive sex positivity has poisoned our culture. While the movement aimed to encourage healthy and consensual sexual expression, it has instead produced a culture that sexualizes and objectifies women, ignores permission, feeds into negative gender stereotypes, and places an unhealthy emphasis on sex as the pinnacle of intimacy and connection. We must have open and sincere discussions about the effects of sex positivity on our culture and seek to develop a more sensible strategy that puts an emphasis on respect, consent, and healthy sexual expression. Only then will we be able to build a society that values and empowers sexuality, while – simultaneously – emphasizing the value of other facets of life that lead to a happy and satisfying life.
References
- The Pitfalls of the Positivity Movement, vanityfair.com, Available here
- What Everyone Got Wrong About Sex Positivity (And Why We’re Still Not Really Sex Positive), medium.com, Available here
- Sex positivity is not as positive as we think, dailytrojan.com, Available here
- McKissick: Too much sex positivity can be a bad thing, collegian.com, Available here
- 5 women and non-binary people on what it means to be sex-positive, cosmopolitan.com, Available here
- Γιατί το κίνημα του sex positivity φεύγει από τη μόδα;, provocateur.gr, Available here
