Asian Culture of Sex

Sex is everywhere.. it is harmonized in lyrics, illustrated in movie and featured in everywhere. . Regardless of your gender or relationship status, sex inevitably will cross your mind at one point or another. Yet, particularly among the Asian  community, it is rarely an open topic of discussion, and talking about it is a taboo. Speaking more openly about sex, and are bound by Asian cultural norms, which don’t promote sexual expression or behaviour.

Think back to the time when your parents gave you the “sex talk” did you even get one? I didn’t. Everything I learned about sex was through friends, INTERNET and the honest relationship I’ve built with my sex partner. This makes a lot of sense, since sex obviously is a very personal topic,and it’s not exactly easy to share the intimate details of your sex life with your friends, let alone, your parents. Moreover, talking about the risks that come with sex, like STIs and pregnancy, can be overwhelming. Women are uncomfortable talking about sexual and reproductive health with their mothers and even more so with their fathers and brothers.

One reason why Asian culture isn’t as open about sex as others is that it’s never been “normal” to talk about sex. It partly comes down to how you can almost bet that your parents disapprove of premarital sex. This belief is so widespread that it’s essentially become taboo to talk about any aspect of sex, not to mention sexual health, in fear that discussing it would encourage you to become sexually active.

Another part of this problem is that Asian lack access to sex and STD education services that fit their needs of sharing cultural norms. While sex might be openly discussed in an outside environment, like in school or through media, hard-line views at home may discourage Asian teens to take necessary measures for ensuring sexual health.

They can be more reluctant to discuss sexual concerns with a doctor and utilize other sex education (INTERNET) because it makes them look like they are sexually active, which their families would not likely approve. If their sexual identity is different from the heterosexual norm, being open with family members and getting the support they need can be even more difficult.

 “Your parents aren’t the only ones who can help educate you about safe sex and offer advice.” At least you’ll have shown them you’ve maturely thought things through, and there is always someone helpful out there to talk to. Yes, sex may be very personal and intimate. But in the end, talking about it will help us and our many relationships be healthier.