Original Sin: Sex

Technology has revolutionized our relationship with sex. Technology has profoundly impacted the sexual revolution, helping erase sexual shame and introducing the idea of sex for pleasure — not just procreation. People are using technology as never before to explore their true sexual natures, safe from the judgment of families, friends and society at large.

Lawmakers have tried to make their way into bedrooms in an attempt to regulate the most intimate human behavior. Meet the relentless rebels who pushed back — fighting rules that restricted everything from sex toys to same-sex marriage. Despite victories, there continue to be lawmakers and citizens who oppose sexual freedoms. Laws about sex are rarely — if ever — just about the sex.

From the perspectives of historians, icons and educators, this episode explores the controversial and shocking history of sex education, revealing just how much politics and culture influence what we teach — or don’t teach. The importance of sex education, especially for young people, has been recognized. However, there is disagreement about how sexual education and sexual health should be taught.

Salacious sex scandals are a mainstay of the popular media. Explore the phenomenon of the political sex scandal and what the media’s response says about the values of popular culture. The public is obsessed with the private lives of those in positions of power. Why are so many in power drawn to encounters that break the rules they profess to protect?

The media has recognized that “sex sells.” What exactly is it about sex that sells? Sexualized images associated with products entice consumer purchases due to a mix of psychology, socialization, popular culture and several other factors. Learn how advertising impacts and capitalizes on public ideas about sexuality.

Sexuality is expressed in ever-changing ways. The concept of what is 'normal' when it comes to sex and gender is evolving, thanks to factors as varied as social science, gender-bending musicians, and technology. Will the future hold a new normal when it comes to sex and gender, or a return to the freedoms that some ancient cultures around the world once embraced?