Sex In The 21st. Century? - What Has it evolved into?
INTRODUCTION:
Tonight's topic is a requested topic from Maryland. I receive many questions and varying requests for this topic. It is a controversial topic because, as I have stated many times,
WE LIVE IN A THREE-GENERATIONAL WORLD.
What does that mean? It means at any given moment; there are three generations of people living on this tiny rock we call earth. Our home. One thing that holds for each generation is each generation thinks differently, and each generation blames the previous generation for the troubles of the present times. Why not? As people, we always seem to have to blame someone. However, you must understand how important that statement is to understand this post. Each generation believes the way they were raised was and still is the correct way. However, over time, everything evolves. This includes technology, opportunities, ways of thinking, education, and more.
The problem becomes compounded when these three generations of thinking clash and trust me, they do. As children growing up, we experienced when we disagreed with our parents. Therefore, it is no different for our children than for us. They rebel, disagree, and have their way of thinking, which is brought about by the times they are raised in. For example. In our grandparents' era, cross-dressing, same-sex relationships, same-sex marriages, and more were unheard of. Mostly because people did not freely admit to their feelings and stayed hidden from the world, as each generation evolved and the times and what I like to call "Rules of acceptance" changed, these topics and others began to surface. People became more vocal about their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
WHAT IS RIGHT OR WRONG?
Many accept this, and many still do not. The older generation may never totally accept it because that was not how things were when they were raised. Factually, there is no right or wrong. It comes down to a person's personal choice. A choice that many will respect, and some never will. However, life has a way of fixing that problem through attrition. As the older generation passes on, the second generation, which is more liberal thinking, now becomes the older generation. But alas, a new generation is born that will grow up with different thoughts and opinions that the new older generation will not accept or resist. So you see, it's a never-ending cycle. At some point, I am sure that people will evolve to the point where they may freely respect others and their choices. However, we aren't there yet, and I doubt many of us will see that time in our lifetimes.
BUT WHAT ABOUT SEX?
What about sex? Isn't that what this post is about? Sex is the tricky part. Sex, intimate moments between two people, used to be looked upon as a sacred bond. Let's face it. It is no longer looked upon that way—sex in the 21st. Century has evolved to suggestive TV commercials, and it's incorporated into TV series, as well as the movies that are made. In my opinion, the biggest problem with sex in the 21st. Century is social media.
A platform that is NOT screened adequately, as I believe it should be. Many parents and other people feel the same because it is a platform that is too easy for a young person the have access to and see things that their mind has not developed enough to understand.
Parental controls are fantastic. However, many people are not tech-savvy and may not know how to implement these controls. Many times, I have been asked why social media allow this type of exchange publically? I am a writer, author, educator, and public speaker. I have many social media accounts. Social media is an excellent platform for anyone in a professional setting to get a message out to many. With that said, it is also an ideal platform to get the bad, false, or biased news out. Children have been stalked on social media, taken advantage of, and far worse. Sexual cybercrime is on the rise. I commend social media platforms for trying to control it, but that is not enough. You may think you know, but you do not know the actual effect this has in the real world.
I saw the real world as a firefighter and paramedic for almost 35 years. Things that no one should ever have to see. Something that, on some level, you, as the general public, are shielded from. Those of us in that profession always said that no one would leave their house if people actually knew everything that goes on. That, my friends, is reality.
At least 3 or 4 times per week, I get a follower request or friend request with some of the most disgusting sexual content. Of course, I block that sender. The question is, how does that even get to go out across social media platforms? Isn't there a filter of sorts that can filter through and block this form of offensive and EXTREMELY suggestive content? Does freedom of speech and expression extend to the point where harm is done to others? I think not.
IS SEX AN ARTFORM?
Many in the entertainment business will argue that sex is an art form—a form of expression. However, to some degree, I agree with that. There have been paintings and sculptures of nudity for centuries. That is an art form. A form of expression. Not what we see on social media. During my research on this topic, I have read many articles. The funniest thing I read is those that state, "YOU MUST BE OVER 18 YEARS OLD TO ENTER THIS SITE." OK, that's the disclaimer. But how is it verified? You are correct. It is not. People can enter chat rooms exchange photos and videos at will.
