—Anonymous
Readings that are read for class are usually about something to argue about, taking sides of what the author says versus what we think. Texts like this are dated pretty far back in time when society is not as accepting as they are today. Some of the texts that we read this semester were very eye-opening but there were also some that made it a little weird to read. I knew as I entered college, the readings will be super challenging and hard to analyze. But in this class, most of the readings were very fun to read because it was related to something that we know. The readings that were surprising to read were “The Toughest Indian in the World” by Sherman Alexie and “Miss Lora” by Junot Diaz. Both of these readings do show some explicit readings of sexual interactions. Usually, these kinds of readings would not be found in school readings because they would be deemed inappropriate, but we are adults and we are mature enough to handle it.
Sometimes it can get weird when talking about your sexual relations with friends or with family. There are those moments when you’re watching a movie or tv show with other people and a freaky scene comes on, and everyone starts getting a little weird watching. Like all of that expression should be kept to yourself. Not only does sex gets mentioned in these readings but cheating is mentioned as well. In “Miss Lora”, the main character, Yunior, cheats on his girlfriend with Miss Lora because his own girlfriend won’t have sex with him. You would think at first that it is wrong that he cheated. Yet you end up sympathizing with him later as you find out how his girlfriend treats him versus how happy he is with Miss Lora.
From a person who has experienced cheating and resents people who act upon it, it was weird for me to accept the fact that he just left for someone else. He was unhappy so I mean of course he left. The talk of sex and cheating is something that intrigues me. I read about it outside of school in private, so it was a little uncomfortable to read in class and to have an open discussion about it. I think now it can be very normal or talk about these things and be open about them. People make use of these topics and put them in movies or songs, especially songs that people can listen to conveniently.
There is a tv show on Netflix called “Sex Education” which showcases many teens in high school having trouble in their relationships. This is the only show I have watched where it really shows how high schools really are. Talking about these things shouldn’t be something that is shameful as it is seen in everyday life, just in private. I think when it comes to relationships and sex, people can take it very immaturely. As teenagers, you are exposed to these things but don’t know what is so meaningful about them until you grow up and have a relationship of your own.
