Two weeks ago the University sponsored a woman named Annie Sprinkle’s lecture on campus. Sprinkle talked about her “career” in sex, describing herself as a “porn activist.” I should mention that I did not attend her show, mostly because I didn’t want to support it and also because I wasn’t interested in seeing her “bosom ballet.” But I have read numerous articles and interviews in which Sprinkle has discussed her “career” and beliefs concerning sexuality. Personally, I think Sprinkle has her bra on backwards.
It is true that we, as humans, are innately sexual beings. There is no getting around that fact or any reason to be ashamed of it. We are sexual creatures, but we are also more than that. We are more than just the desires of our bodies. It is our ability to control these appetites that separates us from the rest of the Earth’s species. The way Sprinkle treats sex, one would think people are like stray dogs in heat and sex is nothing more than a self-indulging, biological phenomenon.
Is the purpose of sex just to make one’s body feel good, as Sprinkle seems to
define it? A momentary pleasure? I guess it depends on who you ask. Biologically, it is to reproduce the species, but many people feel it is a unique experience that offers connection between two people, a connection that can not be found in anything else. Sex is something that ought to be taken seriously. When treated with the sacredness it deserves, sex is the physical expression of love. Unfortunately, in today’s society, sex has become the classic joke. One can’t watch a TV show without hearing some sort of sexual humor.
Are we evil and wrong to take sex so casually? I say that people who take sex casually outside of marriage will likely take sex casually within marriage. That is to say, they will probably find less satisfaction in one sexual partner and will be more likely to have an affair. Pornography can become a serious obsession. It is an addiction. I have seen relationships destroyed because of pornography. Whether it is a sin or not, it certainly does not benefit us. All it does is add to the many gluttonous activities in which our society engages. Too much of anything is not healthy, and that includes sexual indulgences.
Sprinkle says the body is beautiful, and I couldn’t agree more. The human body is an amazing creation and should be treated as one. But someone sticking their breasts out as an invitation to be squeezed is perverting the simple and natural beauty of the human form.
And let me say, pornography is no feminist movement! The very idea is absurd! Women have been slaves to the sexual appetites of men for centuries. Now, finally, women are being seen as more than baby-producing sex objects. Women are seen for their inner beauty, intelligence, wit and creative talent. Sprinkle says women’s sexual appeal can be empowering. But this is a limited and phony sort of power in every sense. Basically, Sprinkle is saying a woman can be powerful if she’s beautiful. Most men are not going to lust and drool over an ugly woman. And who defines this beauty? Men!
So fine, Miss Annie, go ahead and “sprinkle” your little jokes about sexual freedom and feminism across the country. I hope people will see through your talk, just like they see though your clothes.