This Tuesday on Nov 9th at 8 p.m. USF introduced a man named Micheal Leahy. Who is he? To be honest throughout the whole presentation. I Yawneddddddd!!! This man yes he is a recovering sex addict but his speech was based on the foundation of a self-centered asshole.
As a speaker, he did captivate his audience with the definition of pornography which I found rather interesting. The definition of pornography is any object or material that sexually stimulates someone. Well he showed a few videos - mainly of women- kissing etc. He said that images that are seen in Real World, True Blood, Sopranos is a way of pornography. My reaction was like Oh Shit!.
His presentation was based on multimedia for about 90 minutes. I don't think you need that much multimedia for that long if you can't speak right. End of Story. The presentation consisted of short video messages and Micheal talking about his addiction to pornography. I do agree with pornography being exposed to pre-teens and teenagers at early age due to the internet, media and word of mouth. I know I was exposed to real world when I was 13. I don't think society is to blame on this or parents. I think people should be allowed to explore but with guidance. Micheal also mentioned that since he had ADHD that correlates to sex addiction. I'm like dude!! Overall, no one missed out of anything. It was a waste of time.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Bisexuality
Bisexuality may be a difficult topic to comprehend. Many of us are taught to look at almost everything in the universe as a duality: male and female, light and dark, hot an cold, moral and immoral, etc. This is also seen with human sexual orientation. Most view it as existing in two forms: heterosexuality and homosexuality. But human sexuality is a little more complex than that. One cannot squeeze the full range of human sexual feelings and behaviors into only two classifications. A minimum of three is really needed to represent human sexual attractions and activities: heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual. Some have suggested a minimum of five.
Most people use the term "sexual orientation" to refer to sexual feelings. Heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual is a part of what people are. Thus, bisexuality is sexual orientation in which an individual feels sexual attraction towards both men and women, although not necessarily to the same degree. This is the meaning given to bisexuality by most mental health professionals, religious liberals, secularists, and persons of minority sexual orientations
Some persons who are sexually attracted to both men and women feel more strongly attracted to one gender than the other. Further, they may identify themselves as homosexual or heterosexual, depending upon their prime attraction. So, a bisexual who feels more attracted to members of the same sex might identify themselves as gay or lesbian rather than bisexual. Others, attracted to members of the opposite sex might view themselves as heterosexual.
Don't judge. You would be surprised who is and who isn't.
Most people use the term "sexual orientation" to refer to sexual feelings. Heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual is a part of what people are. Thus, bisexuality is sexual orientation in which an individual feels sexual attraction towards both men and women, although not necessarily to the same degree. This is the meaning given to bisexuality by most mental health professionals, religious liberals, secularists, and persons of minority sexual orientations
Some persons who are sexually attracted to both men and women feel more strongly attracted to one gender than the other. Further, they may identify themselves as homosexual or heterosexual, depending upon their prime attraction. So, a bisexual who feels more attracted to members of the same sex might identify themselves as gay or lesbian rather than bisexual. Others, attracted to members of the opposite sex might view themselves as heterosexual.
Don't judge. You would be surprised who is and who isn't.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sex Addiction
The term "sexual addiction" is used to describe the behavior of a person who has an unusually intense sex drive or an obsession with sex. Sex and the thought of sex tend to dominate the sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships.
Sex addicts engage in distorted thinking, often rationalizing and justifying their behavior and blaming others for problems. They generally deny they have a problem and make excuses for their actions.
Sexual addiction also is associated with risk-taking. A person with a sex addiction engages in various forms of sexual activity, despite the potential for negative and/or dangerous consequences. In addition to damaging the addict's relationships and interfering with his or her work and social life, a sexual addiction also puts the person at risk for emotional and physical injury.
For some people, the sex addiction progresses to involve illegal activities, such as exhibitionism (exposing oneself in public), making obscene phone calls, or molestation. However, it should be noted that sex addicts do not necessarily become sex offenders.
Behaviors associated with sexual addiction include:
1. Compulsive masturbation (self-stimulation)
2. Multiple affairs (extra-marital affairs)
3. Multiple or anonymous sexual partners and/or one-night stands
4.Consistent use of pornography
5.Unsafe sex
6.Phone or computer sex (cybersex)
7.Prostitution or use of prostitutes
8.Exhibitionism
9.Obsessive dating through personal ads
10.Voyeurism (watching others) and/or stalking
11.Sexual harassment
12.Molestation/rape
Generally, a person with a sex addiction gains little satisfaction from the sexual activity and forms no emotional bond with his or her sex partners. In addition, the problem of sex addiction often leads to feelings of guilt and shame. A sex addict also feels a lack of control over the behavior, despite negative consequences (financial, health, social, and emotional).
This post is a little morbid but if you feel that you are or know someone. Get them help. This is one of the main causes people rape. And we don't want anyone going through that!
Sex addicts engage in distorted thinking, often rationalizing and justifying their behavior and blaming others for problems. They generally deny they have a problem and make excuses for their actions.
Sexual addiction also is associated with risk-taking. A person with a sex addiction engages in various forms of sexual activity, despite the potential for negative and/or dangerous consequences. In addition to damaging the addict's relationships and interfering with his or her work and social life, a sexual addiction also puts the person at risk for emotional and physical injury.
For some people, the sex addiction progresses to involve illegal activities, such as exhibitionism (exposing oneself in public), making obscene phone calls, or molestation. However, it should be noted that sex addicts do not necessarily become sex offenders.
Behaviors associated with sexual addiction include:
1. Compulsive masturbation (self-stimulation)
2. Multiple affairs (extra-marital affairs)
3. Multiple or anonymous sexual partners and/or one-night stands
4.Consistent use of pornography
5.Unsafe sex
6.Phone or computer sex (cybersex)
7.Prostitution or use of prostitutes
8.Exhibitionism
9.Obsessive dating through personal ads
10.Voyeurism (watching others) and/or stalking
11.Sexual harassment
12.Molestation/rape
Generally, a person with a sex addiction gains little satisfaction from the sexual activity and forms no emotional bond with his or her sex partners. In addition, the problem of sex addiction often leads to feelings of guilt and shame. A sex addict also feels a lack of control over the behavior, despite negative consequences (financial, health, social, and emotional).
This post is a little morbid but if you feel that you are or know someone. Get them help. This is one of the main causes people rape. And we don't want anyone going through that!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sesame Street and the Debate Over LGBT Characters on Children's Television
Leave it to Twitter and Facebook to create a firestorm of commentary after Bert of the famed Bert and Ernie duo from Sesame Street tweeted that his hair is more “mo” than “hawk.” The tweet was immediately read as a long-awaited, though encoded, coming out for the seemingly gay PBS puppet.
For those unfamiliar, “mo” is gay slang for “homosexual,” and the reaction to Bert’s was fast and furious. One of those commenting the most was Elton writer Ed Kennedy, who wrote a post back in June further outing Bert and suggesting that the tweet was a clever ploy by producers to give a hat tip to gay pride.
But who is it to blame for their initial excitement at the possibility that a responsible and respected outlet would finally include gay characters on a children’s show? Haven’t we all peeked under the carpet in search of all things gay in the myriad images growing up, all of which disappointed us time and again with straight portrayals?
Plus, anyone who ever watched that episode of Sesame Street a la “The Gift of the Magi,” can’t deny that the ultimate act of sacrifice and tenderness between Bert and Ernie has the emotional brevity of a couple in love. If you’re not familiar with the tale, Bert sold his paper clip collection so he could afford to buy a soap dish for Ernie’s rubber ducky, while Ernie sold his rubber ducky to afford to buy a cigar box for Bert’s paper clip collection. Truly heartbreaking and meaningful ... even if it makes one wonder how much rent costs on Sesame Street that Bert and Ernie couldn’t afford simple pleasures and modest gifts.
