American citizens did not randomly discover that human beings are inherently sexual creatures. As is true with all major historical events, the Sexual Revolution was aided by an array of important happenings. Somehow rock and roll, birth control, relaxed censorship laws, medical breakthroughs, and student protests led to a new way of thinking about sex. Hugh Hefner , the founder of Playboy Magazine, also added quite a bit to the nationwide discussion about sex and sexuality. "Sex is for recreation, not just procreation" is the main tenant of Mr. Hefner's philosophy. His intention was not to create a pornographic magazine, but instead he sought to relay the message that sex is nothing to be ashamed of. Playboy Magazine took sex from the background and quite literally thrusted it into living rooms all over the country. However, critics argue that Hefner's Playboy philosophy is to blame for the continued objectification of women in America. For better of for worse, Playboy Magazine served as the unofficial publication of the sexual revolution. As such, it altered social norms and led to the sexually expressive society that we live in today.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Miscellaneous: Playboy and the Sexual Revolution
American citizens did not randomly discover that human beings are inherently sexual creatures. As is true with all major historical events, the Sexual Revolution was aided by an array of important happenings. Somehow rock and roll, birth control, relaxed censorship laws, medical breakthroughs, and student protests led to a new way of thinking about sex. Hugh Hefner , the founder of Playboy Magazine, also added quite a bit to the nationwide discussion about sex and sexuality. "Sex is for recreation, not just procreation" is the main tenant of Mr. Hefner's philosophy. His intention was not to create a pornographic magazine, but instead he sought to relay the message that sex is nothing to be ashamed of. Playboy Magazine took sex from the background and quite literally thrusted it into living rooms all over the country. However, critics argue that Hefner's Playboy philosophy is to blame for the continued objectification of women in America. For better of for worse, Playboy Magazine served as the unofficial publication of the sexual revolution. As such, it altered social norms and led to the sexually expressive society that we live in today.
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The analysis of the photo and information on Hugh Hefner's intentions with Playboy is very good, and excellently worded. Provides a lot of insight into how sex revolutionized America and aside from procreation plays a significant role in America today. The idea of "sex is for recreation, not just procreation" really speaks to me and allows me to make parallels with the female argument for birth control.
ReplyDeleteI personally enjoyed this article... I agree that Hugh Hefner and Playboy Magazine played a major role in the acceptance of sexual activities for pleasure. For the first time, recreational sex was being publicized and actually accepted by many. This paved the way for sexual freedom in America.
ReplyDeletePlayboy magazine definitely helped to knock down some barriers when it came to sex becoming a larger part of society. Although it may have had similar effects to some of the other pieces examined by this blog, it also likely led to the degradation of some women. I wonder how women of the sexual revolution viewed playboy.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post was very well written. For me personally, I think Hugh Hefner had the sole biggeset impact on the sexual revolution and creating the sexualized society that we live in today.
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