Sexual Education through Animation
Contents
Introduction
Sexual education in the United States is a contentious topic, often sparking debate regarding the most effective methods to teach adolescents about sex. Traditional classroom-taught sex education programs have long been the norm; however, the rise of media, including television shows like the Netflix Original Series Big Mouth, provides new avenues for disseminating sexual education. This paper explores the potential of Big Mouth as a mediator of sexual education, contrasting it with conventional school-based sex-ed courses. It will examine how the show aligns with Berger and Luckmann’s Social Construction of Reality theory, questioning whether an informal institution like Big Mouth can better educate adolescents compared to formal education systems.
Sexual Education in the U.S.
In the United States, sexual education is not uniformly mandated across states, leading to significant discrepancies in the quality and comprehensiveness of the information provided to students. According to the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing, only about half of the states require sexual education, and fewer still mandate that the content be medically accurate. This inconsistency raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional sexual education, as these programs often fail to cover essential topics comprehensively. An effective sexual education program should delay the initiation of sexual activity, increase the likelihood of responsible sexual behavior, and provide age-appropriate, medically accurate information.
Traditional school-based programs, while structured and consistently reaching a broad audience, often lack comprehensive coverage of important topics such as contraception and disease prevention. Only a handful of states require teaching about birth control, which leaves students potentially uninformed about critical aspects of sexual health. This gap in education underscores the need for alternative methods of delivering comprehensive sexual education to adolescents.
The Media as a Tool
Media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of sexuality, offering both challenges and opportunities for sexual education. Television, movies, and social media expose adolescents to a plethora of sexual content, which can be both informative and misleading. However, media can also serve as a powerful tool for conveying accurate information. For instance, television shows like Friends and Grey’s Anatomy have successfully integrated sexual health messages, prompting viewers to discuss these topics with peers and adults.
Big Mouth, a show that openly discusses puberty, sexual orientation, and relationships, exemplifies how media can effectively communicate sexual education. The creators of the show draw from personal experiences to craft narratives that resonate with adolescents, addressing common fears and misconceptions about sex. The comedic yet informative approach of Big Mouth allows it to engage viewers in a way that traditional methods may not, potentially leading to more open discussions and a better understanding of sexual health.
Berger and Luckmann’s Social Construction of Reality theory offers a framework for understanding how societal norms and roles influence perceptions of sex. According to this theory, individuals are socialized into predetermined roles, which shape their understanding of the world. In the context of sexual education, traditional roles often perpetuate stereotypes that can hinder comprehensive understanding and responsible behavior.
Big Mouth challenges these societal constructs by addressing issues such as gender roles and self-esteem in the context of sexual development. Through its narrative, the show encourages viewers to question societal norms and explore their identities beyond traditional expectations. For example, the character Andrew's experience with societal pressures illustrates how adolescents struggle with their roles and self-perception, which can impact their sexual decisions.
The show also highlights the concept of "taken for grantedness," where individuals fail to question assumptions until they are challenged by new experiences. In one episode, the sexual education teacher's personal experience prompts him to reevaluate his understanding of sex, demonstrating how questioning ingrained beliefs can lead to a deeper comprehension of sexual health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sexual education in the United States faces numerous challenges, often failing to provide adolescents with the comprehensive information necessary for making informed decisions about their sexual health. The Netflix series Big Mouth offers a compelling alternative, using humor and relatability to convey medically accurate information about sex, puberty, and relationships. By aligning with Berger and Luckmann’s Social Construction of Reality theory, the show addresses societal norms and encourages viewers to explore their identities and sexual health in an informed manner. As media continues to play a significant role in shaping perceptions of sexuality, Big Mouth exemplifies how informal institutions can complement traditional education and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of sexual education.
Sexual Education Through Animation. (2020, Jan 25). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/big-mouth-as-an-efficient-mediator-of-sexual-education/
