Gayle S. Rubin in “Thinking
Sex” traces the perception of sex and sexuality in America and
England post world war 2. The idea of sexual intercourse for pleasure was a
taboo. Masturbation was labelled as an unhealthy habit. Definition of obscenity
was broadened. Crimes such as rape and child molestation were clubbed together
with homosexuality to lay emphasis on the gravity of illegal but consensual act
between two people of same gender. Multiple states in the States conducted
their own investigation by raiding bars, bathing areas, etc. to look for gay
men.
Definition of obscenity was modified but the basic idea
behind it remained the same, anything which had no purpose other than sexual
arousal which was later extended to images of naked children in text books.
Sexuality was controlled and not talked about mainly due to
the rightist influence which should intercourse as a mode for procreation. Sex education
was not permitted in schools as it was considered to destroy families. Use of
contraceptives and coitus in general was discouraged among teens. Genitalia was
compared to the excretory system (in a derogatory way). In case of a teenage pregnancy, abortion was
not allowed. The reading shows control of sexuality as a political tool and to
curb right to freedom of choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment