Sex is a taboo in Mexican culture, which has led to many generations, including women, not being comfortable in their own bodies and being ashamed to even talk about their periods. Machismo, sex shame, and biased standards set against women stemmed from that very issue. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the shame, that sex is taboo, the effects of that very shame, how machismo came from all the women being suppressed, and how there are very different standards being set with women and men in the Mexican culture and the effect it has had on the generations coming.
When addressing sex, I am not just talking about the physicality in the act itself, but all aspects of it. This includes consent, how to practice safe sex, how to destigmatize that once you say yes, you can’t say no, and the safety net that is needed. Consent is something very important to teach everyone because it is something so essential to have a clear understanding of when having sex. Consent can be withdrawn at any given moment during any physical intimacy. Safe sex includes knowing what kind of contraceptives are available and what resources you have if you were to contract anything. It also includes knowing that it’s okay to get an abortion and seek medical help if you aren’t ready for something that is life-changing. Many shame others for seeking abortions, but it shouldn’t be like that because it’ll always be, My body -My choice. If I am pregnant and I know I can’t financially and mentally handle a child, I will not bring another form of human life onto this earth for it to suffer for my mistake. Everyone should be able to make this choice and not be forced to think they don’t have options available to them.
