Embarrassing or Enjoyable: Human Sexuality Essay

Sex is the basic aspect of human sexuality. Human sexuality refers to the expression of intimacy and sexual impression among human beings. This meaning may vary depending on the environment in which the term is being defined. For example, in biology, it may simply refer to the process of human reproduction while in psychology, it may be used in reference to the expression of man-woman love in its fullness (Hyde, Shibley, and DeLamater). Whatever the case, sex is a natural activity that human beings and all other animals cannot live without. It is a basic need according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs (Peterson, Zoe and Muehlenhard). However, there are some people who view sex as dirty and embarrassing. This paper looks at why some people are embarrassed by the aspect of sex and what can be done to remedy the behavior. Although some people think that sex is dirty and should be hidden, with proper education, they can realize that there is more to it than the perceived embarrassment.

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One reason that makes some people embarrassed about sex is the social and cultural orientation of the individual. In some societies, such as the pre-industrial one, women are treated as property thus sex is not for enjoyment but for recreation to produces heirs (Hyde, Shibley, and DeLamater). Additionally, some cultures, especially those founded on religious orientations, emphasize that sex is not a priority and ought to be strictly private thus is worth hiding. The puritans, for example, sought to instil supposedly Christian values with the aim of controlling the masses (Hyde, Shibley, and DeLamater). The teaching that hard work is the only way of getting anything worthwhile cultivates the concept that sex is not worthy hence should sound dirty and embarrassing. Such sociocultural orientations make some people think that sex is dirty.

The other reason that makes people assume that sex is dirty and worth hiding is having little knowledge about sex thus leading to a dirty mind. A dirty-minded person is one who thinks about anything in an offensive, lewd and indecent way. A dirty-minded person thinks that sex is dirty because they lack adequate knowledge on human sexuality (Peterson, Zoe and Charlene). Due to the inadequate knowledge, the person has a split personality that allows him to have a secret thrill which results from taboo violation, and makes them feel shame and embarrassment whenever the sex topic comes up. Due to these feelings, the person feels that sex is worth hiding.

Another thing that makes some people think that sex is dirty is their childhood experiences. If one had a harrowing sexual experience, such as rape, during their childhood, they are highly likely to think that sex is a dirty affair (Hyde, Shibley, and DeLamater). Sexual assault victims find it difficult to engage even in consensual sex since they find the act dirty, painful and embarrassing (Peterson, Zoe and Muehlenhard). This makes them view sex as dirty and worthy hiding.

Nevertheless, the reasons that some people have for considering sex as a dirty and embarrassing affair should not create the impression that that is the fact. Human sexuality is so individual that every person's journey is unique. With adequate education and awareness, many people will find that consented sex is absolutely enjoyable and beautiful (Peterson, Zoe and Muehlenhard). The fact that it is a natural activity that all adult human beings need ought to be instilled in every person so as to eliminate the negative thoughts that make sex seem dirty. No person should be embarrassed by a natural affair; just like nobody should be embarrassed by the act of eating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that some people think that sex is dirty due to their past experiences, sociocultural orientations, little knowledge and dirty-mindedness. However, these negative thoughts can be eliminated if people are educated and made aware that sex is a natural and basic need that all human beings require. Therefore, sex is neither dirty nor worth hiding.

Works cited

Hyde, Janet Shibley, and John D. DeLamater. Understanding human sexuality. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008.

Peterson, Zoe D., and Charlene L. Muehlenhard. "What is sex and why does it matter? A motivational approach to exploring individuals' definitions of sex." Journal of Sex Research 44.3 (2007): 256-268.