Our Previous and Current Sexual Revolutions
Grace Atkin (she/her)
Every decade, historical period, and art movement in existence has had a definitive mode and method of expression. For the Victorian Age, the first thing that comes to mind is conservatism in both politics and fashion. We think of the promotion of purity, religion-based roles for gender, traditional mannerisms, and politeness, which is a far step back from the modern era. The primary time of change between two mindsets first occurred in the golden 1920s, which took a drastic turn from the classic view of sex. It now became an embracive part of life, prioritized with the individual expression of the body and mind.
With a new dawn resting upon the Earth, the urge to thoroughly enjoy life through pleasure began and spread through many urban areas. It started with flashier clothing and the use of body language for primary expression, spreading into a lifestyle. Sexual activity-based parties were popularized and made aware throughout society. These “petting parties” were a great way to engage in sexual activity without the possible repercussions of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. In addition to more private gatherings, speakeasies featured more provocative dancers and alcohol, which, in addition to birth control, was prohibited at the time.
Both the Prohibition Era and the Temperance Movement dealt with the drinking and the all-too-common abuse of alcohol. However, what’s not as well known is the Comstock Law of 1873, preventing the use and spread of information regarding birth control and sexual wellness. In high school sexual education courses, students were taught that a pure and healthy lifestyle can be achieved solely through abstinence and were made unaware of any other likely alternatives. This law hit harder for citizens in the ‘20s, since in some areas, petting parties were essential to maintaining a popular status (but having too large of a sexual presence resulted in a worsened reputation).
We deal with these same issues today. Sex is seen as fundamental to a man’s life but actual sex workers in their vastly growing industry are discriminated against regardless. With catcalling and sexual harassment, slut-shaming is also common whenever something doesn’t go a man’s way (especially if one chooses not to satisfy their sexual ego, therefore denying intercourse or its many relations). Likewise, it’s an outlet some traditional-minded people take to reject modern conditions and the embracing of sex. There hasn’t, and still isn’t a time where women can successfully express themselves without being called an extreme; too flashy, prude, or too quirky or boring.
It’s safe to say we’re undergoing our own sexual revolution in this decade. Branches of the feminist movement have devoted themselves to sexual freedom and wellness, aimed to dismantle the sex hierarchy and patriarchy originally imposed by men. We’re continuing to accept human pleasures and desires, normalizing previously stigmatized things like BDSM, female masturbation, or even birth control or abortive services. This time is about finally taking control of our sexuality and kinks, reminding us that sex for pleasure isn’t a bad thing. We can be sexual creatures, we can have attraction outside of a religious light. We’re allowed to decide what we like, who we like, and how we address and express that individually -- end of story.
“Sexual Revolution.” Sexual Revolution, ehistory.osu.edu/sites/ehistory.osu.edu/files/mmh/clash/NewWoman/Subnarratives/sexualrevolution.htm.
Mageland, Chelsea. “Roaring '20s.” History of Human Sexuality in Western Culture, historyofsexuality.umwblogs.org/topic-1/early-1900s/roaring-20s/.
Blakemore, Erin. “The Scandalous Sex Parties That Made Americans Hate Flappers.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 20 Oct. 2017, www.history.com/news/the-scandalous-sex-parties-that-made-americans-hate-flappers.