Perhaps if Bert and Ernie did come out of the closet it would be too cliché. And maybe then we’d complain about how their relationship was just another example of the desexualization of LGBTQ characters on TV. After all, don’t Bert and Ernie sleep in separate beds in the same room? It would be Will & Grace, muppet-style.
I believe that people should have the right to marry or love anyone that they choose. Some people don't care about the issue, some believe its sinful and others support it. But ask yourself this question: Would my lifestyle change if I saw a gay married couple? I happen to think not.
For those unfamiliar, “mo” is gay slang for “homosexual,” and the reaction to Bert’s was fast and furious. One of those commenting the most was Elton writer Ed Kennedy, who wrote a post back in June further outing Bert and suggesting that the tweet was a clever ploy by producers to give a hat tip to gay pride.
But who is it to blame for their initial excitement at the possibility that a responsible and respected outlet would finally include gay characters on a children’s show? Haven’t we all peeked under the carpet in search of all things gay in the myriad images growing up, all of which disappointed us time and again with straight portrayals?
Plus, anyone who ever watched that episode of Sesame Street a la “The Gift of the Magi,” can’t deny that the ultimate act of sacrifice and tenderness between Bert and Ernie has the emotional brevity of a couple in love. If you’re not familiar with the tale, Bert sold his paper clip collection so he could afford to buy a soap dish for Ernie’s rubber ducky, while Ernie sold his rubber ducky to afford to buy a cigar box for Bert’s paper clip collection. Truly heartbreaking and meaningful ... even if it makes one wonder how much rent costs on Sesame Street that Bert and Ernie couldn’t afford simple pleasures and modest gifts.
Perhaps if Bert and Ernie did come out of the closet it would be too cliché. And maybe then we’d complain about how their relationship was just another example of the desexualization of LGBTQ characters on TV. After all, don’t Bert and Ernie sleep in separate beds in the same room? It would be Will & Grace, muppet-style.
I believe that people should have the right to marry or love anyone that they choose. Some people don't care about the issue, some believe its sinful and others support it. But ask yourself this question: Would my lifestyle change if I saw a gay married couple? I happen to think not.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Transgender, Transexual and Intersexed :-O
What's a Transgender?
Transgender is the state of one's "gender identity" (self-identification as woman, man, neither or both) not matching one's "assigned sex" (identification by others as male, female or intersex based on physical/genetic sex). Transgender does not imply any specific form of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, or asexual; some may consider conventional sexual orientation labels inadequate or inapplicable to them.
While people self-identify as transgender, transgender identity includes many overlapping categories. These include cross-dresser, transvestite, androgynes, genderqueer; people who live cross-gender, drag kings and drag queens; and, frequently, transsexual. Usually not included are transvestic fetishists (because it is considered to be a paraphilia rather than gender identification). In an interview, artist RuPaul talked about society's ambivalence to the differences in the people who embody these terms. "A friend of mine recently did the Oprah show about transgender youth," said RuPaul. "It was obvious that we, as a culture, have a hard time trying to understand the difference between a drag queen, transsexual, and a transgender, yet we find it very easy to know the difference between the American baseball league and the National baseball league, when they are both so similar.
What is a Transexual?
Transsexualism is when an individual identifies with a gender that is different from their biological sex. A medical diagnosis can be made if a person experiences discomfort as a result of a desire to be a member of the opposite sex, or if a person experiences impaired functioning or distress as a result of that gender identification. Transsexualism is stigmatized in many parts of the world but has become more widely known in Western culture in the mid to late 20th century, concurrently with the sexual revolution and the development of sex reassignment surgery.
The word "transsexual" is most often used as an adjective rather than a noun – a "transexual person" rather than simply "a transexual". Transsexual people prefer to be referred to by the gender pronouns and terms associated with their target gender. For example, a transsexual man is a person who was assigned the female sex at birth on the basis of his genitals, but despite that assignment identifies as a man and is transitioning or has transitioned to a male gender role and has or will have a masculine body. Transsexual people are sometimes referred to with "assigned-to-target" sex terms such as "female-to-male" for a transsexual man or "male-to-female" for a transsexual woman.
