Pornography is just a click away for anyone with a wi-fi signal, and while many adults dread the idea of children coming across adult videos, there is evidence that including porn in sex ed — whether through discussions or actual screenings — could be more effective than an impersonal chat about condom use and consent. Christian Graugaard, a Danish sexologist at Aalborg University, has been inspiring parental ire of late with this philosophy. According to ThinkProgress, Graugaard believes that kids can actually learn a lot from adult entertainment, saying: “Pornography — or even erotic literature — is an excellent vehicle for critical discussion about the difference between fantasy and reality and the commercial media’s expression of sexuality, gender roles and body types."
Although the idea of sitting in a classroom of 30 high school freshman watching James Deen goes to town on triplets is slightly bizarre, chances are that most of those kids have already seen something similar. With the proliferation of free, accessible porn, there's really no way to shield young people from watching. Some argue that porn inspires unrealistic "sexpectations" in those who view it, so what better way to counter those negative outcomes than by bringing it out in the open for discussion? Here are five ways porn could be used positively in high school sex ed:
1. To Teach About Consent
Female porn stars are often quite vocal onscreen. Their open-mouthed moanings affirm how good it is and how bad they want it, and although this practice might seem cliche, such exaggerated behavior can show teens how clear consent should be during sex. Yes means yes, especially if that yes is repeated over and over (and over).
2. To Teach About Foreplay
Contrary to what is depicted in most straight porn, women don't get soaking wet just because a penis comes into the picture. Part of sexual education should be teaching the ins and outs of female anatomy, and porn can be employed to discuss foreplay, female pleasure, and lubrication — and the ways biological reality differs from fantasy.
3. To Teach About Gender Roles
Gender roles are often amplified between the sheets, and porn is a place where they can be either exaggerated or subverted — particularly if you're talking about feminist porn. It's been proven that addressing gender and power roles in sex ed is more effective, so it's crucial to remind students that sex isn't some coercive power play between a dominant man and a submissive woman, and that there are unlimited ways to interact with a partner.
4. To Teach About Hegemonic Beauty Standards
The variety of body types in porn is ever expanding, but skinny, white, waxed, fake-boobed stars still reign supreme. Effective sex ed programs should entail discussions about hegemonic beauty standards and the ways they can negatively impact self-esteem and attraction. Both boys and girls should be able to openly vent their frustrations about idealized body types and what we're taught is supposed to be sexy versus what we each individually find to be so.
5. To Teach About Fantasy V. Reality
One "problem" with porn is that many viewers, particularly of a younger age, forget that it's not exactly an accurate depiction of real life sex. Porn becomes harmful when it's taken literally, and including pornography in a classroom setting will help young people understand the vast chasm between intimacy and sex on film and IRL. As unorthodox as analyzing porn in school may sound, it's definitely an idea that should be taken seriously by educators and parents alike.
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