Assignment: Becoming Comfortable With Sexual Language Due Da

Assignment becoming Comfortable With Sexual Languagedue Datesep 07 20

In this assignment, students will get comfortable using sexual terminology as well as examine how they discuss sexual issues with the important people in their lives. Complete the "Sexual Language Table," listing parents, children, doctors, spouse/significant other, same-sex friends, and opposite-sex friends in the columns. List female genitals, male genitals, and intercourse in the rows. Write a paper of 1,000-1,250 words regarding the similarities and differences observed in the terminology used as well as the possible reasons for these similarities/differences. Use the Week 1 readings as references as well as your discussion in the Main Forum.

Discussions may include (but are not limited to): Your own attitudes toward sexuality. Your parent's attitudes toward sexuality. Society's attitudes toward sexuality. Your upbringing. Your own comfort level with sexual topics. What you already know about human sexuality. What you would like to learn in this course. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. You are required to submit the essay portion of this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of sexual language and attitudes provides valuable insights into personal, familial, and societal perceptions of sexuality. This paper aims to analyze the nuances in terminology used to describe female genitals, male genitals, and sexual intercourse across different social relationships, and to reflect on the psychological, cultural, and contextual reasons behind these variations. Additionally, it considers how individual attitudes toward sexuality are shaped by upbringing, societal norms, and personal experiences, and how these factors influence communication about sexual topics.

Introduction

Understanding and becoming comfortable with sexual language is a significant aspect of human sexuality education and personal development. The terminology used in different contexts reveals underlying cultural values, power dynamics, and social acceptance of sexual discussions. This paper examines the similarities and differences in sexual terminology across relationships, focusing on personal, familial, and social contexts, while also reflecting on the author’s own attitudes toward sexuality. The analysis integrates insights from Week 1 readings and engages with the broader themes of societal norms and individual comfort levels.

Analysis of Sexual Terminology by Relationship

The Sexual Language Table serves as a useful tool to observe how language varies depending on the relationship. For example, with parents, individuals tend to use more clinical or euphemistic terms to discuss female genitals, such as "private parts" or "bits," whereas in dialogue with children, similar benign language is employed to ensure clarity and comfort. In contrast, conversations with a spouse or significant other often involve more direct terminology, sometimes using slang or colloquial terms like "pussy" or "dick," reflecting intimacy and comfort. The terminology among friends varies based on gender and closeness; same-sex friends may share more explicit language, while opposite-sex friends might use more reserved or non-explicit terms.

Reasons for Variation in Terminology

The reasons for these variations are complex and rooted in cultural norms, levels of comfort, and societal expectations. With family, euphemisms and modest language help maintain social decorum and reflect internalized societal attitudes that often regard sexuality as a private matter. In adulthood, comfort with exposure and familiarity influences language, with partners and close friends feeling freer to use explicit terms due to trust and intimacy. Furthermore, societal attitudes towards sexuality—such as taboo, openness, or shame—shape how individuals discuss these topics openly or conservatively.

Influence of Upbringing and Society

Upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward sexuality and language. Individuals raised in environments where sexuality was discussed openly tend to employ more direct and accurate terminology, whereas those from conservative backgrounds often use euphemisms. Society’s attitudes, whether liberal or conservative, influence what is socially acceptable to discuss openly. Media, education, and peer conversations also contribute to shaping personal comfort levels and language use. For example, cultures that promote sexual openness often normalize explicit discussions, while more conservative societies suppress such dialogue, leading to reliance on euphemisms and indirect language.

Personal Attitudes and Cultural Reflection

The individual’s attitude toward sexuality affects their comfort level and choice of language. Personal beliefs about sexuality—whether viewing it as a natural aspect of human experience or as taboo—determine the openness of communication. As someone navigating personal comfort with sexual topics, I recognize that my language and attitude are influenced by cultural background, education, and personal experiences. Reflecting on these, I aim to develop a more open and respectful approach to discussions about sexuality, recognizing their importance for healthy relationships and well-being.

Conclusion

Analyzing the variations in sexual terminology across different social relationships reveals the complex interplay of cultural, societal, and individual factors. While familiarity and intimacy often lead to more explicit language, societal norms and upbringing shape the level of openness and comfort. Personal attitudes toward sexuality are dynamic and influenced by many factors, including education, media, and cultural background. Developing awareness and comfort with sexual language not only enhances personal growth but also promotes healthier and more honest communication about sexuality in various contexts.

References

• GCU Style Guide. (2023). Grand Canyon University Student Success Center.
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