Jamaicans are a colourful people with quite a diverse culture. While sexual myths are popular in any culture let us examine those that are most popular here in Jamaica. There are myths that are of a more serious nature involving STD’s and pregnancy, while there are also some other silly myths about what makes a woman more or less desirable.
Myth No. 1:
Now that I am 18 sex is okay
Many girls and boys believe that once they turn 18, or even the legal age of consent at 16, that sex is okay. The reality is that sex is not something that should be approached lightly because of the dangerous diseases and responsibilities that come with it. Sexual activity is a choice that is to be made with full consideration for all eventualities that may result from sexual activity. In Jamaica many parents do not condone early sexual activity and this results in some children sleeping around discreetly and not using the necessary protection, due mainly to a lack of money or means to obtain them.
Myth No. 2:
No one else is a virgin nowadays
Teenagers may tend to believe that they may be the only virgins left, and this may be an embarrassing prospect, especially within secondary schools. Hearing about your friends’ sexual activity tends to make those who have not had any experience feel self conscious because they have not had those experiences, which may appear to be vital within the age group.
Myth No. 3:
We love each other so we should have sex
It becomes difficult, when two young adults feel love for each other, to make an informed decision on sex. The belief that sex is the next step is false, as it is possible to love and leave sex for when both parties feel ready. In fact, any boyfriend who forces, cajoles or even threatens a girl for sex is not the right guy nor does he respect the girl.
Myth No. 4:
Girls must douche to keep the vagina clean
Douching has been proven to be a dangerous practice. The act of douching may actually force bacteria further up towards the reproductive organs, with dire consequences. According to gynecologists, the best way to ensure the vagina stays clean is to simply leave it alone.
Myth No. 5:
Pulling out before ejaculation protects against pregnancy
This myth is totally false. During sex males produce a liquid commonly referred to as ‘pre-cum’, which is secreted from the penis as a means of aiding lubrication. This natural process may secrete sperm, and makes pregnancy a possibility.
Myth No. 6:
Having sex standing up prevents pregnancy
This myth has come about because of the belief that when a guy ejaculates while both partners are in a standing position, the sperm will flow downward rather than upwards into the reproductive tract. This myth shows how little is known about the female reproductive system.
Sex in any position may lead to pregnancy.
Myth No. 7:
Condoms don’t work and people might as well go ‘bare back’
The truth is that condoms, especially those with spermicidal solutions, when used correctly, are very effective in preventing pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Myth No. 8:
AIDS only affects homosexuals
HIV doesn’t discriminate, and affects both heterosexual and homosexual persons alike. The spread of the virus has been aided by misguided beliefs that it only affects homosexual people, supposedly as a form of punishment.
Myth No. 9:
Only men masturbate
Both men and women have sexual needs and both sexes masturbate as a way of relieving sexual tension. Women as well as men enjoy masturbation.
Myth No. 10:
Herpes is only transmissible when there is an outbreak
The truth is that the risk of transmission is highest during an outbreak, but the virus is transmissible at all times, especially by those who have the virus but show no signs or symptoms. Carriers may shed the virus at all times and never have any obvious signs of infection. It is important to use condoms and dental dams. Even though these may not always protect against herpes, they are highly effective in minimizing risk of infection.
Other Myths
There are many other sexual myths that are quite silly, and relate to women and various attributes that supposedly make them better in bed. These myths include those of bow legged women, women with a large butt and wide thighs, women who have a gap in their teeth (which supposedly makes them more sexual), and women who are muscular and physically fit (who supposedly take charge and provide a more powerful sexual experience.
Another myth is that only white women come to Jamaica to take advantage of sex tourism. The local “rent a dread” sex trade is highly popular in the tourist destinations, and has many women flocking the island’s shores for vacation. The truth is that many black women also come to take advantage of sex tourism; it is not limited to white American women.
These sexual myths are still believed by Jamaicans today, and so it becomes important to educate and clear up these myths, and replace them with the truth so as to ensure healthy sexual practices. However, even after educating the people, some myths may remain. It may not be so much about what is true, but rather what people would like to believe, because it adds to the experience.
Related links:
http://www.all-jamaica.com/jamaica/sun_sex.html
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080720/out/out8.html
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080816/feature/feature1.html
http://www.xomba.com/jamaican_myths_sex
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