Sexuality and Growing up in Miami - Essay Example

Sexuality is not a new topic of discussion as it has been in existence from the beginning of the world, though society has not always welcomed it for discussion. However, in recent times, sexuality has not been suppressed as it was in the past, owing to increased sexual awareness and the exploitation of the media on this aspect, leading to the societies’ open-mindedness. This has resulted in more open discussions of sex-related topics such as birth control pills and the challenge of the double standard way of life.
Growing up in Miami has exposed me to many things seeing as it is one of the most populous counties in the US, with many different kinds of people. One of the ways in which sex has become part of our culture is when it comes to corporate drive.

Sexuality is a biological aspect, though its integration in society has resulted in its influence on culture and inequality. With the recent sensitization of the female child, being pushed into positions of power and independence without having to rely on the male figure, people in big corporate positions have taken advantage of the high unemployment rates to indulge and coerce ambitious ladies into sexual relationships for employment. This has had a bad effect on the women of our society, resulting in unhealthy relationships. The fact that many people have sexual encounters at an early age probably makes the giving of one's body for material gain much easier. While this may not be an easy decision for the women to make, the need for survival is much stronger than their ethical orientation.

Not all women succumb to corporate pressures. Those who choose not to degrade themselves end up feeling alone and isolated. This oppression of women has been a persistent trend throughout history and has resulted in the denial of opportunities and respect for women. The fact that the value of women depends mainly on their sexual appeal as opposed to their skills has resulted in both physical and psychological problems. This sexual objectification is a big problem for all people and may result in intellectual torture for different sexual orientations, such as intersexual people and transsexuals, who may have to expose themselves especially when society thinks of them as misfits. Sexuality plays a big role when women are forced to be more aware of their physical attractiveness as opposed to their capacity to handle the position assigned to them in the corporate world.

The sexuality of any particular person is mainly influenced by human society. Sociological theories touching on sexuality suggest that human behaviour is an attribute of a society, though the individuals may have a particular inclination on the outcome, especially when biology is involved, as in the case of transsexual people. “The fact that we are sexual is determined by a biological imperative toward reproduction, but how we are sexual where, when, how often, with whom, and why has to do with cultural learning, with meanings transmitted in a cultural setting” (Macionis 244).

According to Macionis, the sexual revolution that started in the 1960s saw an increase in openness towards sexuality, whereby it was revealed that many teenagers and adults have regular sexual encounters. There has also been increased sensitivity towards some sexual attitudes, which have seen the sexual counter-revolution, signified by premarital sex, STDs, to limited partners and sexual responsibility. This revolution is good for our society; however, the judging of women as sexual beings in the workplace is still an issue, despite their legal protection. Such behaviour opens them to prostitution in that sex for power becomes justified. The transsexuals who wish to hide their identity seek other ways of revenue, such as prostitution, whereby they become call girls, streetwalkers, or just workers in controlled parlors (Macionis 311).

Whichever the case, society should be aware of their involvement in the sexuality of people. Society trends help people to determine whom they have sex with when to have sex, the appropriate place and the acts that are right with regard to sex. If people see transsexuals in prostitution, then they will most probably follow the same route. If women in the workplace are not respected in terms of their work capabilities, but due to their physical attractiveness, then women grow up knowing that their bodies will get them what they want, which is a form of prostitution. It is a society that molds our sexuality, and we should strive to eliminate social ills that result in sexual discrimination.