Question 4:
In the course of this discussion many of you have pointed out the rhetorical inadequacy of vague notions like artistic intention, media influence and child sexuality. At the same time some of you have identified general problems that presumably can be solved -- Naomi, in her valediction, noted the need to protect children's privacy; Judith Levine decried the predominance of sexist, ageist, violent images in the media; Michael Medved suggested that our popular culture seems perversely determined to rob its young of all shreds of innocence. Let's put semantics aside for this final question and enumerate the more specific modifications you would make to the way sex is presented in the public and private sectors, if you could change things as you wished, to make this country a better child-rearing environment ( . . . realizing, of course, that child-rearing is not the only purpose of our culture).




Celine Texier-Rose


I don't think the way sex is presented in the private and public sectors is detrimental or damaging to young people. I think it's better to talk about sex rather than hide it. I'd rather read a magazine that is devoted to "how to improve your sex life" than read about angry parents saying that condoms should not be allowed in school. As for the representation of sex in art, there are always people saying that some images are disgusting and in poor taste. Naked bodies of children can be shown in artistic form, like the body of the girl I mentioned in a previous question, lying down over the side of the couch. With the shadows and perspective, her body seems to be part of the couch. I found this truly beautiful. I'm not trying to say what's right for everyone. There is a very fine line between what is considered art and what is considered pornography (sometimes); I can only say what I feel is okay for myself.
Question 1
A. M. Homes
James Kincaid
Judith Levine
Michael Medved
Stephen Schiff
Celine Texier-Rose
Naomi Wolf


Question 2
A. M. Homes
James Kincaid
Judith Levine
Michael Medved
Stephen Schiff
Celine Texier-Rose
Naomi Wolf


Question 3
A. M. Homes
James Kincaid
Judith Levine
Michael Medved
Stephen Schiff
Celine Texier-Rose
Sally Mann


Question 4
A. M. Homes
James Kincaid
Judith Levine
Michael Medved
Stephen Schiff
Celine Texier-Rose



©1998 Celine Texier-Rose and Nerve.com