History of sex and the change of meaning headline Sex Week talk

On March 3, Lynn Sacco, an associate professor of history, discussed the history of sex and how it changes as society gives it a new meaning. Sacco specializes in gender and sexuality.

“If you look back on sexuality, it’s about social issues and authority,” Sacco said.

Sacco discussed this topic often in her class and spoke last year on the topic. She does not believe it should be a private matter, and argues that people need to understand themselves.

“I try to raise people’s thinking about this so they can feel better about themselves and understand their desires and behaviors,” Sacco said.

When asked what makes sex historical, Sacco noted that history is the study of how things change.

“Before the 20th century, there were no labels. Straight and gay did not exist, ” Sacco said. “The meaning of sexual behavior changes based on the social content at that time.”

Sacco deconstructed what society has made sex today, shaping it into an open discussion about the meaning of gender and sexuality throughout history.

Zack Plaster, a senior and executive member of Sex Week, said he believes this program is needed. Sacco and Plaster both said they wanted the students to leave with a new perspective and understand that gender and sexuality is a complicated thing.

“It is important to understand in order to change anything. (History) enables us to learn and make steps to solve discrepancies,” Plaster said.

Plaster believes that this is an important topic for Sex Week and for the students.

“This event sets the context for the rest of the events,” Plaster said. “Whether you talk about pleasure, sexuality or protection; it’s important to understand how it started.”

Edited by Gabrielle O’Neal

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