Silly question, right? It's not as silly as you may think. It's common knowledge that the Victorian era was known for it's prudishness. From the clothes to the way they spoke, everything was modest, conservative, prudish. It has taken us a long time to come this far. Yet, in many ways, we cling to the ideals of that time. Don't believe me? Get a load of these examples!
In those times, it was felt that women were innocent and were morally superior. While it was felt that men should not waste their semen by engaging in too much sexual activity, it was understood that men were weak and would invariably fail. Thus, it was left to women to be the final "gatekeeper." It was ultimately the woman's responsibility to decide how much sex would go on and what that sex would involve.
It was in this society that the "social norms" of today were developed. At that time, it was a natural progression that men became more dominant and it became the woman's job to provide for her family spiritually. She was also responsible for caring for the home and the children.
The similarities don't end there. There are more than we have time for here. But it's fascinating to realize that for all the progress we've made, some things still haven't changed.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Terms and Conditions
Here's an interesting exercise. See how many words you can come up with for the following terms:
Vagina
Clitoris
Penis
Testicles
Pubic Hair
Female Breasts
Sexual Intercourse
Masturbation
Oral Sex
Anal Sex
Orgasm
Menstruation
You will likely be surprised by how many (or how few) names you can come up with. Do post what you come up with!!
Vagina
Clitoris
Penis
Testicles
Pubic Hair
Female Breasts
Sexual Intercourse
Masturbation
Oral Sex
Anal Sex
Orgasm
Menstruation
You will likely be surprised by how many (or how few) names you can come up with. Do post what you come up with!!
A Different Culture
Imagine a culture where sex is everywhere. Where sex is normal. It's enjoyed. Families of 5 to 15 people sleep in one room, and any number of them can be having sex. Sex in public is expected. Virginity is disdained. Women are encouraged to sleep with many different men to find someone who they are compatible with sexually. It is felt that affection will follow sexual compatibility.
This culture is that on Mangaia, the southernmost of the Cook Islands. None of us here can imagine a culture that is so open and free sexually - I know that I can't!! One of the things I find most interesting is that everyone is instructed in sex once they hit puberty. Males are taught how to bring pleasure to women and to bring them to several orgasms before they reach their own climax. Women are taught how to enjoy sex and be an active participant in sex. They are taught that an orgasm is not the goal. Perhaps because of this, they seem to reach orgasm easily.
There was a study of the people there done in the 1950s. Things may have changed a lot since then. But the study certainly left an impression on me!
This culture is that on Mangaia, the southernmost of the Cook Islands. None of us here can imagine a culture that is so open and free sexually - I know that I can't!! One of the things I find most interesting is that everyone is instructed in sex once they hit puberty. Males are taught how to bring pleasure to women and to bring them to several orgasms before they reach their own climax. Women are taught how to enjoy sex and be an active participant in sex. They are taught that an orgasm is not the goal. Perhaps because of this, they seem to reach orgasm easily.
There was a study of the people there done in the 1950s. Things may have changed a lot since then. But the study certainly left an impression on me!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
School Is Now In Session
Well, the new semester of school has begun. This means that the time has come. Yes folks, Chris and I are starting a Human Sexuality class on Thursday. Doesn't that sound like fun? We certainly thought so. I started reading the book last night. It looks like it's going to be a really great class. The first chapter already begins going into what sexuality is and what we know about sexuality throughout history. I plan on posting a lot about what I learn, so look for that in the upcoming weeks. :-)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Body Image
Everyone knows that it's hard to be sexy when you don't feel sexy. And, of course, you have got to love yourself. I was watching the premiere of Lifetime's "How to Look Good Naked" and they showed some interesting statistics. 4/5 women say they are dissatisfied with the way they look. And models are thinner than 98% of American women. The show was actually really great. It shows Carson Kressley transform a gal from being shy and ashamed of herself to really loving her body and realizing that she IS sexy. It also illustrates how most people have a crazy view of themselves. I highly recommend it! http://tinyurl.com/24ernt
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
10 Reasons My Husband Is the Best
10. He does the laundry because there's creepy people down there that stare.
9. He takes me to see the chick movie.
8. When he doesn't have a preference, he does whatever I want.
7. He's willing to try anything for me.
6. He listens to my tearful, crazy rantings and doesn't laugh at me.
5. He supports me in all of my hair-brained schemes (like this blog and ruling the world).
4. He spoils me rotten.
3. He always thinks I'm beautiful (no matter how much I weigh or what my hair looks like).
2. He doesn't think I'm crazy.
1. He loves me more than anything in the whole world.
I love you honey!
9. He takes me to see the chick movie.
8. When he doesn't have a preference, he does whatever I want.
7. He's willing to try anything for me.
6. He listens to my tearful, crazy rantings and doesn't laugh at me.
5. He supports me in all of my hair-brained schemes (like this blog and ruling the world).
4. He spoils me rotten.
3. He always thinks I'm beautiful (no matter how much I weigh or what my hair looks like).
2. He doesn't think I'm crazy.
1. He loves me more than anything in the whole world.
I love you honey!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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