What is intersexed?
Intersex in humans refers to intermediate or atypical combinations of physical features that usually distinguish female from male. This is usually understood to be congenital, involving chromosomal, morphologic, genital and/or gonadal anomalies, such as diversion from typical XX-female or XY-male presentations; sex reversal (XY-female, XX-male), genital ambiguity, sex developmental differences. An intersex individual may have biological characteristics of both the male and the female sexes.
Some people (whether physically intersex or not) do not identify themselves as either exclusively female or exclusively male. Androgyny is sometimes used to refer to those without gender-specific physical sexual characteristics or sexual preferences or gender identity, or some combination of these. This state may or may not include a mixture or absence of sexual preferences
Transgender is the state of one's "gender identity" (self-identification as woman, man, neither or both) not matching one's "assigned sex" (identification by others as male, female or intersex based on physical/genetic sex). Transgender does not imply any specific form of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, or asexual; some may consider conventional sexual orientation labels inadequate or inapplicable to them.
While people self-identify as transgender, transgender identity includes many overlapping categories. These include cross-dresser, transvestite, androgynes, genderqueer; people who live cross-gender, drag kings and drag queens; and, frequently, transsexual. Usually not included are transvestic fetishists (because it is considered to be a paraphilia rather than gender identification). In an interview, artist RuPaul talked about society's ambivalence to the differences in the people who embody these terms. "A friend of mine recently did the Oprah show about transgender youth," said RuPaul. "It was obvious that we, as a culture, have a hard time trying to understand the difference between a drag queen, transsexual, and a transgender, yet we find it very easy to know the difference between the American baseball league and the National baseball league, when they are both so similar.
What is a Transexual?
Transsexualism is when an individual identifies with a gender that is different from their biological sex. A medical diagnosis can be made if a person experiences discomfort as a result of a desire to be a member of the opposite sex, or if a person experiences impaired functioning or distress as a result of that gender identification. Transsexualism is stigmatized in many parts of the world but has become more widely known in Western culture in the mid to late 20th century, concurrently with the sexual revolution and the development of sex reassignment surgery.
The word "transsexual" is most often used as an adjective rather than a noun – a "transexual person" rather than simply "a transexual". Transsexual people prefer to be referred to by the gender pronouns and terms associated with their target gender. For example, a transsexual man is a person who was assigned the female sex at birth on the basis of his genitals, but despite that assignment identifies as a man and is transitioning or has transitioned to a male gender role and has or will have a masculine body. Transsexual people are sometimes referred to with "assigned-to-target" sex terms such as "female-to-male" for a transsexual man or "male-to-female" for a transsexual woman.
What is intersexed?
Intersex in humans refers to intermediate or atypical combinations of physical features that usually distinguish female from male. This is usually understood to be congenital, involving chromosomal, morphologic, genital and/or gonadal anomalies, such as diversion from typical XX-female or XY-male presentations; sex reversal (XY-female, XX-male), genital ambiguity, sex developmental differences. An intersex individual may have biological characteristics of both the male and the female sexes.
Some people (whether physically intersex or not) do not identify themselves as either exclusively female or exclusively male. Androgyny is sometimes used to refer to those without gender-specific physical sexual characteristics or sexual preferences or gender identity, or some combination of these. This state may or may not include a mixture or absence of sexual preferences
Friday, October 8, 2010
Methods of Contraception
What is Contraception?
Contraception is birth control by the use of devices (diaphragm or intrauterine device or condom) or drugs or surgery. The principle of contraception is to prevent the union of a sperm and a egg cells.
Your choice of a contraceptive method depends on several factors such as efficacy, safety, personal preference, cost and noncontraceptive benefits. The methods are divided into two categories: hormonal contraceptives and nonhormonal contraceptives.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones and there are two types, combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin and mainly work by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. They also thicken the cervical mucus, which helps to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. Progestin-only pills primarily work by thickening the cervical mucus and less often they prevent ovulation. Taking birth control pills daily maintains the level of hormones that is needed to prevent pregnancy.
