Why is it that there is discomfort with saying or hearing the word “dildo” in public? Or
with seeing dildos in public?
In our society, sex and anything that has to do with it is considered taboo, especially when it
comes to speaking about it openly and publicly. The topic itself is seen as something to keep in
the bedroom and stay there. If this normalized act of sex which is a normal function as humans
for reproduction is whispered, anything that falls outside of this circle cannot even be spoken.
Dildos, which are not normalized when thinking of sex, falls outside of the circle, making it
uncomfortable for people to hear, see or think about, especially in pubic.
What might this discomfort have to do with heteronormativity?
Heteronormativity assumes that sexual relations are between a male and female with the act of
sex being a penis penetrating a vagina. Using a dildo in the bedroom is unthought of when
thinking of the act sex because it does not adhere to this norm, making it a topic of discomfort
for many people in society.
What is one thing from the lectures this week that stood out to you or made you
understand some of these concepts better? Why is that having an impact on you? And,
what is one thing from the lectures this week that needs more clarification from you, and
why?
The example of western imperialism on the topic of sexuality stood out to me. When thinking of
imperialism, geographic imperialism of taking over a country is what I think of. I knew that
westerm imperialism extended in other ways, but the example of FEMEN helped me realize just
how significant it was. Western imperialism in sexual ideals is just as damaging as physical
imperialism.
The difference between colonialism and imperialism needs more clarification from me. I am not
understanding how imperialism is broader than colonialism.