Some may say, and I agree, that consenting adults can make their own choices. However, what checks and balances are in place to assure that is the case? Young children can get around the internet better than their parents. They talk to one another, share sites and information, experiment themselves, and at times, the outcome is not good. In every case, when anyone whose mind is not developed to comprehend what they are seeing and be able to reason it out in a manner that results in them making a rational, informed decision, the outcome is never positive and can lead to potential problems.
Instead, what our youth is dealing with is PEER PRESSURE. That is the worse pressure any younger child can experience. Why? Because everyone wants to be accepted. They look around and say to themselves, 'why not?' Everyone is doing it.
Many blame the school system because they start educating children at what some believe the children are too young.
I am not a child Psychologist. Therefore, I cannot tell you whether that is true or false. However, it may be true in some cases because mentally and emotionally, each child developed differently, and yes, for some, it may be too early. However, overall, education is the key to prevention. You can form your own opinion about that.
LET'S REMEMBER THIS IS A BLOG:
My disclaimer. These thoughts are my opinion. My opinion is based on my education, life and work experience, and personal experience. They are in no way intended to be advice in any form. This subject can get quite deep, but let's remember, this is only a blog post. Therefore, summarizing is the key. You can Google this for yourself. There are hundreds of articles written on this. I usually post links, but the links would take pages in this case.
Parents are concerned, and rightfully so. Law enforcement agencies are also involved. Many have special task forces to address these issues specifically. I haven't even touched on how all of this may be the cause of some unfortunate child being sexually abused at home. This is not only one problemed topic. It extends to many other areas of sex.
As adults, the examples we set are not always best for younger generations. In our technically advanced society, why can't we stop this? Is it big money backers that prevent that from happening? Does everything in life revolve around the almighty dollar? Of course, it does. We all know this. Any method where money can be made, someone will be there to try and make it.
IN CLOSING:
The mom from Maryland who requested this topic is, like many, a concerned parent. Has the evolution from generation to generation gotten out of hand? Have we lowered our standards and values that much? During the week, I discussed this topic with another writer friend of mine who is female. She mentioned that sex is the first thing on every man's mind. You know, the worst part is, as a general rule of thumb, she is probably correct. I replied by saying, "it's funny if that's true, because a man may want to sleep with every girl he dates but doesn't want to marry the girl who slept with every guy she dated." Let's face reality. From the age people start experimenting today, the number can get relatively high quickly. Sex is a personal choice—the decision to, or not.
However, as each generation grows and passes, what is acceptable and "normal" will change. It is difficult for parents to keep up to and deal with. Think back to when you were a teenager. How much of what your parents warned you about did you listen to? If you are anything like I was, probably very little. I could go on and on about this topic because there is still so much to say about it, and it branches out into other areas. The bottom line is, AS A PARENT, you MUST take the initiative to learn a bit about technology to exercise such control. Most of us parents, because no matter how old your children get, you are ALWAYS a parent, know this well. We have experienced it. We have watched for the signs as our children were growing up. As they will do as their children grow up. That, too, is the cycle of life.
In this writer's opinion, the largest and most important that must be done is for those we have elected into office to put more pressure on the internet and social media sites to filter out certain types of unacceptable content. NOW! Please do not confuse this with cancel culture and the past censoring we have all seen tale place. Instead, I am referring to the policing of explicit photos and videos posted in a public fashion that anyone at any age can see.
Unless we begin to pull the reins in a bit on our values and morality, I fear how our future generations will evolve and what they will evolve into. Once again, consenting adults have the choice and the right to share between them what they choose, and if consensual, I support that. However, it is what is put in the face of the public for public viewing at any age that I am against. It drives down our values and morals and leads to multiple physical and emotional problems for many. I have always believed that people have the right to follow their preferences. However, do some have the right to allow others to display those preferences for public viewing without proper checks and balances?
Sex is NOT a bad thing. I believe most would say they enjoy it. What is wrong is how it can be frequently portrayed and where. Thank you.
Stay safe and be well,
Caesar Rondina
VIDEO PRODUCTION WORK:
We produce video book trailers, business ads, and speaker introductions.
You can subscribe to receive an email notification when a blog is posted by clicking this link. SUBSCRIBE. We do not share or sell your email.