The NuvaRing is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring releases a low-dose combination of progestin and estrogen to provide month long contraception. The hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and the progestin thickens the cervical mucus, which helps to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. The NuvaRing can be removed for up to 3 hours but if it has been out for more than 3 hours, it should be reinserted and a backup method (such as condoms) should be used until ring has been in for 7 consecutive days.
The IUD is a small T-shaped plastic device. Two types of IUDs are now available in the U.S. The ParaGard IUD contains copper and can be left in place for up to 12 years and the Mirena IUD contains the hormone progestin and can be left in place for up to 5 years. The IUD appears to work primarily by preventing fertilization of the egg. IUDs seem to affect the way the sperm or egg move. The progestin in the Mirena also thickens the cervical mucus. The copper in the ParaGard impairs sperm function.
A health care provider inserts the IUD in the office. Usually there is some cramping with insertion. This method is completely reversible at any time and it is effective immediately after insertion.
The Ortho Evra Patch is a combined estrogen/progestin adhesive patch worn on the skin. The patch is placed in one of four locations-buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or upper outer arm once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a 7-day patch free week. The combination of hormones works by keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and less often by thickening the cervical mucus, which prevents the sperm entering the uterus.
Non Hormonal Methods
The condom, or rubber, is a latex, polyurethane, poluisophrene or natural skin sheath that covers the erect penis and catches semen before it enters the vagina. All kinds of condoms are effective contraceptives. Only latex, polyisophrene or polyurethane condoms, however, can help to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Some people consider it inconvenient to have to interrupt lovemaking to put on a condom before intercourse. Breaking off sexual pleasuring to put on a condom is not necessary, however. Putting on a condom can be incorporated into a couple's sexual activities.
The female condom is a soft, loosely-fitting polyurethane sheath with two flexible polyurethane rings designed to hold the condom in place. One ring at the closed end is inserted into the upper end of the vagina (past the pubic bone) and around the cervix. The second ring forms the external outer edge of the device and remains outside the vagina after insertion. In this way, the outer ring and device material provide some protection to the woman's labia and the base of a male partner's penis. The sheath is coated on the inside with a silicone-based lubricant and additional lubricant is provided with the product. The female condom may be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse, and should be removed shortly after intercourse and before standing up. It should only be used once.
The withdrawal method of birth control, also known as coitus interruptus, involves the man withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. In theory, this prevents sperm from being deposited in the vagina and subsequently fertilizing an ovum. Typically, a couple has penile-vaginal intercourse until the man withdraws his penis from the vagina when ejaculation is impending. The man must rely on his own sense of forthcoming ejaculation in order to practice this method. While some men do have ejaculatory control, others do not which can lead to not practicing this method consistently. Even though ejaculation may not occur in the vagina the release of pre-ejaculate which is typically released just before ejaculation goes unnoticed by the man and the woman. Pre-ejaculate is unlikely to release viable sperm for a single act of intercourse, but may contain STI.
Contraception is birth control by the use of devices (diaphragm or intrauterine device or condom) or drugs or surgery. The principle of contraception is to prevent the union of a sperm and a egg cells.
Your choice of a contraceptive method depends on several factors such as efficacy, safety, personal preference, cost and noncontraceptive benefits. The methods are divided into two categories: hormonal contraceptives and nonhormonal contraceptives.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones and there are two types, combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin and mainly work by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. They also thicken the cervical mucus, which helps to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. Progestin-only pills primarily work by thickening the cervical mucus and less often they prevent ovulation. Taking birth control pills daily maintains the level of hormones that is needed to prevent pregnancy.
The NuvaRing is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring releases a low-dose combination of progestin and estrogen to provide month long contraception. The hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and the progestin thickens the cervical mucus, which helps to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. The NuvaRing can be removed for up to 3 hours but if it has been out for more than 3 hours, it should be reinserted and a backup method (such as condoms) should be used until ring has been in for 7 consecutive days.
