CHAPTER OUTLINE

1. HUMAN SEXUALITY: PAST AND PRESENT

   Human sexuality refers to the feelings, thoughts and behaviors of humans, who have learned a set of cues that evoke a sexual or an erotic response (the term "sex" refers to a person's genetic makeup only). Humans are sexual beings and a large portion of our life is devoted to sexual activity (i.e., sexual daydreaming and fantasy). All societies have a set of rules or codes that define appropriate sexual behavior. However, sexual ideas and behavior change according to cyclical patterns. There are many variations in sexual attitudes and behavior that coexist during any particular historical period.

   1. Jewish Traditions and Human Sexuality.

      Ancient tradition placed great value on marriage and reproduction. The norm of premarital chastity was more rigidly applied to women than men (a woman who was not a virgin when she married could be killed). Male dominance was the order of the day.

   2. Christian Traditions and Human Sexuality.

      The early tradition was most influenced by St. Paul, who was opposed to sex, either inside or outside marriage. In the middle ages the "missionary position" was the only acceptable position for intercourse because it was the least likely to allow enjoyment. The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century ushered in new views on sexuality (Martin Luther renounced celibacy). During most historical periods, sexual behavior varied according to social class, with the middle classes adhering most to the norms.

   3. Sexuality in the United States: An Overview.
      1. Puritan Sexuality: Was based on Calvinist sexual traditions (sex was a sin outside of marriage). These views continued to dominate sexual norms well into the nineteenth century.

      2. Victorian Sexuality: Was characterized by a number of sexual taboos (nudity during sex was prohibited). Sexuality was basically a male phenomenon (women were not thought of as experiencing sexual desire). This differing set of norms, based on gender, is known as the double standard.

      3. Sexuality and Slavery: Victorian norms did not apply at all to blacks. Males were often either used as studs (to increase the slave population) or castrated. Women were often both physically and sexually abused.

   4. Sexual Attitudes and Behavior in the Twentieth Century.

      The first era (1900 to early 1950s) saw an increase in sexual activity outside marriage. The second era (1950s to 1970s) was characterized by greater sexual permissiveness outside marriage especially if sex occurred within a love relationship leading to marriage. The third era (since 1970) has seen a decreasing emphasis on the nuclear family and an increasing view that sex can be recreational.

      1. A Sexual Revolution? Some have argued that there has been no revolution but just a continued evolution of sexual norms.

      2. Sexual Attitudes and Behavior in the 1990s: The permissiveness of the 1980s has continued, but people are less likely to engage in casual sex due to the growing awareness of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual acts that were once considered deviant are widely accepted today. Remnants of the sexual double standard remain.
         1. Sex by the Numbers, Sexual Partners, Practices and Fidelity: Contrary to popular belief, Americans have few sex partners, a modest amount of sex, are true to their partners and have less exotic sexual practices than reported by earlier sex surveys. Americans, in the 1990s, are largely monogamous.

         2. How Often? On average, Americans have sex once a week, but clearly two-thirds of the population have sex less often (a few times a month, a few times a year, or not at all).

         3. Kinky Sex? Contrary to the assumption of widespread "kinky" sex, we as a nation, seem to prefer only a few sexual practices.

         4. At What Age? According to NORC survey, white teens, both females and males, typically begin having sex at age 17; black males typically begin just before 16 and black females, just before 17.

         5. Choosing Partners: Sexual behavior is strongly affected by friends, family and coworkers.

         6. Sexual Homogamy: In the NORC study, 93 percent of people who were married were married to someone of the same race, 82 percent were of similar educational level, 78 percent were within 5 years of each other's age, and 72 percent were of the same religion.

         7. Gender Difference: Women and men think and behave differently in terms of sex. Perhaps the most alarming gender difference found in the NORC sex survey is the difference in female and male perception of what constitutes consensual sex.

