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Sex on TV--Making an Impact on Us?

Author: Sara Jamison

Published on: March 1, 1999

Sex. Back when my parents were kids, this word was kept on the "down low." Nothing much was said about it until a person was an adult, and even then it was kept most private. It wasn't discussed out in the open as it is now. So what changed?

The problem-starter is television. Yup, the trusty electronic box you come home to everyday and plop in front of for some great prime-time sitcoms in the evening. But most of the programs aren't made for your eyes and ears. But to us, everything we see on television is normal. Common-place. Typical.

Even shows that are made for us teens can be a little too racy when it comes to sex. Take, for example, Dawson's Creek. An innocent teen show, correct? Wrong. According to John Leo, author of the article "Raging Hormones on TV," "In the three episodes...nobody is interested in hobbies, learning, sports, politics, religion, social life...A high interest in sex at age 15 is hardly unusual, but this is obsessive--the four main characters rarely talk about anything else."

Television seems to be exaggerating sexual relationships, and it's talked about more openly now then ever before.

"Five years ago, there was an uproar when a young character on CBS's short-lived 'Uncle Buck' yelled, 'You suck!'" wrote Thomas Johnson in his USA Today article, "The Decline of Television's Family Hour." "Today, that retort would not even raise an eyebrow."

And boy, is he ever right!

In the book "Sex in America," half of American's have had three or fewer sex partners during their lifetime. Now go watch a sitcom. Difference? Yup. As Thomas Johnson states, "...TV characters seem to be friskier than their real-life counterparts." Once again, sex is glorified on television. Cased closed.

All shows now have a rating system. But do YOU ever pay attention to them? If so, does it affect your decision of watching the show? They definitely don't change my mind. Some parents do, though, which may affect your viewing habits, but when you're alone and channel surfing, do those tiny boxes in the upper-lefthand corner change your mind?

So what's your view? Do you think sex is glorified on television? Does sex on television make you feel pressured? Go ahead and start a discussion, get some chitchat going on this subject, and I'll keep you updated on any more information I hear.