Young people are trapped in a society where “I’m simply not interested,” isn’t an acceptable answer. Most people in "Generation seX" — also known as our current generation — might ask, “What's wrong with you?”
When the world learns of your virginity, you often become some "freak of nature" in the minds of your peers. A majority of young adults cannot possibly comprehend the possibility that someone of equivalent age developed the power to harness their hormones, and for lack of a better phrase, “keep it in their pants.”
To people who have had sex, life without it often seems ridiculous. On the other hand, to those who have never engaged, sex remains an abstract concept clouded by propaganda and misconception.
Unfortunately for young males, sex is a means of dominance and expression of masculinity. That leaves virgin men with two options: either lie about their sexual activity to seem “normal” or admit to their inexperience. The latter opens doors for accusations that question their sexuality, because Generation seX has entirely abandoned the concept of respecting one’s own body. If you’re a male in college, and haven’t had sex, you must be gay. Or, maybe something is just wrong with you entirely… Maybe you're asexual and would rather not engage in sex at all. There is no way you just aren’t interested in acting on your “uncontrollable” hormones, right?
Women may have it even harder, because while it seems like everyone is interested in having sex with you, the moment you engage — you’re forever tainted. Maybe, if you've only had sex with one person, your partner might “let it slide;” but two, three or four sexual partners, and you can kiss your marketability goodbye. In traditional heterosexual relationships, men wish for their women to be pure.
Too many previous engagements, and you’re labeled a slut or a whore, no matter the circumstances. Whether that ignorance is a matter of pride or literal disgust, the double standard prevents young women from expressing their sexuality. Like males, females are inclined to lie about their sexual history to fit the mold; but instead they are pressured to claim virginity they may not actually possess.
While many people base their sexual morals off of religious expectations, choosing to not engage in the Generation seX movement takes a greater commitment than just accepting, "They told me not to,” because you could be condemned to hell. Opting out of sex is a complex idea in a society that considers intercourse a pastime, and there is never going to be a single factor that engulfs such an “unpopular” decision. Believe it or not, plenty of non-religious adolescents decide not to participate in sexual escapades.
All expectations aside, the Guttmacher Institute released a few statistics concerning teen sexual activity in 2014; one of which stated “61 percent of 18-year-olds, and 71 percent of 19-year-olds” report having had sex or being sexually active. At first glance, this validates my claim: virgins are nearly extinct. However, it is important to consider the dishonesty I touched on earlier. The people of Generation seX are often uncomfortable with their sexual history and may lie on surveys that present sexual questions.
Generation seX is the first of its kind. We are obsessed with who is doing what, and who they might be doing it with. We are living lives littered with outrageous expectations of sexual activity and interest. Previous generations may blame the media, rap music or porn, but the root of our problem is deeper. The need to feel accepted socially has become dependent on something that everyone is truly capable of doing, making the subject majorly inclusive and simultaneously, massively exclusive. While the virgin population is less prevalent, the lifestyle is no less admirable. We all must try to remember we are more than our bodies at the end of the day, but what we choose to do with them is entirely up to us.
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