The History of Sexuality in America: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Sexuality: Nature or Nurture

By: Mary Daugherty

Although I don’t personally believe that it matters whether or not a person is born gay or can “turn” gay, this is still a topic that I was interested in learning more about, especially since it has become such a huge debate in the Unites States.

Homosexuality was officially taken off of the list of mental disorders in the 70s, and scientists are still researching whether or not an identifiable gene can cause one to be gay. Testing for a “gay” gene first began in 1957[1]. This testing began by seeing if homosexuality was at all linked to psychological development. The intelligence, and education level were compared between homosexual and heterosexual individuals of the same age. The two groups were given three different tests, which resulted in both groups receiving similar scores. This information was taken to mean that sexuality is not influenced by environmental factors[1].

Many other tests have been done on this in the past, with the majority of them supporting the idea that sexuality is mainly based on nature.

Research has shown that people who are homosexual have brains that look different from people who are straight. It was found that the hypothalamus of a homosexual man’s brain was significantly smaller than the hypothalamus of a heterosexual mans brain[2]. However, this information does not prove that being gay in inherently genetic. It shows that there could be some genetic factors, but the difference in size of the hypothalamus could also be caused by environmental factors.

There has also been research done that has proved that a persons sexuality can also be influenced by their environment as well. It is human nature that, when you are exposed to something more often, the higher the chances are that you will see this as normal. If you take this information in regards to sexuality, children who are exposed to other gay people are more likely to be accepting of this behavior and even to participate in it themselves[2].

Overall I think that sexuality is a mix of both genetic and environmental factors. I think that there is enough proof to show that a person’s genes can influence sexuality. However, I think that if a person grows up in an environment where they are exposed to homosexuality frequently, they could be more likely to be gay themselves. In the beginning, when being gay was seen as a disease, a lot of the research pointed towards it being genetic, but now, as it is becoming more accepted, people are realizing that there are environmental factors that go along with it as well. [1]

[1] "Sexuality: The Nature vs Nurture Debate." - Mibba. N.p., Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. http://www.mibba.com/Articles/Science/6516/Sexuality-The-Nature-vs-Nurture-debate/

²Cornuelle, Kimberly. "BU Today." BU Today RSS. N.p., 16 Nov. 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. http://www.bu.edu/today/2010/nature-vs-nurture-the-biology-of-sexuality/

Condoms in the Making
Bethany Cooper

We all are suggested to use them, most of us are very acquainted with them. Some see them as a savior, others see them as a barrier. Are they efficient, or is human error giving them a bad name? The growing development of condoms has left society with much controversy that is still unresolved to this day. But where did these strange contraptions come from? Research shows that condoms can be traced back all the way to 11000 B.C.![1] Some think condoms have always been as convenient as they are today but the truth of the matter is, condoms have come a long way! Condom use blew up after syphilis was on the rise in the 1500s.2 Although many see condoms as a new idea, they have evolved throughout history just like other common products. And even though condoms today are manufactured, condoms used to be home made. The oldest condom still in existence today is from 1640 and consists of pig intestine and could be reused.3

But the composition of condoms isn’t the only aspect that has changed. Condom usage was originally put hand in hand with prevention of venereal disease.2 Today I believe it is more typical for condoms to be used as a birth control in comparison to preventing disease. The motive of condom usage varies from scenario to scenario. Using condoms also can depend on how close and committed one couple is. Some find condoms as a hindrance to the way sex feels. Others see the pleasure of sex as less of a priority. But the risk could be huge depending on the situation at hand. Although, one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for condom usage. Condoms were expensive and uncommon at first but they eventually “upgraded” to vulcanized rubber.3 I believe condoms are vital when one has multiple sex partners and wants to prevent pregnancy. They are an efficient method that, if used properly, can help prevent certain unwanted situations. However, one shouldn’t rely solely on a condom for these needs, as they are not 100% effective. But it is truly amazing to see how far condoms have come and the way they have evolved throughout history. Today condoms can be found in many colors, flavors, textures, and materials.1 Who would have thought condoms could have such a variety? It definitely leaves us wondering what the future market holds involving condoms sales and usage.

[1] Escobar, Samantha. The Condom Timeline: A Detailed History of Wrapping it Up. http://www.yourtango.com/2013189729/condom-timeline-detailed-history-wrapping-it (accessed March 20, 2014).

2 "Case Western Reserve University." (online forum message). Highlights of the Percy Skuy History of Contraception Gallery. http://www.case.edu/affil/skuyhistcontraception/online-2012/19thCentury.html (accessed March 20, 2014).

