Sharleigh Thomson
EN1200
Composition
Dr. Breen-Wagner
THE VALUE OF A VIRGIN
Virgin: what does that word mean? In popular culture and society, it typically means someone who has never had intercourse. It’s a concept that has been plaguing our society for decades. Because of its prevalence in our history, we have grown to view the term as culturally acceptable. It seems that the United States is especially obsessed with the idea. But “virginity” is outdated and problematic for dozens of reasons, and it is time to reexamine the facts.
The traditional definition is almost exclusively reserved for people who have, or have not had, heterosexual, physical relationships. In a world where gender and sexual equality are gaining importance and visibility, our interpretation of sex is changing and shifting. Everyone seems to have a different opinion. And no one seems to agree on what exactly has to happen to “lose it.” As a result, it is difficult and, quite frankly, absurd to try to define what makes a virgin. …show more content…
Girls are discouraged from acknowledging their sexual thoughts and desires; men are praised for their erotic endeavors. In fact, it can be detrimental to a man’s social standing if he holds on to his virginity for too long. Women, on the other hand, have the misfortune of either being considered a prude or a slut. Women are valued for their virginity….until it gets in the way of someone’s prerogative. You hear countless stories of girls who were teased for their chastity. Also prevalent are the accounts of girls who had sex and were shamed for it. There is no in
EN1200
Composition
Dr. Breen-Wagner
THE VALUE OF A VIRGIN
Virgin: what does that word mean? In popular culture and society, it typically means someone who has never had intercourse. It’s a concept that has been plaguing our society for decades. Because of its prevalence in our history, we have grown to view the term as culturally acceptable. It seems that the United States is especially obsessed with the idea. But “virginity” is outdated and problematic for dozens of reasons, and it is time to reexamine the facts.
The traditional definition is almost exclusively reserved for people who have, or have not had, heterosexual, physical relationships. In a world where gender and sexual equality are gaining importance and visibility, our interpretation of sex is changing and shifting. Everyone seems to have a different opinion. And no one seems to agree on what exactly has to happen to “lose it.” As a result, it is difficult and, quite frankly, absurd to try to define what makes a virgin. …show more content…
Girls are discouraged from acknowledging their sexual thoughts and desires; men are praised for their erotic endeavors. In fact, it can be detrimental to a man’s social standing if he holds on to his virginity for too long. Women, on the other hand, have the misfortune of either being considered a prude or a slut. Women are valued for their virginity….until it gets in the way of someone’s prerogative. You hear countless stories of girls who were teased for their chastity. Also prevalent are the accounts of girls who had sex and were shamed for it. There is no in