Equal Judgement

I feel like I have run the gamut of mores from sexual ignorance to sexual freedom and now back to sexual acknowledgement being almost off limits.

It is an interesting time, I have to admit it.

In my early childhood, the S word was never discussed openly certainly not in the presence of children.

When sermons on the subject were given during the annual Parish Mission, men and women attended separately.. Both groups were advised not to discuss what they had heard with the opposite gender. Even as a child, I found that incomprehensible, but wisely kept my opinion to myself.

Females of all ages whispered about anything related to sex in quiet kitchen corners. Pregnancies were discreet often hidden, sometimes viewed as an embarrassment even by married women. Pictures of baby bumps were not shared.

Frankly, it was an unhealthy environment and sadly, many women sought back alley abortions and information about birth control. Adequate education would have prevented many tragedies.

Slowly and I believe mostly due to the influence of the film industry and later as the years flew by the new magic of TV; morality was loosened. Information and counseling regarding all sexual aspects became both widely available and spoken of openly. The influence of Kinsey, Masters and Hefner was apparent.

During the past half century, nothing relating to the topic appeared to be off limits either in entertainment, literature or private discussion. Nudity was viewed often both in films and on TV. Censorship quietly disappeared.

Like all other change in life, it was both a good and bad time.

Youngsters were provided with sex information before adolescence so they did not find themselves ignorant if or when sexually aroused,. For many years that level of education had been opposed both by religious leaders and concerned families. The transition into early physical education was a healthy improvement in society.

Still morality lines were frequently crossed when abnormal sexual practices were openly discussed and or approved of both in print, films and even on daytime tv.

Ironically, now due to the last six months of recent and current accusations by both genders, I fear we will return to the repressive days of yore.

Will glances, insinuations, and humor between the opposite sexes become off limits?

Will we reach a plateau where it may still be healthy for a young man to flirt with a pretty girl and not be fearful of not only an accusation but loss of a career?

Will every compliment, admiring gaze or friendly hug jeopardize a male’s reputation?

Will beautiful young women be reluctant to admit they enjoy having their natural female attributes noticed in the mainstream of life? If so, will they change their mode of attire lest they provoke interest?

If or when we judge one man’s act as perverse and unwanted, will we allocate the same standard to all others regardless of political connections?

If one apology is accepted, why not all?

If the famed female attorney who embraces all her clients with such calculated sympathy is believed, why not allow the same latitude to the other victims who cannot afford her astronomical retainer?

If innocent until proven guilty is to remain our motto, then it must be applied to all victims as well as accusers regardless of fame or fortune or political achievement or family connection.

I strongly believe our beloved country has arrived at a moment for precautions, not sexually, but in common sense.

This current era of “I remember”and today’s “I accuse” as well as “I deny” and “I apologize” should be stabilized. If firm standards for judgment are not set quickly in this combustible environment, history will not record our age kindly.