The IUD is a small T-shaped plastic device. Two types of IUDs are now available in the U.S. The ParaGard IUD contains copper and can be left in place for up to 12 years and the Mirena IUD contains the hormone progestin and can be left in place for up to 5 years. The IUD appears to work primarily by preventing fertilization of the egg. IUDs seem to affect the way the sperm or egg move. The progestin in the Mirena also thickens the cervical mucus. The copper in the ParaGard impairs sperm function.
A health care provider inserts the IUD in the office. Usually there is some cramping with insertion. This method is completely reversible at any time and it is effective immediately after insertion.
The Ortho Evra Patch is a combined estrogen/progestin adhesive patch worn on the skin. The patch is placed in one of four locations-buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or upper outer arm once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a 7-day patch free week. The combination of hormones works by keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and less often by thickening the cervical mucus, which prevents the sperm entering the uterus.
Non Hormonal Methods
The condom, or rubber, is a latex, polyurethane, poluisophrene or natural skin sheath that covers the erect penis and catches semen before it enters the vagina. All kinds of condoms are effective contraceptives. Only latex, polyisophrene or polyurethane condoms, however, can help to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Some people consider it inconvenient to have to interrupt lovemaking to put on a condom before intercourse. Breaking off sexual pleasuring to put on a condom is not necessary, however. Putting on a condom can be incorporated into a couple's sexual activities.
The female condom is a soft, loosely-fitting polyurethane sheath with two flexible polyurethane rings designed to hold the condom in place. One ring at the closed end is inserted into the upper end of the vagina (past the pubic bone) and around the cervix. The second ring forms the external outer edge of the device and remains outside the vagina after insertion. In this way, the outer ring and device material provide some protection to the woman's labia and the base of a male partner's penis. The sheath is coated on the inside with a silicone-based lubricant and additional lubricant is provided with the product. The female condom may be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse, and should be removed shortly after intercourse and before standing up. It should only be used once.
The withdrawal method of birth control, also known as coitus interruptus, involves the man withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. In theory, this prevents sperm from being deposited in the vagina and subsequently fertilizing an ovum. Typically, a couple has penile-vaginal intercourse until the man withdraws his penis from the vagina when ejaculation is impending. The man must rely on his own sense of forthcoming ejaculation in order to practice this method. While some men do have ejaculatory control, others do not which can lead to not practicing this method consistently. Even though ejaculation may not occur in the vagina the release of pre-ejaculate which is typically released just before ejaculation goes unnoticed by the man and the woman. Pre-ejaculate is unlikely to release viable sperm for a single act of intercourse, but may contain STI.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sex in various cultures
India
India played a significant role in the history of sex, from writing one of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science, to in modern times being the origin of the philosophical focus of new-age groups' attitudes on sex. It may be argued that India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. As in many societies, there was a difference in sexual practices in India between common people and powerful rulers, with people in power often indulging in hedonistic lifestyles that were not representative of common moral attitudes.
India played a significant role in the history of sex, from writing one of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science, to in modern times being the origin of the philosophical focus of new-age groups' attitudes on sex. It may be argued that India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. As in many societies, there was a difference in sexual practices in India between common people and powerful rulers, with people in power often indulging in hedonistic lifestyles that were not representative of common moral attitudes.
The most publicly known sexual literature of India are the texts of the Kama Sutra. These texts were written for and kept by the philosopher, warrior and nobility castes, their servants and concubines, and those in certain religious orders. These were people that could also read and write and had instruction and education. The sixty four arts of love-passion-pleasure began in India. There are many different versions of the arts which began in Sanskrit and were translated into other languages, such as Persian or Tibetan. Many of the original texts are missing and the only clue to their existence is in other texts.
When the Islamic and Victorian English culture arrived in India, they generally had an adverse impact on sexual liberalism in India. Within the context of the Indian religions, or dharmas, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, sex is generally either seen as a moral duty of each partner in a long term marriage relationship to the other, or is seen as a desire which hinders spiritual detachment, and so must be renounced.
