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Sexuality--what is the big deal?

Article Excerpt
Both culturally and individually, sexuality is a very powerful aspect of the human experience. When we say 'sexuality' here, we are not only referring to the act of genital sex, but also the cultural, social and political norms surrounding who is an appropriate object for sexual desire. For example, the fact that marriage is the only socially legitimate space for sex in many of our communities is an issue related to sexuality. This is an especially challenging norm, since human sexuality and sexual expression is actually much broader than the institution of marriage allows. 'Sexuality' also encompasses the ways that we express sexual desire, including who we choose to be with, what gives us pleasure and how. The power of sexuality lies, not surprisingly, in the silences that surround it. Sexuality is everywhere, a part of every person's life, as common as the use of any of the five senses, and yet, the silences prevail. The taboos on discussing sexuality are in some ways the products of two opposing forces: pleasure and vulnerability. Together, these forces create a distinct silence and social fear of sexuality itself.

Pleasure, while clearly a positive aspect of sexuality, is a source of fear mainly because it has not...

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