Sex in the Age of Content: Oversaturation and Emptiness
The BBC sex scandal has sparked a debate regarding journalistic ethics rather than the nature of sexual behavior itself. The article points out the overwhelming presence of sexual material, with pornography readily available and influencers promoting sex toys, which can trivialize intimacy. Michel Foucault's assertion that 'sex is boring' aligns with Jean Baudrillard's idea of 'diabolical seduction' through imagery, resulting in a sense of numbness. Between September 2022 and April 2023, the author facilitated 'Up Close,' a successful six-part reading group at the Institute for Contemporary Arts in London, exploring topics such as heterosexuality and fantasy, although discussions were often sidetracked by practical issues like landlords. Ultimately, the group recognized the importance of cultural reactions to sexual violence, advocating for a move towards sexual poetics.
Key facts
- BBC sex scandal involving 'SEX PICS' headline on 6 July by The Sun fizzled out quickly.
- Timothée Chalamet wore a sequined harness on the red carpet.
- TikTok influencers review sex toys as casually as mascara.
- Michel Foucault claimed 'sex is boring' almost 30 years ago.
- Jean Baudrillard referred to the 'diabolical seduction' of images in the 1980s.
- 'Up Close' reading group on sex and desire ran from September 2022 to April 2023 at the Institute for Contemporary Arts in London.
- Each session of 'Up Close' sold out almost immediately.
- Sharon Olds' poem 'Sunday Night' (2002) was discussed in the group.
- Participants were more concerned about rental crisis, mortgages, and domestic labour than sexual liberation.
- The podcast Love and Radio episode 'The Boys Will Work It Out' was cited as a route to sexual healing.
Entities
Artists
- Timothée Chalamet
- Michel Foucault
- Jean Baudrillard
- Sharon Olds
- Esther Perel
- Orna Guralnik
Institutions
- The Sun
- Institute for Contemporary Arts London
- TikTok
- Love and Radio
Locations
- UK
- London