Human sexuality free essay sample

Sexuality freedom is the new civil rights we are fighting for this decade. The practice of BDSM has become a hot topic in our society lately since the book Fifty Shades of Grey went public in 2011. BDSM is an acronym for bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism /masochism. The term BDSM is defined as a variety of erotic practices involving power play. Now because this term does not cover everyone in the kink community, known as an umbrella term, people are now starting to use the term WIIWD, which stands for â€Å"What it is we do†. I will be using symbolic interaction theory to describe why BDSM is not deviant in our society today. Our society is always flowing and changing with the environment around us. We have fraught for rights of Jew, blacks, women, animals, Hispanics and many more but this decade we are on to a new type of rights. We will write a custom essay sample on Human sexuality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The right to be free sexually is such a different fight because it is now a private issue that we feel the need to control and label deviant. BDSM can be misunderstood if someone is naive to what actually happens behind the scenes of BDSM community. So for a simple run down of the basics. The main thing needed in a BDSM relationship is trust, without it the role play will not work. Everything is consensual and hard and soft limits are set up before any thing remotely dangerous. Now of course just like in the vanilla community there are deviants that do not abide by the rules set in place for our protection. Yes people have gotton hurt during the more dangerous scenes but this is from not following the roles and not trusting your partner. But this does not mean that Kinksters are all the same. Misinformed people like Melissa Farley, a known anti-kink /porn clinical psychologist who believes that no woman actually willingly participants in kink or porn. She says â€Å" In this economy, this is something women would rather not do, but they feel they have to, she said. This is a form of economic coercion. But people would rather not think of it that way. People think of it as a matter of rights, rather than ask the question, Should people have a right not to do this? Even though alternative sex has only recently been in the limelight, this does not mean that it has not been practiced quietly. There is evidence of alternative sex dating back to the medieval times but estimated to date back much further. In the eighteenth century there were reports of a french philosopher named ,Marquis de Sade who was imprisoned for thirty-two years for his violent erotic writings. That is where the term sadism came from. (Weiss,2013). Thirty-two years in prison because of the way he liked to spend his private time and what he wrote down. But thanks to our modern day of freedom to write what we want, society now has books that come out like Fifty Shades of Grey. Since the 18th century we have gone back and forth about how we express our sexuality. Twenty-five years ago there was a study in Canada in which they tried to tie alternative sex to people in need of psychiatric help by using 12 participants in a person perception task. Their studies found that there was a correlation(Tilby, P. J. , Kahn ). But just earlier this year The huffpost covered a story on a study of over a thousand participants about the mental health of the BDSM community. Their results were that people that engaged in alternative sex were actually healthier and more comfortable with themselves than vanilla people. There are countless more studies just like this over the last few decades, the results always reflect the attitudes towards expressing sexuality in society at the time of the study. Today, people are not frequently jailed or housed in mental hospitals For their private views. Unless their actual practices break local laws by violating anothers informed consent or causing harm to the point of death, sexual practices are mostly left to the realm of live-and-let-live. The US is still a recently religiously, and therefore sexually puritanical society, But the fact that our generations motto is â€Å"I can do whatever I want†, plus the large community of BDSM lets me believe that the world of vanilla people are actually the deviant ones in our society today. Almost all human behavior has symbolic value to it, including sexual behavior. Biologically , we are driven to reproduce, but this does not dictate who, when, where, what and how by which we choose to do so;(Arany, 2013) social interaction is the driving force behind this. These characteristics are then determined by what we have learned through our culture. BDSM community might stem from mutual sexual fantasies but really its our first non-exclusionary group. When outside the bedroom most of these kinksers would blend in with the rest of society. emphasizes that although reality is constructed by our social interactions, our perceived reality, including those of a sexual nature are not the same for everyone. It is critical that a situation is defined by the establishment of relevant identities of those involved in the interaction. It is this construction that involves negotiation and roletaking as well as role-making behaviors. This is where Goffman’s research style and staging details come into play, showing how the presentations of self are manifested deep in our everyday lives. One could view the discreet sexual practices of homosexuality as one of these staging details by which individuals avoid injuring their â€Å"identity†- the way they perceive themselves as being viewed by others. As a result of differences in how individuals are exposed to sexual culture, multiple connotations are associated with sexual terms, which vary by gender, social class, and other social characteristics. These connotations often come into play in how an individual presents themselves. Symbolic Interactionism, broadly, is the way individuals influence social meanings through their interactions with others. In analyzing a plethora of ideologies presented by popular scholars, we can ascertain that the perspective symbolic interactionism brings to the table, is one that allows us to understand ourselves much more intensely than we otherwise might. Furthermore, this insight also allows us to derive an accurate impression of how our behavior both influences and is influenced by those around us. According to Sandstrom, Martin, and Fine, â€Å"interactionism helps you remember that your choices and actions are not strictly dictated by cultural expectations or the reactions of others (p. 14). † I could go on to discuss how much I agree with this, however, it would not teach you a thing. Instead, I would prefer to discuss social interaction’s influence upon sexuality. You may be saying to yourself, â€Å"But