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Sep 18, 2010
CENSORSHIP CHANGES
Fundamental problem is treating sex as a dirty act
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YESTERDAY'S report ('Strong reactions to R21 films in heartland') follows recent debate on sexuality education in schools.
The fundamental error in these debates is the treatment of sex as a dirty act, or at least one which should be encountered only after one hits puberty.
Even as we acknowledge the fact that our largely Asian society is conservative, embracing sexuality should not be construed as a degradation of values.
Sexual intercourse is a fact, without which there would be no life. At a higher level, sex is an act of intimacy between two lovers; a profound expression of love. Treating sex as taboo, a subject best kept from children, doled out in careful doses and carefully skirted, is detrimental in the long run.
First, children are likely to encounter younger siblings being breastfed. If parents educate the older child on breastfeeding's benefits instead of hushing it up, there would be no shame in watching the film Babies, and seeing topless African women breastfeeding.
Second, children are curious by nature. Try to cover the subject up or tell only half a story, and they are likelier to pursue the truth themselves; and just as likely to find smut and regard sites about it as educational.
Third, restricting sex to a discussion of its mechanical and biological process may make young adults feel emotionally and physically inadequate in a relationship.
An R21 rating is still relevant. But arguing against allowing it in heartland cinemas is illogical. Will a 30-minute train ride hinder the wish to see such a film?
Adam Leo Isidore Tan
CENSORSHIP CHANGES
Fundamental problem is treating sex as a dirty act
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
YESTERDAY'S report ('Strong reactions to R21 films in heartland') follows recent debate on sexuality education in schools.
The fundamental error in these debates is the treatment of sex as a dirty act, or at least one which should be encountered only after one hits puberty.
Even as we acknowledge the fact that our largely Asian society is conservative, embracing sexuality should not be construed as a degradation of values.
Sexual intercourse is a fact, without which there would be no life. At a higher level, sex is an act of intimacy between two lovers; a profound expression of love. Treating sex as taboo, a subject best kept from children, doled out in careful doses and carefully skirted, is detrimental in the long run.
First, children are likely to encounter younger siblings being breastfed. If parents educate the older child on breastfeeding's benefits instead of hushing it up, there would be no shame in watching the film Babies, and seeing topless African women breastfeeding.
Second, children are curious by nature. Try to cover the subject up or tell only half a story, and they are likelier to pursue the truth themselves; and just as likely to find smut and regard sites about it as educational.
Third, restricting sex to a discussion of its mechanical and biological process may make young adults feel emotionally and physically inadequate in a relationship.
An R21 rating is still relevant. But arguing against allowing it in heartland cinemas is illogical. Will a 30-minute train ride hinder the wish to see such a film?
Adam Leo Isidore Tan
