The advent of television has only increased our dependence on visual media, and it is probably no exaggeration to say that television is the single strongest influence on the modern American outlook toward life. It is estimated that teenagers watch 3 hours of television each day and one in four teens says that television influences […]

Although the portrayal of sexuality is as old as art itself, pornography and censorship are more modern concepts, products of the mass production of erotic art in society. Throughout Western history, reactionary forces (usually the clergy) often censored nu­dity in public art, especially when it featured religious figures. For example, on the walls of Michelangelo’s […]

Most sexual representations created throughout history had a specific purpose, whether it was to worship the gods, to adorn pottery, or later, to criticize the government or reli­gion. Very little erotic art seems to have been created simply for the purpose of arousing the viewer, as much of modern erotic art is. So most of […]

Human beings have been making representations of themselves and the world around them since ancient times. Many of the earliest cave drawings and animal bone sculp­tures have been representations of the human form, usually scantily dressed or naked. Often the poses or implications of the art seem explicitly erotic. Yet it is hard to know […]

Erotic Representations in History The Development of Pornography Sexuality in the Media and the Arts Erotic Literature: The Power of the Press Television and Film: Stereotypes, Sex, and the Decency Issue ■ SEX IN REAL LIFE Generation M ■ SEX IN REAL LIFE How Do Movies Rate? Advertising: Sex Sells and Sells Other Media: Music […]

The first step in reducing the incidence of sexual harassment is to acknowledge the prob­lem. Too many people deny its existence. Because sexual harassers usually have more power, it is difficult for victims to come forward to disclose their victimization. University officials and administrators need to work together to provide educational op­portunities and assistance for […]

It is estimated that 25% to 30% of college students report experiences of sexual harass­ment (Menard et al., 2003). Sexual harassment on campus usually involves sexist com­ments, jokes, or touching, and the majority of students do not report it (Menard et al., 2003). Federal law prohibits the sexual harassment of college students, and victims of […]

Several factors have been found to be related to IPV, including a history of IPV in the offender’s family and excessive alcohol use (Leonard, 2005; Lipsky et al., 2005). Educational programs can help educate the public about intimate partner violence. Safe housing for victims of IPV can also reduce the likelihood of future abuse. Today […]

met my girlfriend at a party that a friend hosted. She was intelligent, beautiful, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Our relationship devel­oped rapidly and the closeness we shared was some­thing I had never experienced before. It is difficult to remember exactly when the abuse began because it was subtle. She criticized me because […]