For all of you MTV junkies out there, I’m sure you’re more than aware of the Skins US premiere. The show surprised viewers not only because it was actually decent, but because it apparently caused quite an uproar — turns out teenagers having sex, drinking, and doing drugs doesn’t sit too well with some adult viewers.

There’s been multiple stories about advertisers who have pulled out of the show, aghast at the topics that were tackled in the pilot. Some people are even expressing concern over the show violating child pornography laws. In all fairness, I haven’t seen the show (US or UK), but I’m aware of the subject matter. While these things might be a bit of a taboo, I think the uproar is going a little bit too far. Mostly, I have a question for the execs and reporters who are making comments on the show – do you have any idea what high schoolers are actually like these days?

Of course, not every teenager can be lumped into the “drinking, smoking, and having sex” group, but I can guarantee that those who don’t participate are, at the very least, aware that these things are going on; which explains why it’s the adults that are concerned, not the target audience.

I’m not going to comment on whether these sexual activities are “right” or “wrong” – that’s a whole other story – but what I’m saying is that teenagers are not as innocent as the 40-and-older group likes to think. No one likes to think about it, but teenagers are sexual beings. This is made pretty evident by the fact that the average age of “first contact” (read: when people use their virginity) is around 17-years old globally — which is just about the same age as the show’s target audience. That’s not to say they should be going out and having unprotected sex with everything that moves, but teenagers aren’t stupid, they know what sex is, and someday – probably sooner than later – they will be doing it.

Not having seen the show, I honestly don’t know if they took it too far, but I can’t help but wonder if this is just a symptom of a larger problem — why are so many adults so afraid of teenage sexuality? Read More »

We all know the movies don’t necessarily contain the most accurate depictions of actual life. Or do we?

Whether we realize it or not, we all pick up subtle things from movies that we expect to find in our actual lives. And while I’m willing to overlook some of the media’s follies (like the fact that people in any foreign country all speak English), some of their depictions of sex are just. so. wrong.

Sex requires a soundtrack.
Sure, some people like to have sex to music and watching couples do it to some big, romantic song in the movies makes us all think music will enhance our orgasms, too. But how many times have you set your iTunes to random and had the Spongebob theme song come on in the middle of your session? Awkward! Sometimes it’s best to leave the music off while you’re getting frisky (unless you’re trying to drown out the noise so your roommates don’t hear). It will still be just as good.

Couples always finish together.
Not only do women orgasm every time they have sex in movies, but they always do it at the exact same time as their partner. Anyone who’s ever had sex in the real world knows this couldn’t be further from the truth for most sexual encounters.

Read More »

We all know the movies don’t necessarily contain the most accurate depictions of actual life. Or do we?

Whether we realize it or not, we all pick up subtle things from movies that we expect to find in our actual lives. And while I’m willing to overlook some of the media’s follies (like the fact that people in any foreign country all speak English), some of their depictions of sex are just. so. wrong.

Sex requires a soundtrack.
Sure, some people like to have sex to music and watching couples do it to some big, romantic song in the movies makes us all think music will enhance our orgasms, too. But how many times have you set your iTunes to random and had the Spongebob theme song come on in the middle of your session? Awkward! Sometimes it’s best to leave the music off while you’re getting frisky (unless you’re trying to drown out the noise so your roommates don’t hear). It will still be just as good.

Couples always finish together.
Not only do women orgasm every time they have sex in movies, but they always do it at the exact same time as their partner. Anyone who’s ever had sex in the real world knows this couldn’t be further from the truth for most sexual encounters.

Women never walk around naked after sex.
I don’t know about you girls, but I have never, ever ripped a sheet off of a bed to cover myself when I need to walk around the morning after sex. Nor do I immediately dress myself in my boyfriend’s oversized, button-up shirt. Read More »