2. SEXUALITY AS SOCIAL LEARNING

   Anthropologists have long shown that human sexuality is defined and learned within a cultural context. However, Freud and Kinsey believed that human sexuality is biologically determined by innate drives, which society insists must be repressed or appropriately channeled. The prevailing view is that sexual behavior is learned and then guided by "sexual scripts" that are learned during the socialization process.

   1. Sources of Sexual Learning.

      In earliest childhood, as we are learning other important norms of our culture, we are also learning about our sexuality from significant others and later from generalized others.

      1. Learning Sexuality in the Family: Contrary to popular belief, research indicates that people learn very little about sexuality from their parents.
         1. Gender Differences in Sexual Scripts: Female sexual scripts still tie sexuality to reproduction and family life, therefore females (unlike males) tend to connect sex with feelings of love and affection.

      2. Peer Influences: Various studies have found that peer pressure to engage in sexual activity is a major factor in adolescent sexual behavior.

      3. The Mass Media: There is currently a multi-billion dollar sex industry (X-rated movies and sex magazines), including the use of sexuality by mainstream advertising. These and other aspects of sexuality in the media reflect the openness of sexuality in modern society. Similarly, television programming increasingly depicts sexual situations and behaviors. "The Jerry Springer Show," with the largest share of the talk show audience in 1997, not only focuses entirely on the sexual dysfunctionality of guests but also mixes insults and violence with the sexual content of the show. Critics of these programs argue that these presentations distort healthy notions of sexuality.

3. SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS

   Involve not only whom one chooses as a sexual partner, but also the ways in which one understands and identifies oneself. Sexual desire is constructed in the context of social relationships and identities. American culture has espoused heterosexism to the extent that most sex research is based on the assumption of heterosexuality although there are many practicing homosexuals.

   1. Heterosexuality.

      Refers to the preference for sexual activities with a person of the opposite sex. At least 90 percent of Americans identify themselves as heterosexual. Feminists argue that American's views are phallocentric and reflect the notion that women exist for men. Adrienne Rich argues that heterosexism and homophobia inhibit the possibility of some men and women finding sexual satisfaction with same-sexed partners.

   2. Homosexuality.

      Refers to both identity and behavior. The exact determination of homosexuality is unknown. The nature-nurture debate continues to spark controversy. Some recent research tends to support the biological explanation.

      1. Biological Basis of Homosexuality: Studies of identical twins and autopsied brain tissue support the biological explanation. However, both studies dealt exclusively with males and the findings are to be regarded with caution.

      2. How Widespread is Homosexuality? A good estimate today is that somewhere between 3 and 10 percent of both women and men are primarily or exclusively homosexual (with more males than females so reporting). However, the dichotomy of heterosexual versus homosexual can be misleading in that there may be aspects of both orientations in everyone.

   3. Bisexuality.

      The concept is difficult to define (with respect to identity and lifestyle) and enumerate (estimates are that from 10-25 percent of adults are bisexual). As with other sexual orientations, the exact origins of bisexuality are unknown. However, some evidence suggests differences between men and women in their perceptions of their bisexuality.

4. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF SEXUALITY

   Although sex surveys tell us much about what people do, how they do it, and how often, such surveys tell us very little about what goes on in our bodies when we are sexually stimulated.

   1. The Sexual-Response Cycle.

      Masters and Johnson clarified the physiological process of sexual response in human beings. According to Masters and Johnson we go through four stages in erotic arousal:

      1. Excitement Phase: This phase begins the sexual response process and may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

      2. Plateau Phase: If sexual stimulation continues, individuals move into this phase.

      3. Orgasmic Phase: With continued stimulation both females and males enter into this phase.

      4. Resolution Phase: After orgasm and the cessation of stimulation, the body returns to its preexcitment physiological state.

5. HUMAN SEXUAL EXPRESSION

   Human sexual expression covers a wide variety of behaviors.

   1. Autoeroticism.

      Until recently, United States society placed particularly heavy restrictions on autoeroticism.

      1. Masturbation: Involves gaining sexual pleasure from self-stimulation of the genitals. Boys and men tend to masturbate more often than girls and women. Masturbation frequently continues after marriage.

