how sex scenes in movies have impacted popular culture for the past century
Sternheimer explores how sex scenes in movies have impacted popular culture for the past century. He gives the example of Rudolph Valentino obscene sexual actions such as “passionate kissing, occasional female nudity, and sometimes even orgies” (Sternheimer 142). This shows that as early as 1920s sex existed in media and Hollywood, early stars have always been involved in scandalous behavior. After Arbuckle reported homicide cases, religious leaders were concerned that the influence of popular culture would outrun the young people’s familial and societal obligation. The “code” sought to censor more than sex, such as barring interracial relationships to maintain morality in society. Yes, I believe Hollywood has sharply gone off-limits in terms of representing sexuality, where it shows engagement in careless sex is a definition of sexual freedom.
The recent controversy surrounding sexting among the youth has been on the rise, with many children being accused of sending raunchy pictures on social media. The sexting has been controversial, with several suicide-related death been facilitated by this new phenomenon. According to the author, the underlying fears include “irresponsibility, disease, promiscuity, and unwanted pregnancy” (Sternheimer 149). However, the actual statistics show that teenagers are less likely to send nude pictures over social media than people in their thirties and forties. The demographic factor plays a significant role when it comes to defining sexuality. According to the author, “Teen birthrates also reflect measurable racial and ethnic differences.” (Sternheimer 151). Teenagers in the early 1900s were more likely to be sexually active than the modern teenagers who report having sex within a steady relationship. This is a true reflection because African Americans are more likely to engage in sexual intercourse than white teenagers.
Many people and institutions such as the Kaiser Family Foundation support the idea that obesity has been brought forth by television ads. However, Sternheimer does not agree with this assumption and says t6hye matter is more complicated than stated. According to Sternheimer, obesity is majorly caused by socioeconomic factors such as “race, ethnicity, and poverty” (Sternheimer 198). These factors play a massive role in the contribution of obesity in teenagers because he gives a study done by the Federal Trade Commission, which shows children were exposed to television ads more than today, teenagers. These statistics show that obesity in today’s teenagers cannot be entirely be blamed on popular culture.
The fashion industry has been blamed for anorexia and bulimia in women who are required to be thinner than what is healthy. To be employed in the fashion industry, one has to weigh less than usual because that is what is considered as minimum standards of “beauty.” There were several cases where these companies would employ a person with anorexia, thus showing support. According to the author, eating disorders in ladies is not primarily caused by fashion magazines or models but also through “critical family environment and having domineering parents are key factors in adolescents with eating disorders” (Sternheimer 207). I think popular culture and media play a vital role in how we rate ourselves and our peers, either being beautiful or not. We tend to copy what our role models wear and talk from watching television or on social media. Yes, advertisers and the fashion industry have a role to play in inclusivity by showcasing that our body appearance can be beautiful regardless of size, color, or physique.