Human Sexuality
This article is a discussion board on human sexuality. The focus will be based on the different words as used in describing human sexuality. Throughout research, there are misinterpretations, unanswered questions, and aspects of this area that have are yet to be understood (Lecture notes p 3). Some of these terminologies include female anatomy, male anatomy, sexual functions, and sexual behaviors.
While young, some of the words used in describing female anatomy did not go well with me. Such terminologies like the vagina and clitoris left me wondering whether it was proper for one to mention them in presence of others. On the other hand, the male anatomy was equally another difficult topic to talk freely due to such terms like the penis and the scrotum. Due to this, the sexual function of each was very hard to discuss. However, as I became sexually active I became very adamant in discussing sexuality issues and as a result, communication declined (Greenberg, Bruess and Conklin, 2011, pg 76).
Given that these terminologies are somehow embarrassing when mentioning them, new vocabularies have emerged with time. For instance, instead of ‘sex’, the term ‘coitus’ is more comfortable. The reason why this has changed over time is because of the simple fact that sex is a topic that will always be with us daily. On the other hand, instead of vagina’, I prefer ‘birth canal passage’ as it sounds more comfortable. As time goes by, the society is experiencing transition and some of these vocabularies may no longer be used.
The change of these sex terminologies have been widely influenced by the society, which does not openly address the issues emanating from human sexuality. Due to this, those terminologies that are not socially accepted have been replaced with new vocabularies.In the same breadth, it feels comfortable while addressing respectable people like parents about the same topic. In the contemporary society, children find it difficult to talk to their parents about sexuality issues. With the coming of new vocabularies, this ahs become possible.
In many researches which have been done in the past, many parents find it difficult to talk about sex owing to the past generation which was against this. On the other hand, while talking to friends, it is a different case. Friends can comfortably discuss how they feel while may be making love or any other sexual behavior like kissing, fondling among others. Similarly, in a situation where one has fallen in love with another person, one can comfortably declare interest while with friends. On the other hand, it might be different when it comes to parents.
While discussing sexuality matters with children, it is advisable to use socially acceptable vocabularies. In the current world, sex is a topic socially accepted to be talked about. Instead of saying ‘penile-vaginal intercourse’ while talking to school going children, a term like ‘sexual relations’ may sound a bit appropriate (Greenberg, Bruess and Conklin, 2011, pg 72). Although some of these words may not have an equivalent meaning but they make one comfortable while talking to children. A term like ‘vagina’ would be better if placed with ‘birth canal’. However, it would be good to assume that sexuality is a simple topic as old as human being is.
The reason behind using these terms is that they make it easier for one to talk about sexuality without necessarily having to shy off in front of children.In conclusion, it is evident that so many vocabularies have been introduced over time in the society today, all meant to address sexuality issues. However, some individuals are prevented from communicating openly about sexuality and once they are exposed to it they feel guilty (Greenberg, Bruess and Conklin, 2011, pg 75). Unlike in the ancient times, sexuality is a topic that many are openly discussing now days. The same has equally been included as a topic in almost all schools in the world.
If you thought you have heard all vocabularies in sexuality, prepare to be surprised (Lecture notes p 2).
