There has been an increasing interest in studying how race, class, and desire intersect in media representations of eroticism. This is particularly true in film, where these factors have been shown to shape the ways in which sex and intimacy are depicted. While erotic films often feature characters who cross boundaries of race and class, they also tend to reinforce stereotypes about what constitutes acceptable sexual behavior based on social status. In this essay, I will examine how erotic cinema portrays intersections of race, class, and desire by analyzing three examples: the classic film "The Graduate" (1967), the modern cult classic "Blue Is the Warmest Color" (2013), and the more recent Netflix series "Sex Education" (2019).
I will discuss "The Graduate," which follows a young man named Benjamin Braddock who becomes involved in an affair with his mother's friend's daughter, Elaine. The film explores the tension between traditional family values and the pursuit of self-expression, as well as the power dynamics at play within their relationship. It also presents a nuanced understanding of class difference, with Benjamin coming from a wealthy background while Elaine comes from a working-class one. The film's treatment of race is less explicit but still significant, as it features a scene in which Benjamin takes advantage of a black woman he meets during his travels. This scene highlights the way in which white men like Benjamin can exploit and objectify women of color for their own pleasure.
I will turn to "Blue Is the Warmest Color," which tells the story of two French teenagers, Adèle and Emma, who fall in love and begin a passionate sexual relationship. While the film is praised for its depiction of same-sex relationships, it has been criticized for its portrayal of class differences. Adèle is working-class, while Emma is middle-class, and their disparities in social status are often used to create dramatic tension in the film.
The film focuses on physical intimacy and emotional attachment rather than intellectual connection, suggesting that these factors are more important than education or cultural capital when it comes to forming meaningful relationships.
I will analyze "Sex Education," a Netflix series about a high school student named Otis Milburn who decides to become a sex therapist after his mother begins offering advice to her patients. The show explores issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and class, as well as the ways in which these factors intersect with desire.
One episode focuses on a character named Aimee, who is struggling with her attraction to men despite identifying as bisexual. The show also depicts class divisions between Otis' friends, including characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds and those who attend private vs. public schools.
In all three examples, race, class, and desire play an integral role in shaping how eroticism is portrayed. While some films may reinforce stereotypes, others offer more nuanced and complex representations that challenge viewers to rethink their assumptions about what constitutes acceptable behavior. By examining these intersections, we can gain a better understanding of how media shapes our perceptions of sex and intimacy and how these perceptions influence real-world interactions.
How does erotic cinema portray intersections of race, class, and desire?
Erotic cinema often explores intersections of race, class, and desire by depicting characters from different social backgrounds engaging in intimate relationships that challenge societal norms and expectations. These films can be an important medium for addressing issues related to power dynamics, privilege, and consent within romantic partnerships.