Capstone - Media Portrayal of Sexuality
• What are the effects of the media’s portrayal of sexuality on adolescents’ sexual lives? • What are some negative and some positive effects of the media’s portrayal of sexuality? • How has the media’s portrayal of sexuality affected your life?
Media has changed the sexuality of everyone. Media like television has brought sexuality out in the open and this can be either a good or bad in our society. While media shows graphic sexuality, it also shows the risks. There should be laws set in place as to what can and cannot be shown. The MPAA (Motion Picture Association) made a rating system and I think it does work when the parent is involved. I would think the rating would perk the curiosity of an adolescent and they might get the wrong message. Today there are more and more sexual themed television shows catering around the adolescent. Television is pushing the envelope on what it can get away with. Media tends to glorify sexual behavior in television and movies. This can create a promiscuous behavior in adolescents and adults alike. The child gets the wrong message and sees this as a way into the in crowd. Television and movies that show the consequences of sex are doing a good job in my opinion. This teaches the child and young adult that there are consequences and they can plan for a safer sexual practice. I cannot stress enough that the main teacher of sexuality and morals in general should come from the parents. This is hard with both parents working. Take the time out to listen and talk with your children about protection. The media shows this sometimes but does not go into depth. The media is a powerful tool and can be used for good and bad. There should be more educational programming for adolescent children.
I feel that the media has opened my eyes to sexuality sooner than it should have. I remember watching Wonder Woman and