      2. Sexual Fantasy and Erotic Dreams: More males than females engage in sexual fantasy and erotic dreaming (dreams often lead to nocturnal emissions or wet dreams).

   2. Interpersonal Sexual Behavior.

      Interpersonal sexual activity involves more people acting in concert for the purpose of giving each other pleasure.

      1. Pleasuring: Involves a couple exploring each other's bodies.

      2. Petting and Oral Sex: Petting involves a variety of types of physical contact for the purpose of sexual arousal, and is a common activity among adolescent boys and girls. In many parts of society oral-genital sex is an unmentionable subject and taboo behavior, (cunnilingus is the oral stimulation of the female genitals, and fellatio is the oral stimulation of the male genitals). Oral sex has become standard practice for a majority of white people of all social classes.

      3. Coitus: Refers only to penile-vaginal intercourse. Coitus remains the primary method through which heterosexuals seek erotic pleasure, with the "missionary position" being most common.

   3. Sexual Expression Among Lesbians and Gays.

      There is little difference in homosexual and heterosexual sexual expression and physiological response. Lesbians are more emotionally involved with their partners and are more likely to connect sex with love than are gays. Gays tend to have sex with more partners and in shorter-term relationships.

6. SEXUALITY ACROSS THE LIFE CYCLE

   Sexual behavior for most people begins earlier and lasts longer over the life cycle today than at any other period in United States history.

   1. Nonmarried Sexuality and Pregnancy.

      The incidence of intercourse among singles has increased considerably over the last several decades. In addition, gender is no longer a distinguishing factor in unmarried sexual behavior. More adolescents are having intercourse at younger ages. The majority of nonmarried intercourse among adolescents, as well as among adults, occurs within an affectionate, serious, and steady relationship.

      1. Pregnancies Among Unmarried Women: Today, almost one-third of the births in this country involve single women.

      2. Teenage Pregnancy: According to U.S. Census data, over 1 million teenage girls become pregnant each year. The rates of pregnancy and childbirth for single, compared with married, teenage parents have increased dramatically. There is some indication that the increase in AIDS awareness has led to some increase in the use of contraceptives. Still, the United States has a higher rate of teenage pregnancy and childbirth than any other industrialized country, while the Dutch have the lowest. Only 48 percent of pregnancies result in live births due to a high rate of stillbirths and abortions. Added to the increase in the rate of teenage pregnancy is a growing problem of teenaged girls getting pregnant by adult men.

   2. Marital Sexuality: Does Good Sex Make Good Marriages?

      Most marriages today have moved toward greater variety in sexual behavior, more frequent intercourse, and higher levels of sexual satisfaction. In general, when couples define their sexual activities as satisfying, they also define their overall relationship as satisfying.

   3. Extramarital Sexuality.

      Research indicates that since the 1950s the incidence of extramarital relationships has increased substantially. Most wives who had extramarital affairs indicated that they were dissatisfied with some aspect of their marriage, while husbands indicated the sexual excitement of the affair was the reason for their extramarital affair. Extramarital relationships can range from one-night affairs to a lifelong relationship.

   4. Post-marital Sexuality.

      As divorce and separation rates have increased and a growing number of widowed people are living into old age with a partner, a larger number of adults than in the past are confronted with the task of adjusting to postmarital life.

      1. Divorced People: Most divorced people become sexually active within a year following their divorce. The sex is usually more pleasurable and fulfilling than marital sex.

      2. Widows and Widowers: Almost one-half of widowers and widows engage in postmarital coitus.

   5. Sexuality and Aging.

      People who are healthy and happy with their lives can continue to be sexually active well into their advanced years. Survey research demonstrates that while sexual activity may decline with age, a significant proportion of elderly people, including those in nursing homes, remain sexually active.

      1. Women, Aging, and Sexuality: Somewhere around the age of 50 women experience menopause. Experts disagree on the impact of menopause on female sexuality.

