Sexuality

Sexuality is commonly defined as “the ways people experience and express themselves
as sexual beings.”

A central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses:

• Sex
• Gender identities and roles
• Sexual orientation
• Eroticism
• Pleasure
• Intimacy
• Reproduction

View About Sexuality

Our view about sexuality is heavily affected by education, occupation, income,

economics, law, politics, history, media, society, culture, and religion.

Sexual Health
Sex education is NOT to promote sexual intercourse but to promote good sexual health
and safety from sexual violence.

Sex

Sex refers to a person’s characterization as female or male at birth, typically based on

the appearance of external genitalia or other biological characteristics including
chromosome.

Gender

Gender refers to social characteristics that may be [or may not be] aligned with a
person’s sex and adopted by an individual as their gender identity.

Sexual Awareness

It’s natural for everyone to become more sexually aware, but it doesn’t mean you are
ready to have sex.

Puberty
Puberty is the one to three-year process of hormonal and physical change that causes
the young person to reach sexual maturity, girls usually entering it about a year [or two]
earlier than boys.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Secondary sex characteristics are traits that differ between the two sexes but are not
part of the reproductive system; they include breasts in females and facial hair in males.

The emotional region of the brain develops maturity ahead of the part controlling the
rational thought.

Thought to Ponder On

Since most teenagers are not oriented on the drastic transformations and temporary
emotional takeover, what usually does this result to? All adults have gone through
puberty but not all adults have gone through proper sex education.

Erogenous Zones

Information on erogenous zones are relevant and are beneficial not only for sexual
excitement but also for protection against sexual violence.
When the erogenous zones are touched, there is an expected automatic sensation.
However, the quality of the sensation depends on who and how the zones are being
touched.

Thought to Ponder On

We all need to be aware of the importance of how to take care of ourselves, protect
ourselves, our loved ones, and the young children from the reality that we are still
working on eradicating: sexual violence.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is defined as any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted
sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s
sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in
any setting, including but not limited to home and work.

Forms and contexts of sexual violence happening around the world:

• In our own ways, we can prevent sexual violence.

• Be aware.
• Be vigilant, not paranoid.
 • Filter what ideas you expose yourself to.
• Talk to people who can help.
• Learn to protect oneself
• Report to concerned agencies

Understanding Human Sexual Response

If the audiences are not high media literate, concepts of healthy-safe sex, morality, and
even love could be blurred and become double standard.

Falling in love is stronger than the sex drive. Love is almost uncontrollable but sex drive
is definitely controllable.

According to Fisher, we are drawn to certain people not only for cultural reasons, such
as socioeconomics, intelligence, and values, but also for biological reasons.

3 Stages of Romantic Love

To be able to maintain dopamine and oxytocin, couples need to keep trying something
new together – food, movie, hobby, travel, etc. – and they also have to spend time with
each other and feel each other’s warmth through gentle touch, holding of hands,
hugging, etc.

The right time for a female to agree to have sex with her male partner is when he
commits– which is never on the first date. Neuroscience backs up the claim of most of
our elders’ advice for a better and long lasting relationship.

Sexual Response Pattern

The sexual response pattern is the physical and emotional responses one experiences
during a sexual activity.

Diversity of Sexual Orientation

Being able to respect diversity, can help in effective, ethical, relational, and professional
communication.

Sexual orientation refers to our sexual preferences towards males, females, or both.
Gender identity is one’s concept of being male, female, both, or neither and is “entirely
determined by socialization (nurture), not biological factors (nature).”

In the acronym LGBT which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, “LGB”
pertains to sexual orientation. The “T” in LGBT, which stands for transgender or gender
non-conforming, pertains to gender identity. Some who do not identify as either male
or female prefer the term “genderqueer.”

A transgender is different from a transsexual. A transsexual is one who transitions from

one sex to another through undergoing several surgical procedures.

Sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity are independent concepts. All
could be fluid or changing.

Risky Sexual Behaviors

1. Having more than 1 sexual partner

2. Changing sexual partners frequently
3. Having oral, vaginal or anal sexual contact without a condom
4. Using unreliable methods of birth control, or using birth control inconsistently
Teen Pregnancy is the term used when an underage girl becomes pregnant, usually
refers to girls from 13-17 years old.

