A World History of Sexuality: Given Our History, Why Are so Many Afraid of Sex?

These comments made me question why so many people are afraid of casual sex, why those same people consider those who engage in casual sex have no self-respect and people still preach that premarital sex is taboo.

Two issues that were brought up were the risks involved in unprotected sex. Are STDs and unintended pregnancies an issue? Yes. But one-night-stands or not (one of my recent AC content favorites), unprotected sex even between the committed can result in a disease or pregnancy. More often than not, surprise pregnancies happen to monogamous couples. And STDs can oftentimes take months or even years to show symptoms and therefore, someone who loses his or her virginity to someone they trust could still contract an STD. The partner who has the STD may not even now they were infected.

Now that I covered those two points, let me delve into the real meat of my article. I will look back into the history of human sexuality on a global basis and examine that casual sex is something that was not always criticized.

It's funny how nudity is something so shameful in American society today. However, when naked bodies are shown in museums, it is classic art and looked at as educational. What baffles me is that at the time these paintings and sculptures were made, the world was so much more liberal. Students of art and culture are taught to appreciate these works, yet society looks down on openness with sexuality. That confuses the heck out of me.

(Also, please note that my opinions end here and the following are factual anecdotes. This means that I welcome discussion; however do not criticize me as the author on the following.)

Sex in Mesopotamia

According to historians, the ancient Mesopotamian society practiced sexual openness. In fact, the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar was the primary goddess of life, men and women, nature and fertility, sex, sexual power and birth.

However, Ishtar was also the goddess of war and weapons. Victories in this society were celebrated in her temples, where citizens would offer produce, money as well as a feast and orgy with holy prostitutes. Mesopotamian women were required to once in their lifetimes, and usually after she married, to visit the Temple of Ishtar and have sex with a stranger and then return home.

Sex in Ancient Rome

The sexual atmosphere in the earlier stages of Roman civilization was so open that it in fact included celebrations associated with human reproductive organs. In this time there was the emergence of institutionalized sex, either voluntary sex or prostitution. This meant that apart from the legally wedded spouses, men also kept mistresses. These mistresses were usually daughters or even wives of other wealthy men who enjoyed sex. Rome also had a class called the Lupae, who were women willing to have sex with anyone who could pay the price. There were also the Copae, or bar maids, who were hired as bedmates after the taverns closed. Finally, homosexuality openness was prevalent as men hired handsome adolescent menservants who would serve their masters in bed.

NPR reported this morning that there is an acclaimed art exhibit in Rome dedicated to Eros/Cupid which shows lots of erotic sex sculptures and artwork. This displays the openness of sexuality in ancient cultures like Greece and Rome.

Sex in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, sex between wife and husband was just one of many choices available, at least the male. There were sex slaves of both sexes. Men could also try to entice a young man, just past puberty to bed. These relationships were the ones celebrated on vases and in much of Athenian literature. An article by Bruce S. Thornton, "Eros: The Myth of Ancient Greek Sexuality" states, "The explicitness of Greek sexuality, discussed as an ideal in philosophical works, praised in lyric, and mocked in comedy, makes it an inviting topic for both opprobrium and praise."

Sex in Ancient Eypyt

Sexuality in ancient Egypt was open, untainted by guilt. Sex was an important part of life from birth to death, and as they believed, rebirth. Both single and married Egyptian couples made love. Even the gods Egyptians worshipped were earthy enough to copulate. In fact, their religion was filled with tales of adultery! An Egyptologist at the University of Toronto, Daniel Kolos, noted that premarital sexual activity might be a prerequisite for marriage in Egypt.

Sex in Early China

Until having contact with the Western world, Chinese sexuality was treated in a straightforward and unembarrassed way. In China's classic text, the I Ching (The Book of Changes) it states that sexual intercourse is one of two fundamental models used to explain the world. In fact, the book describes Heaven as having sexual intercourse with Earth. Additionally, Chinese literature has displayed a long history of interest in affection, marital bliss, unabashed sexuality, romance, amorous dalliances and homosexual alliances. Notice marital bliss is a separate topic than the other aspects of sexuality.

Sex in Early India

In India, the Hinduism religion accepted an open attitude towards sex as an art, science and spiritual practice. Most have heard of the most famous piece of Indian literature: The Kama Sutra (or, Aphorisms on Love). This 150-chapter collection of explicit sexual writings is both spiritual and practical and covers most aspects of human courtship and sexual intercourse. This ancient text on sexuality was written in between the third and fifth century B.C.E.

Given the above few examples, the worldview on sex was not always taboo, private or something only for the married and in-love.

Final Note

I will end with another opinion. But, what I am about to say could indeed be tackled by a book, so I'll keep it brief. Notice that all these civilzations and their openess toward sex happened in pre-Christianity. Hmm. Need I say anymore?