Is Sexual Liberation Truly Liberating?
Credit: Christie's
There is no doubt that sexual liberation is becoming increasingly prominent in our society and a clear example of this is the current normalization of pornography.
This "new drug" has profound detrimental effects on human psychology, creating addictive and destructive patterns that are extremely difficult to cure. The overstimulation of the brain's reward system, caused by the continuous release of dopamine, drives consumers of this industry to seek even more intense stimuli to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
Unfortunately, this type of addiction, promoted by a culture that celebrates sexual liberation, is often exploited as a tool of manipulation by certain powerful sectors.
In the political arena, as in any strategic field, it is necessary to have effective tools to achieve desired objectives. These mechanisms, which are not always peaceful or ethical, aim to influence public opinion or exert pressure on specific sectors of society.
Today, many scandals that once generated outrage and condemnation, such as recreational drug use or divorce, have lost their capacity to shock. So, what has led to this apparent social desensitization toward what has traditionally been considered "wrong"?
Sigmund Freud was among the first to highlight the fundamental role of sexuality in human behavior. According to his theory, the repression of sexual impulses (the libido) by societal norms (the Superego) generates internal conflicts that always seek an outlet.
This perspective sparked the sexual liberation movement, which has significantly shaped a culture focused on sexuality, promoting the belief that genuine freedom is found in unrestrained sexual expression. This culture encourages individuals to abandon rationality and live fully in their bodies, indulging in momentary pleasure.
However, behind this apparent liberation, there are hidden forms of control exercised by powerful lobbies and interest groups that promote a sexualized culture for political and commercial purposes.
The normalization of sexualization in society is evident. What began as the exposure of breasts in feminist marches has evolved into LGBT+ parades where nudity is common, and advertisements use semi-nude bodies to sell products. Even worse, we have reached the point of sexualizing children in advertising campaigns by famous brands. This shows that pornography, a multi-billion-dollar industry, has found fertile ground in a society that has naturalized sexualization in all its forms.
Pornography is undoubtedly one of the most lucrative industries in the world. In 2007, global porn revenues were estimated at $20 billion, half of which just came from the United States.
With the advent of the internet, access has become significantly easier: one in five Google searches is related to pornographic content, making this category the most popular on the search engine. The impact on minors is particularly alarming, as pornography is among the most common searches made by children as young as seven.
Far from being an expression of freedom, pornography fuels lust, and like any disordered passion, it blinds those who consume it. Lust robs individuals of their ability to reason and exercise self-control, rendering them vulnerable and easily manipulated.
Additionally, studies have shown that regular consumption of pornography reduces brain matter in key areas related to decision-making and impulse control, diminishing individuals' ability to fight their own weaknesses.
A clear example of the political and social implications of pornography and sexual liberation is the case of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is embroiled in a series of allegations involving sexual abuse and drug use at parties he hosted. The controversy surrounding these accusations suggests a pattern of control and exploitation, where sex and drugs are used as tools to dominate those involved.
Other cases, such as politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s involvement in a sexting scandal, or Mark Robinson’s controversial comments on a pornographic page, also illustrate how pornography can become a weapon to destroy political careers.
These cases prompt reflection on the role of pornography and sexual liberation today. Beyond its devastating effects on individuals' private lives, pornography has become a tool of social and political control, capable of manipulating its consumers and being used to gain advantages over them.
True freedom, however, is not found in the indulgence of base desires, but in the ability to act in accordance with reason.
In conclusion, pornography is not only a moral or spiritual issue but also a dangerous political manipulation tool. In an increasingly sexualized society, it is essential to question the true interests behind this apparent sexual liberation and recognize that true freedom is found when one can act rationally and autonomously, without being a slave to one’s passions.
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