that was not the question, it asked how it is relevant to you. † As a homosapien, the characteristics that make me human, do not relive me from the fact that as such, I still have primitive motives. Therefore, I insist that sexuality is very important to all of us thus worth further investigation. All human behavior has a certain symbolic value to it, sexual behavior being not different. Human sexual behavior has several components of which activities have many different meanings. Each of these meanings has a profound impact upon the way we feel about ourselves, and how others feel about us. Biologically, we are driven to reproduce, however it does not dictate who, what, when, where, and how by which we choose to do so; social interaction is the driving force behind that. These characteristics are thus determined by what we have learned from our culture. In respect to sex research, Blumer’s symbolic interactionist ideologies have become dominant. His approach emphasizes that although reality is constructed by our social interactions, our perceived reality, including those of a sexual nature are not the same for everyone. It is critical that a situation is defined by the establishment of relevant identities of those involved in the interaction. It is this construction that involves negotiation and roletaking as well as role-making behaviors. This is where Goffman’s research style and staging details come into play, showing how the presentations of self are manifested deep in our everyday lives. One could view the discreet sexual practices of homosexuality as one of these staging details by which individuals avoid injuring their â€Å"identity†- the way they perceive themselves as being viewed by others. As a result of differences in how individuals are exposed to sexual culture, multiple connotations are associated with sexual terms, which vary by gender, social class, and other social characteristics. These connotations often come into play in how an individual presents themselves. In conclusion, symbolic interactionism has made an incredible influence on human behavior, even the often underscored realm of human sexuality, as I have discussed. It has enhanced research in human sexuality by way of its adequacy in terms of predictability and parsimony in addition to the fact that it is generally devoid of moral judgments. Although our behavior is guided by social influence, the text reinforces the fact that â€Å"our choices and actions are not strictly dictated by cultural expectations or the reactions of others (p. 14). †We are all affected by sexuality and by the way others present themselves, the way we present ourselves and how the reactions of both feed upon the other. We are dependent upon these things. The symbolic interactionist viewpoint has further enhanced my understanding and how I perceive those around me, as well as how I perceive myself. That is how it is relevant to me. Human Sexuality free essay sample Human sexuality SOC 21 Masturbation is a very important meaner of learning about our bodies. Masturbation helps our bodies in many ways such as improve sexual health, reduces unwanted pregnancy, and helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases but most importantly it helps us learn about our bodies. Masturbation is usually seen as a bad thing when really it is way of helping our bodies. Although Masturbation is seen as an absurd and inappropriate subject to talk about and should be kept private people shouldnt feel ashamed for doing it. We believe that people might feel ashamed of it r to do it is because they are scared that they wont be considered a virgin any more or that people will see them differently like as dirty. When kids hit a certain age around the time they hit puberty they should be informed about how masturbating a natural thing is. They also should be informed the appropriate times to do it and where. We will write a custom essay sample on Human Sexuality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For example, remind your child that touching her vulva (or his penis) is a private behavior. remind her she needs to be in private (ideally the bedroom or bathroom with the door closed). When genital touching occurs in public, repetitive, gentle, and discreet reminders about he inappropriateness of the behavior when others are around or in public places is usually all that is needed. (Convenient 109) By teaching kids at an earlier age that it is k to masturbate it can break the judgments and shame that people have towards masturbating. This can help future generations to be less Judgmental and better understands the subject. Human sexuality SOC 021 In our society there have been perceptions and myths regarding masturbation. In the past, many religious cultures viewed it as a sin and even a topic to not discuss, let alone do. Today that outdated ideology has shifted, and is seen as normal and an important mean of learning about our bodies. An author from advocates for youth (2007) notes, Many people cannot imagine that everyone?babies, children, teens, adults, and the elderly?are sexual beings. Some believe that sexual activity is reserved for early and middle adulthood. Teens often feel that adults are too old for sexual intercourse. Sexuality, though, is much more than sexual intercourse and humans are sexual beings throughout life. The topic of masturbation is way to self-explore the body according to Melanie Davis, New Jersey Center for Sexual Wellness. That is a healthy way we understand our bodies and what pleasure we desire during sexual intimacy. We should not have a weird attitude about self-exploration. There have also been common myths regarding this topic including masturbation leads to menta l illness, does not cause infertility ? men and boys will not run out of sperm, and it does not make you gay just to reference a few according to planned parenthood. These myths have existed throughout history and today are not looked at as a common belief in our society In our modern world we view masturbation now as healthy and that we shouldnt feel Reid masturbating or even discussing the health benefits of masturbating. Most doctors agree it is normal and healthy. Melanie Davis writes We can have this discussion with also for example youth who are struggling to understand their bodies during changes in puberty, and often because of the negative stigma that was attached Human Sexuality SOC. 021 to it. As adults we may feel with the idea of talking to our kids about it, however in the end it can actually help the child feel more confident as an adult during his stages of puberty which are very vulnerable times for youth. By putting your own embarrassment aside, you will continue the process of helping your child become a sexually confident and happy adult. There are times where we should talk to children where it is appropriate to