Sex on Show

Synopsis

The Greeks and Romans were not shy about sex. Drinking cups, oil-lamps and walls were decorated with scenes of seduction and sexual intercourse which make the modern viewer blush; models of penises were worn around the neck or hung from doorways. In classical Greece, statues of erect penises served as boundary-stones and signposts. In Rome, marble satyrs and nymphs grappled in gardens. How are we to make sense of this abundance of sexual imagery? Were these images seductive, shocking, humorous? Were they about sex or love? And what and how do we learn from them?

Sex on Show answers these questions by embracing ancient attitudes to religion, politics, sex and gender to examine how the ancient saw themselves and their world. Covering the sixth century BC to the fourth century AD, as well as some Neoclassical art from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Sex on Show uses detailed visual analysis to bring new insights to Greek and Roman culture and to the meaning of erotic imagery, past and present. This is not simply a book about sexual practice or social history. It is a visual history - about what it meant and still means to stare sex in the face.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction
In the first chapter of "Sex on Show," the author introduces the concept of sex being displayed as a form of entertainment in today's society. With the advent of mass media and technology, sex has become more readily available and visible in various forms of media such as television, movies, and advertising. This chapter sets the foundation for the rest of the book by discussing the evolution of sex as a form of entertainment and its impact on our society.

For example, the rise of online pornography has made it easier for people to access sexually explicit content, leading to a desensitization of sex and the objectification of women. The author also examines how taboos surrounding sex have shifted in recent years and how it has become more acceptable to openly discuss and portray sexual content in the media.

Chapter 2: Sex, Power, and Control
In this chapter, the author delves into the power dynamics at play in the display of sex in the media. They argue that sex is often used as a tool for manipulation and control, particularly towards women. The media has a tendency to objectify and sexualize women, reinforcing traditional gender roles and perpetuating the idea that female sexuality exists solely for the pleasure of men.

An example of this can be seen in advertising, where women's bodies are used to sell products, often in a hyper-sexualized manner. This not only reinforces harmful gender stereotypes but also portrays women as objects to be consumed rather than individuals with agency.

Chapter 3: The Spectacle of Sex
In this chapter, the author explores the idea of sex as a spectacle and how it is used to attract and capture the attention of audiences. They look at the use of sex to sell products, such as in the infamous Carl's Jr. commercials or the Victoria's Secret fashion show.

One real-life example of this can be seen in the Super Bowl halftime show performances. In recent years, these performances have faced significant backlash for being overly sexualized and objectifying women. The author argues that the spectacle of sex in these performances serves to distract from larger issues and perpetuates harmful ideas about women's bodies and sexuality.

Chapter 4: The Fantasy of Sex
This chapter examines the role of fantasy in the display of sex in the media. With the rise of social media and celebrity culture, individuals are constantly bombarded with images of what is considered the "perfect" body and ideal sexual experiences. This creates a culture of comparison and unattainable beauty standards.

One real-life example of this is the rise of influencer culture, where individuals curate their lives and bodies to fit a certain aesthetic and gain attention and validation from others. The fantasy of sex perpetuated by the media can lead to individuals feeling dissatisfied with their own lives and bodies, leading to poor body image and self-esteem.

Chapter 5: Alternative Sexuality
In this chapter, the author discusses how the representation of alternative sexualities in the media has both positive and negative effects. On one hand, the increased visibility of non-heteronormative relationships and sexualities can help to normalize and destigmatize them. However, the author also examines how these representations are often hyper-sexualized and not truly representative of the diverse experiences of individuals within these communities.

An example of this can be seen in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media, often as hyper-sexualized and promiscuous, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Chapter 6: Sex on the Fringe
The final chapter of the book focuses on the display of sex on the fringes of society, such as in subcultures and marginalized communities. The author discusses how these communities often use sex as a means of resistance and self-expression, challenging traditional notions of sexuality and gender.

One real-life example of this can be seen in the Pride movement, where individuals celebrate their sexuality and gender identity through various forms of expression, including sexuality. However, the author also acknowledges the pitfalls of these alternative forms of sexual expression, such as the exploitation of marginalized communities by mainstream media.

In conclusion, "Sex on Show" provides a critical analysis of the display of sex in the media and its impact on society. From the objectification of women to the unrealistic fantasies created around sex, the book sheds light on the harmful ways in which sex is portrayed in the media and calls for a more responsible and diverse representation of sexuality.