3 Crystal, Moore. "Sexuality Within The Victorian Family."

The Impact of Media on Sexuality

The impact of media on sexuality

In researching media's impact on sexuality as well as my prior knowledge on this topic, I believe that media has a significant effect on sexuality. Not only have I learn about important effects media had on sexuality in the class, but in today’s society, it is most prevalent based on mere media observation. I think this topic could go in many directions but I wanted to keep my focus on what the true definition of sexuality is and then go from there. Basically, sexuality is a quality or state of being sexual. This has been the definition of sexuality for centuries, but the views of what is morally right or wrong about sexuality and how it is advertised has changed drastically over time.

I remember touching briefly on some effects media had on sexuality in class. Dating all the way back to the late 1800s, contraception was advertised through newspapers causing major decreases in birth rates and eventually outlawed from being advertised due to such decreases.[1] This is a perfect example of how contraception and sexuality were being advertised to the public and easily accessible. We also learned that pornography really started to develop in the 19^th century on paintings depicting sexual intercourse between a man and woman. While sexuality was growing through the media, it started to change intercourse and how people perceived it. Sex seemed perfect in advertisements and easy to do if you had the right protection and what not. Over time, media started back up advertising about contraception, then porn, and eventually sexual messages through movies, lyrics, television and behavior.

In today’s society, sexuality is advertised literally everywhere you look. A study has shown that American adolescence spend more than 38 hours a week using some form of media.[2] It’s also interesting to know that adolescents view nearly 14000 sexual references per year. These sexually suggestive advertisements, either in music, movies, or magazines, influence adolescence sexual attitudes, values, and beliefs. And when questioning what kind of advertisements portrays sexuality in them, you may be surprised. Sexual imagery and sex itself is used when selling fast food, shampoo, candy, hotel rooms and more. Incredibly, people still blame the people themselves when they have become sexually active so young and not once looked at the media.[3] Porn on the other hand has spun out of control. Anyone has access to it and in just a few clicks of a button. Porn availability has evolved into very disturbing exposure that no young person, or anyone in my opinion, should be watching. Having access to such media of sexuality has resulted in unhealthy pregnancies and relationships along with morals and beliefs that are unhealthy as well.

On another note, media has been affective in promoting family-planning clinics and certain help when it comes to birth control and other sexuality education. [4]Not all Medias' impact on sexuality has been bad. It has created awareness among many people, receiving many positive comments via broadcasted messages about sexuality that have impacted lives in an informative way. It appears media should take more of a proactive role to promote and encourage methods to avoid STDs and prevent unplanned pregnancies. I believe media is slowly but surely moving in this direction. As media starts promoting these healthier and more responsible ways to approach sexuality, today’s society will have a greater percentage of wanted pregnancies and an improvement movement toward overall health and values and beliefs that people should have in regards to sexuality.

[1] Moore, Crystal. “Within the family” PowerPoint. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, March 18^th 2014.

[2] Committee of Public Education. "Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media." Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media. N.p., 30 Aug. 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

[3] Committee of Public Education. "Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media." Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media. N.p., 30 Aug. 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

[4] Committee of Public Education. "Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media." Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media. N.p., 30 Aug. 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

History of Mormonism and their Sexuality

Matthew Cline

One of the many things that have always made me curious is the Mormon religion. After going over some of their beliefs in class it only reminded me of my curiosity of the seemingly strange religion. Of the many interesting things about this belief system is the role that sexuality plays in their everyday life. I also want to give a brief history on the religion itself as to hopefully give a better understanding of why they believe some of the things that they do. The Mormon Church was established on April 6^th in 1830. It was founded by Joseph Smith in Fayette Township, New York.¹ The churches’ doctrine states that the angel Moroni gave Joseph Smith golden tablets and instructed him on how to translate them so that they will eventually turn into The Book of Mormon.²

After Joseph Smith was through with deciphering the golden plates and had already published The Book of Mormon the angel Moroni visited him again to receive the plate’s back.²

People of the Mormon faith share many of the same beliefs that many of religions teach. One aspect that does differ from most other religions is the role of sex and sexuality in a traditional Mormon household. Even though it is not practiced anymore the Mormons believe that “The law of God allows and provides for polygamy.”³ The Mormon faith teaches that there are two types of sex. One is Proper Sex, this can only exist inside that of a marriage bond.³then there is improper sex which includes: adultery, any type of fornication before having a marriage bond, and sodomy as it was deemed unnatural.³ In terms of severity of sin any type of sin that is related to sexuality carries a heavy price if committed. The Mormons also believe that there is two types of marriage, there is Spiritual Marriage which is sanctioned by god and is the higher form of marriage.³ then there is temporal marriage which is civil and sanctioned by man.³ Sex in the Mormon faith is to have the purpose of procreating and the pleasure aspect is almost not thought of.³I recently had the honor and opportunity to see The Book of Mormon the musical. After watching this very satirical play and then doing my research I can see how some of the beliefs of the Church of the Latter-day Saints. Many aspects of the churches doctrine of abstract to say the least, however in terms of sexuality and the role of sex it doesn’t differ that much from many traditional teachings of other more popular religions.

