A generation of sex symbols

From ‘Baywatch’ to Britney, nothing seems to shock us anymore

By Jenna Mittelmeier

Friday, September 21, 2007

Looking back on the development of society, it’s easy to see that today’s college students enjoy more freedoms compared with generations of the past. Not only has life progressed socially, but also in the forms of personal expression.

When we look specifically at sexual expression, it’s hard to escape the idea that, as a whole, our generation has a much different idea of what is explicit or overt than generations of the past.

“Today’s generation has more access to sexual materials through technology and media,” said Barbara Barnett, professor of journalism and mass communications.

“They see more images and come to expect increased sexuality,” said Barbara Barnett, professor of journalism and mass communications.

Indeed, today’s society has a plethora of entertainment right at its fingertips. From television to the Internet, the world has become media-obsessed. With such an emphasis on entertainment and self-expression, today’s youth has progressed to become arguably the most sexually communicative generation in the history of recent American society.

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Additionally, the emergence of MTV’s annual spring break footage further promoted the sexuality of the ‘90s by depicting bikini-clad women dancing provocatively or couples licking whipped cream off of each others’ nearly-naked bodies.

It is nearly impossible to ignore that this explicitness exists. In all actuality, what was considered scandalous in the past would hardly be noticed in 2007. An excellent example is the world-famous 1955 appearance of Elvis Presley on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” where cameramen were instructed to only film the singer from above the waist to avoid showing the world his sexually suggestive dance moves.

Another example from 1955 is the infamous subway grate clip of Marilyn Monroe in “The Seven Year Itch.” Not only was her white dress considered racy for fashion of the day, but the idea of the public seeing so much of the starlet’s legs in the movie was considered by tabloids of the day to be the breaking point in her marriage to Joe DiMaggio.

In the 1970s the rise of television’s popularity in American homes made sexual provocation more accessible to the public. Take, for instance, the controversy surrounding the “Charlie’s Angels” women. Because the women were tightly-clad and considered easy on the eye, newspaper and magazine critics were quick to label the show “Jiggle TV” or “T&A TV,” for Tits & Ass Television.

The birth of MTV in 1981 brought a new wave of sexuality to the mainstream. From Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” to The Vapors’ “Turning Japanese,” whose lyrics both suggest themes of masturbation, sexual innuendos began to fill the airwaves. More controversy emerged with the introduction of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” in 1985. Madonna shook the stage of sexual expression when nude photographs taken in the late 1970s were published at the height of her fame. Instead of embarrassment, the singer defiantly announced that she was not ashamed.

In the 1990s, “Baywatch” entered American culture, bringing forth admirers of the bikini-wearing cast. Made world-famous by the slow motion running of its well-endowed actresses, “Baywatch” featured provocative women such as Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra and Brooke Burnes.

Additionally, the emergence of MTV’s annual spring break footage further promoted the sexuality of the ‘90s by depicting bikini-clad women dancing provocatively or couples licking whipped cream off of each others’ nearly-naked bodies.

“Over the years, media has begun focusing more on entertainment. Celebrities can now make a living just by being sexy,” Barnett said.

Progressing way past the days of Elvis’ hip shaking, today’s society is no stranger to sexuality and controversy. From the Internet age of celebrity pornography (Paris Hilton, Chyna Doll, etc.) to Janet Jackson’s 2004 “wardrobe malfunction,” we have far surpassed subway grates and short white dresses. In today’s age, tabloids are no stranger to crotch shots of women without underwear (Britney Spears, anyone?) or women kissing women at the Video Music Awards.

“In the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, sexuality was more implied, whereas Madonna-onward, sexuality has become more advertent,” Barnett said. “Today’s generation has to up the ante and push the envelope more. It is, however, up to the individual to develop values based on what he or she sees.”

All in all, the increased sexuality is hard to ignore. This, above all, gives today’s generation two distinct choices on the matter: correct that fact or embrace it with everything we’ve got.

— Edited by Elizabeth Cattell

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