      2. Men, Aging, and Sexuality: Men do not have a typical pattern of reproductive aging because there is no definite end to male fertility. A very small percentage of men over the age of 60 experience what some researchers have labeled a male climacteric. Most forms of sexual behavior decline significantly for both men and women after age 75.

7. SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS

   Sexual discord or maladjustment of some sort is widespread in the United States. The majority of cases are the result of social-psychological factors that interfere with or impair people's ability to respond as ordinarily expected to sexual stimuli.

8. SEXUAL RESPONSIBILITY: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM AIDS AND OTHER STDS

   Sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) are fairly common in today's society. Such diseases can be caused by viruses (AIDS, herpes, hepatitis B, and genital warts), bacteria (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infections), and tiny insects or parasites (pubic lice).

   1. AIDS.

      Experts estimate that approximately 1.5 million people in the United States are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which is believed to be the main cause of AIDS. Between 10 and 30 percent of those people will develop AIDS. AIDS is a viral syndrome, or group of diseases, that destroys the body's immune system. Currently, there is no cure for AIDS. Of the more than 665,357 people in this country diagnosed with AIDS, 401,028 have already died.

   2. The Transmission of AIDS.

      AIDS is transmitted via blood and body fluids, such as semen, saliva, vaginal and cervical secretions, urine, tears, and breast milk. Although AIDS can be transmitted through the use of an infected needle or syringe, the most common means of transmission is through sexual contact. According to current evidence, HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact. People may have the HIV virus without knowing it. Most people infected with HIV develop antibodies within 6 months of exposure (which show up on a special blood test).

   3. Who Gets AIDS.

      84 percent of adult AIDS cases in the U.S. are men; 75 percent are gay men. Incidence of heterosexual transmission has risen from 1 to 10 percent.

   4. AIDS and Women.

      AIDS is now among the top ten causes of death among women. Recent research indicates that women are more likely than twice as likely as men to become infected with the HIV virus. Early symptoms of the HIV infection are similar to those found in males. In addition, women show special symptoms. Women tend to die sooner after the diagnosis of AIDS. This may be related to the fact that women are diagnosed later than men

   5. AIDS and Children.

      Today AIDS is a leading cause of death in children under the age of five. Most contract the disease from their mothers before, during, or after birth. The majority of cases are found in poor, urban, inner-city neighborhoods.

   6. AIDS as a National and International Issue.

      The World Health Organization estimates that 30.6 million people are currently living with the HIV/AIDS virus in more than 74 countries, the vast majority in Asia and Africa. Geographic boundaries cannot protect against HIV. Many governments, constrained by a lack of resources, continue to avoid the reality of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

   7. AIDS Prevention and Sexual Responsibility.

      A campaign for "safe sex" is geared toward informing people of how to protect themselves from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases through abstinence or by engaging in responsible sex. Some critics of safe sex contend that the premise of safe sex promotes sexual promiscuity and does little to promote abstinence. They argue that abstinence, not safe sex, should be the official public policy. Experts are uncertain whether sexual behavior is changing as a direct result of the increasing risks associated with AIDS.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading Chapter Six, students should be able to:

1. distinguish between "sex" and "human sexuality."

2. compare Ancient Jewish and early Christian traditions as they relate to human sexuality.

3. give a brief overview of sexuality in the United States from Puritan times to the present.

4. discuss the factors that contribute to our sexual identity.

5. understand and be able to discuss heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.

6. describe the findings of Masters and Johnson's research on the sexual-response cycle.

7. list and discuss various forms of autoeroticism.

8. list and discuss interpersonal sexual behaviors.

9. briefly examine sexuality in several key periods of the life cycle.

10. understand the various types of sexual dysfunctions.

11. discuss AIDS and understand the importance of sexual responsibility.