Teenage pregnancy remains a huge problem in many countries:

• About 16.4% teen pregnancies happen each year

• 80% of these teen pregnancies are accidental
• 50% of the pregnancies end up in abortion

Around the world, adolescent pregnancies are more likely to occur in marginalized
communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment
opportunities.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or venereal disease (VD), threaten
everyone who is sexually active. Prostitutes, drug users and promiscuous individuals are
at higher risk than others.
Engaging in sexual contact, either vaginal, oral, or anal, can give temporary intense
pleasure and, with it, a possibility of transmitting “more than 30 different bacteria,
viruses and parasites” that may result to a lifetime of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs).

STDs are easily spread through any person-to-person transfer of bodily fluids such as
semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Many women infected with certain types of STDs have no early symptoms at all and may
unknowingly infect sexual partner(s).

Two Kinds of Sexual Transmission

1. Skin to Skin
2. Body Fluid

STD Transmission

• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts (HPV)
• Syphilis
 • Pubic Lice
• Scabies
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

What Causes STD?

• Bacterial
• Viral
• Parasites

Family Planning / Contraception

The information on family planning (FP) and contraception is for everyone, even for
those who are still in their adolescent years.

The family planning programs intend to provide accessible information on sexual and
reproductive health for people to choose from depending on their needs and
preferences.
For in-depth information and safe sexual health decisions, it is always best to consult
with a medical expert. Misuse or abuse of artificial contraception may lead to severe
health risks.

Basic Principles of Family Planning

1. Responsible Parenthood: Each family has the right and duty to determine the
desired number of children they might have and when they might have them -
proper upbringing and education of children so that they grow up to be upright,
productive, and civic-minded citizens.

2. Respect for Life: The 1987 Constitution states that the government protects the
sanctity of life. Abortion is NOT an FP method.

3. Birth Spacing: Refers to the interval between pregnancies (which is ideally 3

years). It enables women to recover their health and improve women's potential
to be more productive and to realize their personal aspirations and allow more
time to care for children and spouse/husband.

4. Informed Choice: Upholding and ensuring the rights of couples to determine

the number and spacing of their children according to their life's aspirations and
reminding couples that planning the size of their families has a direct bearing on
the quality of their children's and their own lives.

Natural and Artificial Types of Contraception

To aid in family planning are a range of natural and artificial types of contraception to
choose from.
Topics and content about sex may be rampant but it does not mean that people are well
educated about it.

Natural Contraception

Abstinence, not engaging in any form of sex, a natural method, is the most effective
means of contraception since time immemorial.

Sex education is NOT to promote sexual intercourse but to (1) promote good sexual
health and (2) safety from sexual violence.

The Nuances of the Material Self

The material self, as conceptualized by William James, comprises the body, clothing,
family, home, and other possessions. Each component represents a fragment of one’s
identity, with the physical body at its core. James posited that these material elements
are extensions of our selfhood, intricately linked to our personal identity and societal
status.

Body: The most intimate part of the material self, the body is the primary vessel
through which we interact with the world.

Clothing: Clothes are more than just fabric; they embody personal style and social
status. Hermann Lotze noted that our garments become imbued with our personal
consciousness.

Family: Close relatives are integral to the material self, forming a crucial part of one's
social and emotional support system.
Home and Possessions: The acquisition of properties and other belongings over time
builds one's empirical self, representing wealth and personal achievement.

Interrelationship Between Consumer Culture and the Material Self

Consumer culture significantly shapes and is shaped by the material self. The
phenomenon of the Diderot Effect illustrates how the acquisition of new items can lead
to a cascade of additional purchases, as new possessions highlight the inadequacies of
old ones. This cycle of consumption is driven by a deep-seated need to align our
material environment with our evolving self-identity.

In a consumer-driven society, our possessions become markers of identity. Brands and

products are no longer just functional items but symbols of personal and social identity.
The desire for these items is often fueled by advertising and social media, which create
and reinforce ideals of lifestyle and status.

Perspectives on the Material Self

Different perspectives offer varied insights into the material self:

Philosophical: Philosophers like William James and Denis Diderot highlight the intrinsic
connection between selfhood and possessions. Diderot's essay underscores the
psychological impact of material change on identity.