masturbate. Parents should be careful when talking to them about it and to not make them feel like they are engaging in harmful behavior. Masturbation is very common. Studies show that about 7 out of 10 adult men and more than 5 out of 10 adult women masturbate. Its also common for children and teens to masturbate. (www. Plenipotentiary. Org) So we can see that it is common and more people take part in it than expected Masturbation is not viewed as any mental disorder. However If it is interfering with your day to day life then it may be considered an issue. Excessive Masturbation may indicate a more serious psychological or personal problem. (The Great Masturbation Scare, cal 710-1910) Although most people do not suffer from excessive masturbation it is possible, and this may be due to a variety of reasons that either can or cannot be determined. Both children and adults may be showing these signs if they are to be evaluated and determined if they should seek professional help or not. Most people will continue to masturbate throughout their lives because throughout peoples lives we are sexually beings. Masturbation i s a way of sexual expression so it is likely we will continue to masturbate in our lifetime. Human sexuality SOC. 021 Throughout the entire book masturbation is looked at as a great way to relieve sexual tension, help in unwanted pregnancies and a great way to learn about an individuals likes and dislikes during a pleasurable experience. The strengths in these arguments are practically the pros of masturbation. People have tasks and goals in life. Getting the bills paid, mowing the lawn, writing an essay for the best sociology class ever, and a whole lot of endless responsibilities. When the pressures of life become too hard to handle and youre looking for that instant satisfaction, why not masturbate? Masturbation can also help when it is time to be intimate with a partner. For example, according to Dry. Debby Herbicide, from Confidentialitys. Org, masturbation can help men learn to control the timing of their ejaculation, and to last longer if they would like to. From this site, I learned about the start-stop method, which involves the male stopping Just before the point of orgasm, to let the erection slightly decrease, then start up again(Confidentialitys. Org). If a person is a premature ejaculatory they can use this method in order to ensure both parties will achieve satisfaction. Any subject will have strengths and weaknesses; masturbation is one that can nave dire consequences, it you let it But tort the most part, beneficial for a persons self-esteem, learning of ones sexuality and helps in maintaining a stress. A weakness we found from the author is th at the book doesnt dive in to what can o wrong if a person were to become obsessed with masturbation. One can only learn through their mistakes or by seeing what can become of such choices. What is argued against masturbation usually pertains to the quantity of the act itself. The act itself can teach us about what we enjoy sexually, but too much of a good thing can come with horrendous consequences. For example, according to hellgrammite. Com, Dry. Hoses states that, Excessive masturbation can have some harmful effects. Some of these include abrasions on the foreskin from friction. Just because its pleasurable doesnt mean it wont wear down. Another con for masturbation is if a person is spending too much time indulging and ignores the social world, this can cramp a persons lifestyle and activities. Missing important tasks or spending all of your money on pornography on an ongoing basis will lead to an obsession that can result in shame and guilt. Control is the key to anything. Life is all about balance. We must know how to manage our time and curb our urges to lead a healthy life. Masturbation has always been a delicate discussion among society. Many dont like to speak about it because they view it as immoral. This topic could be very insensitive not only when it involves adults but children as well. Teaching kids and teens that masturbation isnt a bad thing can go against the customs that they have followed growing up, but experts now days encourage parents to think differently about this subject. Like the author in the book, Teaching Children about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality, clearly states that [the norm] in infancy and childhood is all about healthy curiosity about body parts and their functions, and that exploration and touching of genitals [is] common (Convenient 2007). Its obvious that at this GE young kids dont really understand why they are stimulating the genitals, but its a good way of self-exploration and learning about our bodies. This outside source helps strengthen the argument because they believe that many boys and men (girls and women) who touch their own private body parts is okay (Convenient 2007). Masturbation is seen as a private activity in which you do not expose to the public, and for teens this should be a very important teaching. The author is all about teaching children and adolescents the importance of masturbation, but knowing when and where to do it. This action communicates acceptance about the behavior, but also teaches rules about safety and appropriate behavior (Convenient 2007). Masturbation is the most frequent type of sexual activity for most young people until they begin forming stable relationships in late adolescence, therefore being a normal aspect about exploring our bodies. It is clear that the author of this book, Terrier Convenient, is seen more of a support for our argument in which masturbation is seen as an important meaner of learning about our bodies. We as a group agree with the author of, Human Sexuality, Diversity in Contemporary America, in regards with masturbation being healthy and a normal part of development. Through masturbation, children and adolescents learn what is sexually pleasing, now to move their bodies and what their natural rhythm are. ( Warbler, Assayed, Strong, p. 279, 2008) The author states that through masturbation we can learn about our bodies and that there are several reasons such as for sexual tension, either because the partner is not available or does not want to have sex. The author also states how before masturbation was viewed as an illness, masturbation is the primary sexual activity of [human] kind. In the nineteenth century it was a disease; in the twentieth century its a cure. ( Sass, p. 279, 2008) To Summarize, our group agrees with the author that masturbation is a normal and healthy part of growing up and one can masturbate and it will not have any sort of negative impact on ones life if done wisely. We also agree that masturbation is also a vital way to fully understand our bodies needs and it can also help us understand what pleasures we are looking for during sexual intimacy.