Sex is not natural, it is cultural

How many times have we differentiated between what is “natural sex” and “unnatural sex”? Definitions that arose due to the prejudices that have persecuted us for years. In a time somewhat removed from the current one, relationships were considered to have a reproductive purpose. But, later it was defended that it was natural for human beings to have sex for mere pleasure.

However, the naturalness of sex is not as we perceive it. We think this means freedom, when in reality it is not so much. Do you think you are free when you have sex? Do you consider that you have no limits? Nothing is further from reality. Culture influences sex more than we think.

Sex is not natural, it is normal

When we refer to sex as something natural, we are actually referring to it not being seen as strange, but as a totally normal, valid and acceptable action. That is, we understand it as “naturalness.” However, the word “natural” refers to nature. This is what Valérie Tasso, writer and sexologist, said in one of the many conferences in which she has participated.

Sex is natural in animals. They are not influenced by any culture, they are not born and educated following certain beliefs. On the other hand, human beings do. Our conception of relationships with other people, our own vision of the world would not be the same if we had been born in another country. Thus, it is important to highlight some points that Valérie Tasso highlighted about this vision of sex and that are most interesting:

Sex is a value for us, so it does not make us more animals, but more human: think about how much one reflects on whether or not they are ready to have “their first time.” We have values ​​in our heads that condition us.Morality is not universalbecause if that were the case we would all maintain the same sexual practices: Japanese, Arabs, Americans… Everyone is different with respect to sex because the customs and norms are not the same in one place as in the other.

Contrary, We are the people who consider that sex makes us more animals. Therefore, prejudices arise, people who repress themselves and worry about what is good and what is bad, what is right and wrong, what is “natural” or not. Who is determining this? Without a doubt, the culture itself.

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Sex within culture

Sex is a cultural act like going to an exhibition or a museum. We learn everything from a very young age. Isn’t it true that you don’t have sex in broad daylight in a park simply because you feel like it? What do you reserve those moments of pleasure for your intimacy? That’s because we have been taught how to have sex.

However, this is also a problem. Remember when you travel to another country and you face the much-feared culture shocks. With respect to relationships it is the same. The history of each place is different and, therefore, its people are also different. In some places, for example Japan, it is said that men are very cold. On the other hand, Latinos are spoken of as people endowed with great passion. There are great differences that are based on the culture that permeates each of the territories that exist in the world. What enriches us as human beings.

Undoubtedly, everything related to sex is strongly linked to religious beliefs. Well, even if you consider yourself an agnostic or atheist, the place where you were born has a Judeo-Christian, Shinto or other tradition. This is impregnated in the culture that conditions us. The one that makes us see our relationships and our way of living them in a certain way.

Did you think sexuality was natural? Did you consider that your way of seeing it and living it was free and far from any influence? Think that at the end of all, sex is like going to the theater. You may go once with one person, another time with another, with two… Maybe you will go to see ballet or a play. However, everything that is represented inside is influenced by the outside.

Images courtesy of Tatyana Ilieva.

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