SONGSOPTOK: Is the subject of sex taboo in your own personal family and
friends circle? Do you talk freely about sex with your partner / children /
friends? If no, why? If yes, what exactly do you talk about? Take this as an
academic exercise, and do explain.
PHILLIP: I never find the subject of sex taboo and most of my friends
usually discuss sexuality quite openly when it's germane to some
discussion. Normally I'll talk openly
about any topic as long as it's interesting and done in a lively and enjoyable
manner and when it comes to sex, there isn't really any aspect of it I will not
discuss.
SONGSOPTOK: In the society you live in, is the subject of sex a taboo? If
yes, how do you explain it? Is it because of the religion that is practiced in
your country? Or is because of your culture, or even the beliefs of the
political parties in power?
PHILLIP: I really don't know
because I tend not to follow societal norms.
My simplest explanation is that sex like most conversations are based on
preferences and how candidly open and progressive the audience happens to
be.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that the society today is more permissive compared
to the time you were growing up? Do you think it is a good thing? Please let us
have your detailed opinion.
PHILLIP: Again, I really don't
know nor could I measure this question by any metric other than propagation is
the reason everyone is present on this planet so somebody somewhere is
assuredly doing it and I personally don't think it's a good or bad thing until
it becomes non consensual.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that a permissive society is dangerous for
teenagers, both girls and boys? Or is it on the contrary a good thing since it
demystifies sexual acts and makes them look at it as something mundane and
normal? Is that a good or a bad thing?
PHILLIP: I'm not an alarmist and
think that growing up entails knowledge and sex should be treated no
differently. Learn to become informed
about social risks and become responsible for your own pleasures and
vices.
SONGSOPTOK: History tells us that sex was not taboo in ancient societies.
What, in your opinion, is the genesis of this attitude? Do you think that the
rise of patriarchal societies all over the world is the main reason, where man
gradually started looking upon the woman as his own property? Or is it mainly
religious, where woman was treated as the root of all evils?
PHILLIP: Not really sure though
I've heard the adage: be fruitful and multiply but this could just be an agenda
to maintain mediocrity and the status quo and I'm not really sure if this is a
patriarchal or matriarchal issue but simply a human one.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you believe sexual attitudes and acts to be normal like all
other bodily functions or do you think that there is a special significance to
sexual acts? In other words, do sexual acts need to be couched in special
sentiments and sanctified by the institution of marriage? What is your own
experience? What is the experience of people close to you?
PHILLIP: I think they're perfectly
normal and healthy and yes, there's always the possibility that sexual acts can
take on greater significance, at least certainly more so than an average bowel
movement.
SONGSOPTOK: In your opinion, does the taboo about sex give rise to
repressive societies where men and women feel obliged to curb their natural
instincts and take recourse to abuse, rape or incest?
PHILLIP: Yes I do and that
repression, at least at first glimpse, seems to highlight a common male fear
that women are more powerful.
SONGSOPTOK: This brings us to the issue of violence against women in
different societies, where women and girls are abused and raped on a regular
basis by members of their own families. Do you think that the taboo about sex
is the main reason for such behavior? Would a change in attitudes actually make
a difference to the position of women in such societies?
PHILLIP: I'm really not sure but
taboo is not the term I'd use because this is a cultural attitude and when
someone abuses someone else, this is criminal and the only way I can confront
this issue.
SONGSOPTOK: Have media in general and Internet in particular played a role
in either enhancing or diminishing the taboo about sex? In what way?
PHILLIP: My magic 8 Ball says,
could be but I'll shake it again just to give this discussion its due. Whether it's enhanced or diminished I still
think all the old questions and wisdom literature remain applicable. Technology may change but responsibility does
not.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that ultimately sex is all about power and
domination, both for men and women? Why? What is your personal experience?
PHILLIP: I truly hope not. Sex is only one aspect of love that should be
shared freely with willing and informed participants.
PHILLIP MATTHEW ROBERTS is a 43 year old writer who resides in
Lexington, Kentucky where he spends most of his days revising poetry between
sleep and scribbling away at novels.
When not engaged in these activities he also enjoys good meals shared among
good friends accompanied by intimate talk that lasts long into the
evening.
We sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have your
continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
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