Almost everyone reading this exists for the same reason: their parents have sex. That's true for nearly every animal on this planet! Yet humans, the one animal that can talk, are often loathe to speak openly about sex and pleasure. So why is this still the case in 2021?
Why Is Sex Still Taboo?
There are several main reasons why sex is still taboo, most of which involve control.
- There are many reasons why talking about sex is taboo. It's an intimate act, and it's difficult to talk about anything that makes you feel vulnerable. It may also be unpleasant to think about others, such as your parents, having sex even though you know everyone does it.
- Sex can also be seen as selfish because it brings us pleasure, and we often feel guilty for wanting to feel good. Perhaps that's why it's easier to talk about sex in terms of reproduction than to speak of sexual pleasure.
- Conservative cultures, including religious and geographic cultures, teach that sex should be for procreation only. In addition, they promote ideas of "modesty" that are often sexist.
- Some people believe that talking about sex, including providing medically accurate information, will encourage children or teenagers to have sex.
How to Beat the Sex Taboo
To overcome the taboo, you need to talk about sex. First, you need to be comfortable talking to your partner about what you like and don't like, what you want to try, and what makes you feel the sexiest. Some of these conversations may be hard, but they can bring you closer to your partner. Plus, these conversations can be super sexy and serve as foreplay.
However, you can--and should-- talk to more than just your partner about sex. For example, if you're a parent, you need to talk to your kid(s) about sex if you want them to experience a fulfilling and safe sex life. And this definitely needs to be an ongoing conversation, not just one talk! Remember, if they don't learn from you, they'll learn from other sources, and the information may be inaccurate or harmful.
If you're not yet comfortable talking about sex, start by reading--more articles like this one and the many books about improving your sex life. Leave a book out to encourage conversation or give books you think might be helpful to your partner, children, or friends. Follow publications, journalists, and sex educators. Ensure what you know about sex is actually right, and let others know when you've discovered something you were taught is true is actually a myth.
Finally, promote medically accurate sex education in your local community to help future generations overcome sexual taboos and vote for politicians who promote sex education.
