2008 Woodie Awards
Candid Conversation
Dr. Leonore Tiefer visits to speak about today's changing face of sexuality.
Caitlin Geoghan
Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: News
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Her discussion focused on how the social construct of sexuality has changed face over the past few decades as well as the repercussions of these changes.
Dr. Tiefer suggested that there are five areas of change in sexuality as a social construct. The first is the separation of sex from reproduction as a result of the contraceptive movement. Individuals can explore their sexuality without having the immediate result of pregnancy which has propelled sex to the front lines of media and youth commercialization.
The second area deals with sex and gender. Dr. Teifer claims that "there has been an astonishing change in the double standard entitling women to a sexual life." As a result of this change, there is less of a stigma for women who seek a sexual identity. Tiefer cited shows such as HBO's Sex and the City as evidence of this change.
Sex and moral norms is the third area. Dr. Tiefer argued that "One of the hugest changes in the past 50 years has been homosexual identity." Television shows such as Will and Grace or The Real World that highlight a homosexual lifestyle have been largely accepted by contemporary society, indicating the changing values of our culture.
Dr. Tiefer also briefly discussed sexuality on a global scale. Dr. Tiefer contends that "Sexuality has changed globally." She attributes this change largely to the ever-spreading influence of the media.
The most interesting and comprehensive aspect of Dr. Tiefer's lecture was her discussion of sex and commercialization. According to Dr. Tiefer, "sex lends itself to commercialization." She traced the trends of sexual publicity from pornography, sex toys and prostitution to its current focus; the sale of pharmaceuticals to assist individuals with sexual performance. Drugs such as Viagra have an explosive economy and deal largely with a diseased mind as it relates to sexuality. Dr. Tiefer showed her audience several advertisements dealing with sex drugs. She pointed out interesting contradictions with each one and helped her audience develop a filter for this type of media.
Dr. Tiefer also discussed the problems with sexual anxiety in modern society. She argues that sexual anxiety emerges from myths about sex, sexual ignorance, exaggerated performance expectations and a lack of honest conversation about sex. Dr. Teifer's lecture proved to be illuminating and informative. Her expertise shone through as she shed light on the changing constructs of sexuality for both men and women in modern society.