Much like you. And everyone else.
One of mine is a vast discomfort with sexual expression or language. Yes, I believe that a certain level of sexual language is inappropriate and unprofessional and I stand by that--however, any mention of anything remotely sexual in everyday conversation makes me squirm.
But I recognize that sexuality, in all its forms, is a integral aspect of the human experience.
The other day during a diversity activity*, the question was asked: "Please step into the circle if you have ever questioned your sexual orientation."
I alone stepped forward.
Sixteen people remained behind. And honestly, I didn't buy it. Who in this world hasn't had that conversation with themselves?--even if it scared them or made them angry, even if they shut it down almost immediately. By the age of 18, I believe that though everyone may not have become fully self-aware in regards to sexuality, they have certainly wondered about their own and perhaps experimented with their own thoughts and feelings.
However, I totally understand that an inner dialogue about sexuality is a personal experience and may not be one that every person is okay with sharing. But this brings me to my question:
What kind of fucked up world do we live in that people are comfortable making jokes about sex, sexuality and rape, yet cannot have a serious discussion about these things in a pre-determined safe space?
It's not fair. And it makes me sad.
And uncomfortable. You know.
_______________________________________
*If you want to read more about this, one of the students who I led in the activity wrote about it in her blog. She is amazing and brilliant and eternally more talented than I.
(Also she named me Jessica in the post--which is not accurate, but I appreciate the whole protection-y sentiment behind it.)
One of mine is a vast discomfort with sexual expression or language. Yes, I believe that a certain level of sexual language is inappropriate and unprofessional and I stand by that--however, any mention of anything remotely sexual in everyday conversation makes me squirm.
But I recognize that sexuality, in all its forms, is a integral aspect of the human experience.
The other day during a diversity activity*, the question was asked: "Please step into the circle if you have ever questioned your sexual orientation."
I alone stepped forward.
Sixteen people remained behind. And honestly, I didn't buy it. Who in this world hasn't had that conversation with themselves?--even if it scared them or made them angry, even if they shut it down almost immediately. By the age of 18, I believe that though everyone may not have become fully self-aware in regards to sexuality, they have certainly wondered about their own and perhaps experimented with their own thoughts and feelings.
However, I totally understand that an inner dialogue about sexuality is a personal experience and may not be one that every person is okay with sharing. But this brings me to my question:
What kind of fucked up world do we live in that people are comfortable making jokes about sex, sexuality and rape, yet cannot have a serious discussion about these things in a pre-determined safe space?
It's not fair. And it makes me sad.
And uncomfortable. You know.
_______________________________________
*If you want to read more about this, one of the students who I led in the activity wrote about it in her blog. She is amazing and brilliant and eternally more talented than I.
(Also she named me Jessica in the post--which is not accurate, but I appreciate the whole protection-y sentiment behind it.)
No comments:
Post a Comment