Harrison Twp. sophomore Auggie Kourlos and Sebewaing sophomore Katie Stoeckle think sex is more openly discussed in society now than in the past.

The two students said sex is dominant in such television shows as “Sex and the City” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“They talk blatantly about it,” Stoeckle said.

Patty Williamson, broadcast and cinematic arts instructor, said the “Sex and the City” series is groundbreaking in many ways, including the open discussion of sex.

“Women were seen as being in touch with their sexuality, outspoken and not ashamed,” Williamson said.

While sex may be more openly discussed in the media and society, Williamson said, in general, parents are more wary of sex content on television and in movies than they are of violence. Parents are afraid their children’s values and morals will be influenced and they will be exposed to the issue before they are ready, she said.

Williamson said she thinks society will continue to see barriers concerning and depicting sex broken in future years.

“I think it’s always going to change from era to era,” Williamson said.

Both Kourlos and Stoeckle said sex has changed over the generations and the older generations as open with the topic.

“I think they’re (older generations) appalled by it,” Kourlos said.

Philosophy and religion temporary faculty member Roger Sneed said the issue of sex has changed over the years.

“It is always changing, given the changes in society,” he said.

Sneed said some people have worried society has fallen back into the 1950s era in response to the feminist movement, moving back to a point when women feel the need to be chased by men.

Sneed also said society’s discussions about sex are more focused on who is having sex with whom.

“It’s (sex) talked about openly – still, it’s just the nature of the conversation,” Sneed said. “Now we’re more cautious, more hesitant.”

Sneed said when the topic of sex is discussed, it’s often about the morality of the issue.

Homosexuality is another hot topic because of the attention it has received.

“To a certain extent, it is something you will see more representative,” Williamson said.

She said that while homosexuality is given more representation, it still is limited and stereotypical in television.

Kourlos said she thinks society has become more accepting towards homosexuality, and Stoeckle agreed.

“More people are experimenting with bisexuality,” Stoeckle said.

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