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Diana Rodriguez

In Thinking Sex: Notes For a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality, Gayle Rubin explains that in The United States many people see sexuality as immorality, corrupted and as a negative behavior. People were afraid of sex, which contributed to create many taboos and negative attitudes against sex. The sexual behavior is defined within the religious framework and social, all behavior out of it is considered as immoral or sinful. It is normal that at a young age we feel curiosity about our body and begin to know and explore it, but government categorized sex as dangerous and damaging, especially for youth, creating in the parents the idea that this measure would protect their children.

Another assumption is based on the Christian traditions. Sex is pardoned only between married couples and as long as it is done with love and with the intention of procreating. Enjoy this act is prohibited and it is considered a sin. Obviously homosexuality, fornication and premarital sex were prohibited. Having sexual attraction, masturbate or explore their body or sexuality was considered as a sinful behavior. There was a “radical theory of sex” where government created several laws in order to control people’s sexuality in every way.

Rubin used diagrams to illustrate some of her arguments. These diagrams explain the concrete divisions between what is allowed and what is condemned within sexual practice. As a result of this continuing sex negativity, groups that fall outside “the normal group” of sexuality are the most persecuted in society. I agree with Rubin when she points out that sex between two consenting individuals should be no concern of the government. There are many things that should be changed and it is important do not confuse the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality. We have to be confortable with our sexuality and change some standards of what is good or wrong.