Sociological: Sociologists examine how consumer culture promotes certain behaviors

and identities. Benjamin Barber argued that consumerism has become intertwined with
identity politics, shaping how individuals see themselves and are seen by others.

Economic: From an economic standpoint, Karl Marx’s concept of commodity fetishism

explains how consumer goods acquire value beyond their utility, often at the expense of
the labor that produced them. This creates a distorted relationship between people and
their possessions, emphasizing consumption over production.

Importance of Signs and Symbols in Consumer Culture

Consumer culture relies heavily on signs and symbols to convey meaning and drive
consumption. According to Roland Barthes and Ferdinand de Saussure, our interactions
are mediated through a system of signs, where the meaning is not inherent but
constructed through cultural conventions.
Signs and Symbols in Advertising: Advertisers use signs and symbols to create
associations between products and desirable qualities or lifestyles. These associations
become ingrained in our cultural consciousness, influencing our perceptions and
desires.

Denotation and Connotation: Words and images in advertising carry both literal
meanings (denotation) and culturally specific meanings (connotation). This duality
allows advertisers to manipulate perceptions and create powerful emotional
connections with products.

Examining the Self in Relation to Material Aspects

The material self is constantly evolving, influenced by various concepts and ideas:

Asceticism vs. Consumerism: The debate between asceticism and consumerism

reflects contrasting views on material possessions. John Calvin’s theological perspective
argued for moderate consumption as a fulfillment of divine will, contrasting with ascetic
ideals of minimalism.

Marxist Perspective: Marxist theory critiques consumer culture as a tool of capitalist

exploitation, where the working class is alienated from their labor and driven to
consume as a form of escapism.

Buyer Decision Process: Philip Kotler’s model outlines the stages of consumer
behavior, from need recognition to post-purchase feelings. This process highlights how
consumption decisions are influenced by both rational and emotional factors.

Conclusion

The interplay between consumer culture and the material self is complex and
multifaceted. Our possessions are not merely objects; they are extensions of our
identity, influenced by social, economic, and cultural forces. Understanding this
relationship allows us to critically examine the motivations behind our consumption
habits and their impact on our sense of self.

Introduction: The societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards has led
to the proliferation of beauty products and enhancement procedures, perpetuating the
notion that physical perfection is necessary for acceptance and validation. However,
amidst this pressure, it's crucial to reflect on Amy Bloom's quote: "You are imperfect,
permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful."

Genetic Influence on Physical Appearance: Gregor Mendel's groundbreaking

experiments with pea plants revealed the role of genetics in determining physical traits.
Our biological makeup, inherited from our parents, largely dictates our appearance,
often resulting in striking similarities between family members.

Cultural Standards of Beauty: The perception of beauty is deeply intertwined with

cultural norms. Different societies uphold distinct ideals of beauty, shaping individuals'
views of attractiveness. For instance, the Filipino obsession with fair skin reflects colonial
influences and societal hierarchies based on skin color.

The Case of Xander Ford: Xander Ford's transformation underscores society's relentless
pursuit of Eurocentric beauty standards. His decision to undergo extensive cosmetic
procedures highlights the pressure individuals face to conform to societal expectations
of attractiveness.

Health Concerns and Body Image Disturbance: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and
anorexia are serious health issues stemming from society's obsession with physical
appearance. Body image disturbance, characterized by distorted perceptions of one's
body, is linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The Impact of Social Media: The rise of social media exacerbates beauty standards, as
individuals strive to present an idealized version of themselves online. Filter applications
enable users to conceal imperfections, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and
eroding self-esteem.

Embracing Beauty in Diversity: Celebrating beauty in diversity requires embracing

authenticity and rejecting societal pressures to conform to narrow standards of
attractiveness. Self-acceptance and appreciation for diverse physical traits are essential
for cultivating a healthy body image.

Conclusion: In conclusion, understanding the biological and cultural dimensions of our

physical selves is crucial for promoting self-acceptance and celebrating diversity. By
challenging societal norms and embracing authenticity, individuals can foster a positive
body image and cultivate a deeper appreciation for their unique physical traits.
Remember, imperfection is beautiful.