Mesopotamia
Matriarchy was practiced in the earlier period of Mesopotamian civilization. The Mesopotamian society practiced sexual openness. In ancient Mesopotamia, Ishtar was the primary Goddess of life, men and women, nature and fertility, sex, sexual power and birth. Ishtar was also the goddess of war and weapons and any victory was celebrated in her temples with offerings of produce and money as well as through a feast and orgy of sex and fornication with holy temple prostitutes. Every woman was required, at least once in her lifetime, usually after she was married, to go to the Temple of Ishtar. She waited there till any stranger came and threw silver in her lap. Then she left the temple and had sex with the stranger, after which she could return home. She was not allowed to refuse the first stranger.
China
China has had a long history of sexism, with even moral leaders such as Confucius giving extremely pejorative accounts of the innate characteristics of women. From early times, the virginity of women was rigidly enforced by family and community and linked to the monetary value of women as a kind of commodity (the "sale" of women involving the delivery of a bride price). Men were protected in their own sexual adventures by a transparent double standard. While the first wife of a man with any kind of social status in traditional society was almost certainly chosen for him by his father and/or grandfather, the same man might later secure for himself more desirable sexual partners with the status of concubines. In addition, bondservants in his possession could also be sexually available to him. Naturally, not all men had the financial resources to so greatly indulge themselves.
India played a significant role in the history of sex, from writing one of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science, to in modern times being the origin of the philosophical focus of new-age groups' attitudes on sex. It may be argued that India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. As in many societies, there was a difference in sexual practices in India between common people and powerful rulers, with people in power often indulging in hedonistic lifestyles that were not representative of common moral attitudes.
India played a significant role in the history of sex, from writing one of the first literature that treated sexual intercourse as a science, to in modern times being the origin of the philosophical focus of new-age groups' attitudes on sex. It may be argued that India pioneered the use of sexual education through art and literature. As in many societies, there was a difference in sexual practices in India between common people and powerful rulers, with people in power often indulging in hedonistic lifestyles that were not representative of common moral attitudes.
The most publicly known sexual literature of India are the texts of the Kama Sutra. These texts were written for and kept by the philosopher, warrior and nobility castes, their servants and concubines, and those in certain religious orders. These were people that could also read and write and had instruction and education. The sixty four arts of love-passion-pleasure began in India. There are many different versions of the arts which began in Sanskrit and were translated into other languages, such as Persian or Tibetan. Many of the original texts are missing and the only clue to their existence is in other texts.
When the Islamic and Victorian English culture arrived in India, they generally had an adverse impact on sexual liberalism in India. Within the context of the Indian religions, or dharmas, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, sex is generally either seen as a moral duty of each partner in a long term marriage relationship to the other, or is seen as a desire which hinders spiritual detachment, and so must be renounced.
Mesopotamia
Matriarchy was practiced in the earlier period of Mesopotamian civilization. The Mesopotamian society practiced sexual openness. In ancient Mesopotamia, Ishtar was the primary Goddess of life, men and women, nature and fertility, sex, sexual power and birth. Ishtar was also the goddess of war and weapons and any victory was celebrated in her temples with offerings of produce and money as well as through a feast and orgy of sex and fornication with holy temple prostitutes. Every woman was required, at least once in her lifetime, usually after she was married, to go to the Temple of Ishtar. She waited there till any stranger came and threw silver in her lap. Then she left the temple and had sex with the stranger, after which she could return home. She was not allowed to refuse the first stranger.
China
China has had a long history of sexism, with even moral leaders such as Confucius giving extremely pejorative accounts of the innate characteristics of women. From early times, the virginity of women was rigidly enforced by family and community and linked to the monetary value of women as a kind of commodity (the "sale" of women involving the delivery of a bride price). Men were protected in their own sexual adventures by a transparent double standard. While the first wife of a man with any kind of social status in traditional society was almost certainly chosen for him by his father and/or grandfather, the same man might later secure for himself more desirable sexual partners with the status of concubines. In addition, bondservants in his possession could also be sexually available to him. Naturally, not all men had the financial resources to so greatly indulge themselves.
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