The single raunch culture

I’m out of the academic research loop on many things including social cultural thoughts, but I found this post and linked article interesting. You can read it here by author Carolyn McCulley. The referring article is found originally at The Wall Street Journal Online. She refers to the current world of singleness as a raunch culture giving examples of media spots like Girls Gone Wild and Sex in the City. Women seem to portray a provocative stance and are very much on the offense (as opposed to defensively) advertising their sexuality. 

Singleness becomes a lottery ticket: we sell the phrase for attractive ideas - that aren’t lasting - in hopes of cashing in on happiness and peace. We confuse sex with sexuality and presuppose that sexiness is the only way to connect the two.  

The article’s focus on college reflects how easy it is to miss the conservative’s views of dating on campus, and all the actions (and non-action) involved with “keeping your body a temple.” I would’ve loved to have had a college discussion on sexuality and spirituality in my own class. We mock relationships, beat down the concept of marriage, criticize the government for getting involved in family life, and step back from positive conversation on the amazing creation of God - the human being, male and female. I’d like more positive discussion on the cultural influence of the single female made in the image of God.

The idea of trading in a date for sex, or 1 outfit for lowered expectations is objectifying and doesn’t move us away from consumerist attitudes of women. Collectively looking at her impact and necessity in society is empowering and instructive for us as we move forward in any realm - work, school, home, church, wherever.   

Recommended reading: Sex God by Rob Bell. You can read a sample here. 

 

No Love Note Needed

When you don’t call a girl, for whatever reason, it’s not on your priority list. She doesn’t need a love note or a bouquet of roses, or sympathy. When you don’t ask to see how she’s doing, or take time to hang out - she gets it. Females see through the attempts and can call it for what it is - disinterest. Sure it may take some time and heartbreak, but eventually reality will set in and she’ll move on as other things creep into the schedule. I’m not sure what guys do on the other hand, but they would do a greater service to be honest and at least call it for what it is.   

“At the age of eleven or thereabouts
women acquire a poise and an ability to handle difficult situations
which a man, if he is lucky, manages to achieve somewhere in the later
seventies.” - P.G. Wodehouse

To their credit, I believe women adapt much earlier than that.

Recommended reading: “I’m just not attracted to her - Part 2“