Media Phenomena

When discussing phenomena’s that are portrayed in the media, one really sticks out in my head: Sex. It is absolutely everywhere in our media today. The concept can be found in books, magazines, television, movies, and even the newspaper. One specific example is in the television show Friends. In this half hour sitcom, the entire plot seems to loosely or even directly revolve around sex. The characters have one night stands much more often then they portray sex in a meaningful relationship. It seems that if the character has a relationship with someone, the sex part of it isn’t talked about as often. It is much more readily discussed in a casual manner, as if sex is an everyday occurrence and no relationship is needed to participate in one night of sex with a partner who is practically a stranger. This show assumes this glorified notion of sex to attract a younger audience, possibly a broader one as well since this show already attracts adults.

Sex is even more of the focus in the 30 minute HBO show Sex & the City. The word is in the title itself. Every episode of this show revolves around a different topic in the sexual world. It seems that sex assumes a manner in this show that is not at all taboo. In the outside world, though sex is discussed more often in this day and age, it is still somewhat crass to mention in most settings. However, this assumption is abandoned in this television show and every single character, even the minor ones, talks about sex as if they were talking about what sandwich they were having for lunch. The casual regard to sex that is touched upon in Friends is magnified in Sex & the City. This show draws attention to audiences because it mentions sex in a way that no other television show does. By portraying sex in this way, this show is assuming that there is no one who would consider the act of sex sacred. They leave no room for characters who might feel less casual about there sexual relations.

Even Advertisements use sex to sell their products. The product that sticks out in my mind the most that sells sex is perfume and cologne. I cannot find one magazine advertisement or TV commercial that does not have a man or woman who is half dressed or the promise of sexual relations. Axe products are the most explicit. Not only is the product alluding to sex, like the other perfume or cologne advertisements, but the commercials directly state that using Axe will make you attractive to girls. There is even “directions” on the bottle that include pictures of women flocking towards you once the product is applied. This product is assuming that every male who wants to be clean, wants to attract girls. This is an enormous limitation as this portrayal of men is less than classy and might, in fact, be revolting to some women, as well as some men.

What is interesting about all of these advertisements is that I could not find one that conveys the opposite message and are pro-abstinence, or at least wearier about sex. For places such as Planned Parenthood or an abortion clinic that’s advertisements would not include selling sex, there is no advertisements. This is interesting because any portrayal of sex that people, especially teens see in the media is incredibly glorified. The only negative portrayals might be an article in the newspaper involving teen pregnancy rates and discussing the consequences that come along with sexual intercourse. These consequences are not addressed in any media portrayal that I have found. All of these shows and products are ultimately concerned with popularity and not accurate portrayal of sex or its consequences.