1. “Mormon Church established,” The History Channel website, http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/mormon-church-established (accessed Mar 31, 2014).

2. Let us Reason Ministries, "Early History of the Mormon Church." Last modified 03 31, 2014. Accessed March 31, 2014. http://www.letusreason.org/lds12.htm.

3. West, Samuel E. LDS, " SEX The GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY ." Last modified 03 31, 2014. Accessed March 31, 2014. http://www.mormonbeliefs.com/marriage,_sex,_adultery,_homosexuality.htm.

The Shaker Community

The Shaker Community
By Ryan Carpenter

The Shaker community is one of the Utopian Communities that was formed after the Second Great Awakening. These Communities varied greatly in their beliefs, but they all wanted to create an ideal society in which to live [1]. The Shaker Community was founded in 1770 by Ann Lee in England and it was originally called The United Society of Believers. Prior to founding the community, Lee was a part of the Shaking Quakers which were known to dance and speak in tongues. Lee had four children which all died as infants and after the fourth one died, she had a vision which said that all sexual intercourse was evil. She also began to believe that all things including God had a male and female part and her following thought of her as the second appearance of Christ. [2]. After losing four babies, it's not hard to understand how she might start to think all sex is wrong while suffering from her losses. However, it is surprising how fast others seemed to start following her beliefs once she created the Shakers.

In 1774, Mother Ann and 8 followers went to New York from Liverpool where they kept a low profile for a few years, but it didn't stay that way. Many people became curious about the Shakers and tried to learn more about them. This brought more followers to the community, but it also brought persecution which led to the deaths of three leaders of the community including Mother Ann. Despite the persecution, the Shakers managed to expand to 18 different locations in the North East.

Location map of Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community

One of these locations is Sabbathday Lake. Sabbathday was one of the smaller and poorer of the locations and was even nicknamed "The least of Mother's children in the east." Through the struggle of paying off debts and trying to live, Sabathday Lake managed to survive and is the only active Shaker Community today. You can even go visit the community through http://www.shaker.lib.me.us/index.html [3]. I found it really surprising that the Shakers managed to survive this long considering celibacy is one of their main beliefs.

One possible reason Sabbathday managed to survive longest could be because you only need a few members to maintain it. Having celibacy as a core principle means that they can't grow the group on their own and they will get very few new members. With a large community, this could cause a large decrease in members as some of them begin to die which leads to a community the remaining members can't maintain. With only a few members in the community, you don't need many new followers to counteract the older followers dying.

[1] National Parks Service, "Utopias in America." Accessed March 31, 2014. http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/amana/utopia.htm.

[2] Hogan, Kathleen. American Studies, "The Shakers." Accessed March 31, 2014. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/hns/cities/shakers.html.

[3] Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, "About the Community." Accessed March 31, 2014. http://www.shaker.lib.me.us/about.html.

History of Strip Clubs by Dominique Cotton

[3]

I think majority of the people in America know what a strip club or stripper are. If you do not know what a strip club, stripper or the purpose behind them are here is a brief lesson. A strip club is basically a club for strippers to strip. You have regular clubs where teenagers and adults go and party with their friends. Then you have strip clubs where adults and teenagers go to watch strippers. There are Male strippers ideally for women and female strippers ideally for men. Now a day there is a mixture of everybody at these strip clubs. Men and women go to these clubs for enjoyment or other activities that are done behind closed doors and if you do not know what “other” activities I’m talking about I think you are to young to be reading this and should go watch some cartoons J. Once you arrive there you will see a stage, pole, bar and women walking around half or fully naked. Their job is to get you to tip them.

The real question is do the people in American know the history of strip clubs? Do they know that modern day strippers were called ballerinas back in the day? Striptease now known as a strip show was known to be romantic and passionate. Y’all are probably asking how in the world is a strip show romantic? Well because they had class back in the day, they made the people in the audience go into a dazed admiring them. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that now these strippers don’t have class but at a modern day strip club there is nothing classy about a naked girl sliding down the pole with her legs wide open or participating in extra activities in a private room in the back of the club. [1]

As we get closer to the 1840s we establish what we know as clubs called concert saloons. These were geared more toward the women who like to undress in front of men. Plus, it was a better way to distinguish itself from the regular saloons, so like a regular club vs. a strip club. They had the light up silhouettes of women hanging over the doors and on the inside it was nasty which is typical. They had bars and women walking about serving drinks and they sold food. There was a stage where women would put on a show. I guess the major difference is they had a revolving stage and of course the waiters wore knee length skirts, very sexy right?[2]

[1] Rachel Shteir. Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2004)

[2] Rachel Shteir. Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2004)

[3] Anton. “Strip club”. antonemdin.com. March 31, 2014.