SEX

Anyone who has been through a course in Advertising and Marketing knows that there are two words in the English language most likely to draw attention. One is “FREE” - the other is up here on top and probably has caught your attention already. No doubt about it , SEX is a powerful inducement to pause, consider, and  stop to find out what is going on here.

ViewPoint is not about to provide any sub rosa examination of the word - but it so dominant in the news at this time that we find it not only necessaary, but essential that the topic be discussed head on. Professional students of the word with all of its  many shapes and forms, agree that sex is probably the most driving force of nature known to the world of living flora and fauna. If one looked for some rational understanding why that finding is undoubtedly true, consider only the need for every living inhabitant of this planet to realize that it is sex that enables the species to continue on earth. 

So much for this short precis on the word and why it captures more than the human imagination. Begin with the intrusion in the Republican ‘debate’ cycle now showing about every week on TV and the media interest in Herman Cain’s standing as he attempts to dismiss alleged charges of impropriety regarding his relationship with female employees. Mind you - it is not about the veracity of the charges. It is the fact that the topic is out of the box and it is far more interesting to viewers and audiences than opinions on the economy, international relations and so forth. Now, hold right here because sex has trumped sex in another manner. 

Penn State has made a dramatic shift from the highly regarded football domination to a rich source of sexual discussion and disgust! Again, no need to plow through the details as we know them today. Just the idea, the notion, the charges that sex has reared its ugly head in an institution best known for prowess on the football field! Why is this a story that demands attention as it unfolds in the glare of television? Is Sandusky more interesting for the public than Madoff? One rips off millions from unsuspecting victims, while the other may, or may not, have comitted a crime more heinous than stealing money! Guess which one is rated more despicable abhorrent, hateful?

There is no end to the public history of sexual arrogance. It has become cause for dismissal from work - it is the constant concern of women who wonder if their choice of wearing apparell can bring on a sexual encounter - it is the disgrace of men who have sex on their minds as a female displays her personna without intent but leads the man to speak, touch, or simply wink - only to face the Human Resurce executive soon after!

What this all comes down to is a frightening increase in the distortion of the way sex was intended originally (whenever that may have been!) and a damaging factor in the relationship between men and women. The almost daily news accounts of rape, attempted rape, unlawful groping, unwanted touching - it all demonizes the wondrous benefits of sex as an unbeatable link between the sexes. 

ViewPoint cannot begin to illuminate a condition which has become all too often the  opposite of what once was the precursor of  lasting love. The piece here today deals only with main stream of humanity. The affect of sex among same sex couples is as wondrous, daring, and ordinary as any sexual pairing - but requires more time and study than ViewPoint can give it. 

Lest we leave you this time wondering why the topic is explosive, consider this: SEX gets four small references in Roget’s Thesaurus. LOVE gets six full pages in Bartlett’s Faniliar Quotations. 

Which one gets the headlines in the 21st Century?

Richard Carlton

November 15, 2011

Issue No.24