It is extremely interesting to see, after reading the text, that there was at one point really strict self-censorship standards with sex in the media because sex is literally everywhere in today’s television shows and movies. We have all heard that “sex sells” and the financial benefits earned through media broadcasts prove that statement. Think about some of the more recent movies released in theaters like No Strings Attached and Friends With Benefits. The movies are based off a common theme… casual SEX!
“Adolescents who watch a lot of television sex are twice as likely as those who see little of it to engage in sexual intercourse in the year following their exposure” (Straubhaar, LaRose, and Davenport, 2008). This statement makes perfect sense. Once an idea is brought to your attention, does it not remain in the back of your head always? With media continually placing sex in the minds of society, it will become trendy. The sad part about this whole scenario is that sexual behavior is not only in adolescent movies and shows but children media as well. Where do we, as society, draw the line and say that is enough? I want to feel comfortable when I become a mother letting my child watch shows with no harm.
I know personally I will not adapt and conform to this era of casual sex. I do not want to enter a relationship with this idea of "no strings attached". I'm sure plenty of people in today's society have different stands on this issue and I would love to hear where you stand!
Source: Straubhaar, J., LaRose, R., & Davenport, L. (2008). Media now:
Understanding media, culture, and technology. (6th ed., p. 419-420). Boston, MA:
Wadsworth.
Jordan, Being a "Baby Boomer" (and raised in a generation where married couples like Ricky and Lucy slept in separate beds on TV shows, so as to not infer anything even REMOTELY sexual) I agree completely with your analysis. Today's media and it's casual approach to sexual behavior and constant inclusion of sexual themes, has completely desensitized many cultural (sexual) morals from formerly being that of a very mature, responsible and intimate act. The role of a parent has become increasingly more difficult especially in instilling individual family values when it is so hard to control the outside influences that their children are being exposed to from so many and varied angles. As technology continues to evolve I think it's going to be an ongoing challenge to parents to promote the idea of sexual relations as a personal decision and not just merely a subject for public entertainment.
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