Controversial expos help diffuse sex education
- By Huang Yinyin
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E-mail China Daily, August 8, 2014
Using the three issues, however, the Dama have argued that "eroticism" (that is, sex education) can lead to moral decline and even social instability in China. This contention cannot be backed by evidence. In fact, the Dama are ignoring the real reasons for moral decline and social instability by blaming on sexual issues for the development.
Since the Dama's actions are well coordinated with simultaneous campaigns being organized in different cities, complete with carefully prepared speeches, one could easily ask: Are third parities backing their campaign? How else could the Dama collect enough money to run the campaign and establish their own websites to oppose expos on sex education?
Although such expos have their own problems - for example, they become expos for sex rather than sex education thanks to consumerism - most of them are also evident in other expos. So what we should focus on are the positive aspects of expositions on reproductive health and sex education such as lectures on how to remove sexual discrimination.
There is also need to be clear about a key issue: Is there a need to hold expos on sex education in China? We need such expos to tear off the veil of shyness shrouding the subject of sex, which is responsible for sexual repression and sexual discrimination in our society. Only by holding discussions on sex education instead of suppressing them can we promote gender equality, protect sexual rights and respect people's sexuality.
Although we seem to be peeved about consumerism, business forces have actually helped break many obstinate sexual practices. Of course, there is need to guide the business forces to help establish a positive culture which is not prudish and does not promote sexual discrimination. And expos on sex education are conducive to promoting such a culture.
The author is a professor in the Institute of Sexuality and Gender with Remin University of China.
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