In the age of internet pornography, where anyone can easily access an infinite variety of explicit content, it is easy to confuse fantasies with reality.
Most people have experienced some level of contradiction between their thoughts and actions when it comes to sex. This phenomenon occurs because our minds are bombarded with mixed messages about what is acceptable and what is forbidden regarding human desire. In this essay, I will discuss how individuals manage emotional contradictions that arise from conflicting sexual desires by exploring three theories - Freudian, Marxist, and Postmodern - and providing examples from personal experience.
The Freudian Approach
According to Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, every individual experiences six stages of sexual development during childhood, starting with oral stage up until genital stage. Each stage represents a different area of the body that becomes eroticized as children explore their world through touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing. The conflict arises when an unconscious desire clashes with societal expectations.
An adult who was raised in a strict religious household may feel ashamed of his/her sexual urges while having contradictory feelings towards them.
The Marxist Perspective
Marxism suggests that society shapes our behavior and desires based on class interests. People who belong to lower social classes often lack economic resources which makes them more vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and powerlessness that manifest in their sexuality. Sexual repression leads to internal conflicts over sexual identity and expression.
A woman working two jobs to support her family might suppress her sexual desires out of fear that she could be fired if she were discovered engaging in any kind of sexually explicit behavior.
The Postmodern Viewpoint
Postmodernists argue that sex is constructed within culture rather than biologically determined. They believe that individuals are shaped by their environment and cultural norms rather than natural instincts. In this case, conflicting emotions arise because people are constantly bombarded with messages about what is acceptable and what is not acceptable regarding human desire.
A man who enjoys pornography might feel guilty for watching it but still does so out of curiosity or addiction.
Personal Experience
Personal experience illustrates how we deal with these emotional contradictions in real life. When I was growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of waiting until marriage before having sex.
I had many fantasies about being intimate with someone else outside of wedlock. At first, I felt ashamed of my secret desires, but as I grew older, I realized that they were part of me and accepted them. I began to explore different sexual practices through books and movies, eventually finding a partner who shared similar interests. Although there were some initial moments of hesitation due to societal pressure, we ultimately found ways to express our true selves together without shame or guilt.
Individuals manage emotional contradictions that arise from conflicting sexual desires by recognizing them and taking steps to address them. By understanding where these feelings come from, we can work towards resolving them and living authentically.
How do individuals manage emotional contradictions that arise from conflicting sexual desires?
Emotional contradictions can be managed in various ways depending on the individual's coping mechanisms. Some individuals may find it helpful to seek professional help or confide in a trusted friend or family member who can provide support and guidance. Others may try to rationalize their feelings by exploring the underlying causes of their desire and finding a way to resolve them through self-reflection and introspection.