Tushar P Week 4

Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality Gayle 

By S. Rubin

The author starts this article by talking about how in the 19^th century, aspects related to sexuality were considered a taboo and how anything even remotely related to it was hushed up. It was feared that masturbation could mentally addle or stunt the growth of a child. In fact, to prevent children from indulging in this, people had gone to the extent of tying up their children. The role of the human genitals was reduced to that of a system of excretion. Homosexuality was highly discouraged and homosexuals were harassed not just by the people but also by the government. Coitus was meant to be performed only for the sake of bearing children and not otherwise. The author also spoke about the role of the right-wing in perpetuating hate against those who did not align with their ideas. They had specific campaigns countering all this and were even against abortion. Hence, a pregnant minor had to give birth and could not abort her child.

Though the world has drastically changed today, several of these ideas have evolved in a hidden manner and still persist. Even today, in many places homosexuals, are disowned by their own families.