Sex Negativity and TV: the US vs. the UK

Sex negativity is exceptionally prevalent in our society. As we discussed in class, our culture has become both obsessed with sex and determined to control it. It is quite interesting to look at the differences between the way US media and the UK media depict sexuality. One example that immediately came to mind is that of the television show ‘Skins’. ‘Skins’ is a British television show that depicts the lives of teenagers; their transitions into young adulthood, their friendships, their romantic relationships, and their struggles with life.

Unfortunately, MTV bought the rights to be able to remake it for American audiences. (This should never be allowed, ever. It’s the quickest way to ruin a perfectly good show) Parents and conservatives were in an absolutely outrage over the content of the show. They claimed that the show encouraged teenage sex and other illicit activities. They argued that the show’s content would be damaging to children and teenagers. Apparently these people never saw the UK version. The US 'Skins' was a watered down PG version. In the UK version, the teenagers are frequently seen at least semi-nude, engaging in sex, and consuming various drugs. Their sexual activities are not glamorized or idealized; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It is probably the most honest portrayal of teenage sexuality that I have seen on TV. UK ‘Skins’ actually shows the awkwardness, complicatedness, and the emotional aspects of the kids’ sex lives.In general, American shows either ignore teenage sexual activity or romanticize it excessively. The shows make it seem like some perfectly orchestrated activity in which the two teenage partners are both skilled and satisfied. This is obviously extremely unrealistic.

Another interesting comparison between American and UK shows is the presentation of female sexuality. American media glosses over the idea that women have sexual desires just as much, if not more, than men do. Women are typically depicted as objects for male pleasure. Guys are the consumers and girls are consumed. British TV, on the other hand, shows female sexuality in a completely different manner. Girls are frequently shown as being in complete control of their sexual engagements and are rarely shown as being sexual objects. It’s quite common to see a girl receiving oral sex, which is something we never see on US television. I find that to be extremely refreshing. Girls are sexual beings as much as boys and the fact that our culture entirely dismisses the idea of female pleasure is sad and unfair. As we discussed in lecture, our society filters female sexuality into romance, and by doing so, we ignore the fact that girls like to be pleased as well. The inclusion of this reality in British television is fantastic. It shows sex as less of a dirty thing and more of an equal pleasure experience. There seems to be much less sex negativity in the UK than in the US.