Sex-education: A series of lectures concerning knowledge of sex in its relation to human lifeBigelow, Maurice A. (Maurice Alpheus)
Science
Sex-education: A series of lectures concerning knowledge of sex in its relation to human life
Bigelow, Maurice A. (Maurice Alpheus)
Sex instruction
I hear many questions as to the probable future of sex-education. I am
asked: "Is it moribund?" "Is it a disappearing fad?" "Has not the high
tide of interest passed?" No doubt such questions are inspired by the
oft-repeated statement that public interest in sexual questions has
waned decidedly in the last few years. This is true, and it is a most
fortunate indication of approaching sanity. The public interest in the
last decade has been most deplorable, because it has centered in the
abnormal and sensational aspects of sex. Authors have vied with each
other in presenting the most lurid cases of social diseases, white
slavery, sexual perversions, and every other available aspect of sexual
degeneracy. Of course, the reading public was bound to grow tired of
this, just as it wearies of a horrible murder trial or of a
sensational divorce case. It is certainly true that there is a marked
decline of general interest in sexual abnormality and sensationalism;
but that does not mean that the sex-education movement is moribund.
[Sidenote: Sex-education permanent.]
The wave of sensational revelation has passed; but the intelligent
public is no longer ignorant of the nature and causes of the great
problems of sex, and is well aware that young people need definite
guidance for facing the facts of life. It is unthinkable that
intelligent parents who are now well informed concerning sex will ever
again stand for the old policy of mystery and silence. It is,
therefore, impossible to believe that there is any danger of
sex-education disappearing. Of course, we have not reached a permanent
system of sex-education. There certainly will be vast changes in our
approved subject matter and methods of teaching; but the main idea of
the sex-education movement is gaining support every day.
[Sidenote: Sex-education fundamental.]
There is another reason why sex-education will be permanent. In
addition to the great need of educational help with information and
influence which will mold the individual life with regard to the
problems of sex, it must be evident to all that even the legislative,
sanitary, social administrative, religious, ethical, and other attacks
upon the problems depend upon knowledge and attitude, at least of the
leaders. Look at the problems of sex outlined in the earlier lectures
from whatever angle we will, and it appears that, in the final
analysis, education offers the only key to a possible solution.
Therefore, I assert that sex-education--the larger sex-education--is an
absolutely fundamental factor in every phase of the social-hygiene and
sex-ethical movement.
[Sidenote: Ultimate effect of sex-education.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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