The other day I was watching a programme on TV where celebrities were expressing their views about marital rape, extramarital sex and pre-marital sex etc.
I could not help wondering if people making such flippant comments were actually aware of what they were saying!
Being a celebrity is also a responsibility, as millions are lapping up each and every word they utter as gospel truth.
In this particular event, some of these popular personalities declared that sex and sexuality are taboo in our country.
I doubt that, if the present trends in TV and movies, detailed agony columns, fashion culture and burgeoning of the contraceptives and emergency pills are anything to go by.
Explicit, erotic, titillating, exhibitionistic ads, songs and movies are ruling the roost. Why use the words sex and sexuality in tandem?
Sexuality is a much broader term than sex, which denotes only gender. It implies psychological reactions related with ‘maleness’ and ‘femaleness’ and determines behavioral responses.
These responses are further conditioned by cultural heritage, social norms and images from the mass media. In our country, more than sex and sexuality, what is taboo is its scientific discussion. Here are a few facts to chew on:
1. A clear distinction ought to be made between that part of the media which works for the promotion of sexual health, and the part that caters to the so-called baser instincts of the common man.
2. Celebrity preaching ought to make way for professional preaching. They need to be aware of what they are saying.
The writer is a sexologist. Mail him at dr.narayana@deccanmail.com