KEY TERMS

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/CLASS EXERCISES

1. As you discuss sexuality with your students, ask them to think about how American society "speaks with forked tongue" concerning sexual behavior: On the one hand, we are told that sex is "natural," that it is a matter of biology-when boy meets girl, just like the "birds and the bees." On the other hand, we are taught that our sexual feelings must be controlled and carefully monitored; only under certain conditions are we permitted to have sex. Encourage the members of your class to vocalize their own impressions of this hypocrisy surrounding the relationship between biology and human society when it comes to the expression of sexuality.

2. Controversy still exists regarding who is best to teach children about sexuality and sexual activities. Conservatives usually maintain that this is the responsibility of parents. Other people feel that although this would be ideal, the fact is that parents do not do an adequate job of discussing sexual matters with their children. Ask the students in your class if they learned about sex and sexuality from peers or from parents. What types of erroneous information did they receive? Discuss sexual socialization in America today.

3. Jennifer L. Eichstedt presents an interesting article in the October, 1996 (Vol. 24: 384- 388) of Teaching Sociology that deals with teaching strategies and exercises concerning heterosexism and gay/lesbian/bisexual experiences.

4. Encourage your students to grapple with the issue of what is acceptable and unacceptable in the realm of sexuality. You can begin with a list of different types of heterosexuality, from the "normal" to the "unusual." As the students vocalize what they find unacceptable, try to distill what criteria they are using to make these assessments: relativistic cultural norms, psychological damage to another person, physical pain for another person, etc. One very controversial topic that you may wish to introduce into your class discussions involves whether monogamy is the most natural state for adult living. Ask your students to consider this question: "If monogamy is the 'right' way for men and women to live, then why is there so much extramarital infidelity?"

5. Today, one-fourth of the births in this country involve single women. These are not always young teenage females. Many are women who have graduated from college, established a career, and now want to experience motherhood. Solicit the students' opinions for and against such a decision. Also, ask them if they think that single people should be able to adopt babies. What are the advantages and disadvantages of raising a child in a single parent home (if the parent is financially secure)?

6. There are probably more jokes concerning human sexuality than any other subject. Many of these jokes are not very humorous. Ask your students to consider how humor frequently reflects how uncomfortable people feel about particular issues. The endless stream of "sex jokes" reflect the discomfort that many Americans experience when it comes to their own sexuality. Some members of your class may be encouraged to vocalize elements of jokes relating to sexuality that they have heard recently. Use student comments in discussing specific ingredients of Americans' apprehensions about their own sexuality.

7. Motivating students to be candid about "his" and "her" sex in group discussion is difficult for obvious reasons. However, the benefits of such a discussion are many, even if the interchange is characterized by embarrassment and discomfort. Using the discussion of gender differences in this chapter as a baseline, ask your students to consider further why men and women view sex differently and encourage them to discuss why this is the case. You may wish to draw some comparisons between the gender differences with reference to sexuality.

8. Pose the question, "Is the sexual revolution over?" to your students. Ask for their individual points of view regarding the conservative trend toward non-marital sexuality in our society. They may be inclined to cite the appearance of AIDS and the increased sensitivity to other sexually transmitted diseases as the explanation. Ask them to probe more deeply into the reasons for this conservative backlash.

9. Most students have watched installments of television programs like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Jerry Springer Show, Leeza, Ricki Lake, and Sally Jesse Raphael. The content of these programs illustrate the ongoing popularity of sex as a topic of interest and the increased willingness of Americans to discuss sexuality in public. Some observers say that this public exposure of sexuality is "healthy." Ask your students to consider whether these kinds of discussions are therapeutic. Would they go on one of these programs to talk about their problems with sexual functioning, extramarital sex, or other sexually relevant topics?

10. Ask the members of the class to bring a copy of at least one article/paper on extramarital affairs. Although many researchers maintain that the incidence of extramarital relationships is very high, other surveys have shown a much lower incidence. Discuss with the class the hidden agendas of some research (for instance, a Playboy survey found that over 70 percent of married men had extramarital affairs, but a major Family Circle survey found a much lower percentage. What effect might excessively high or lower percentages have on readers?

11. The text points out that media presentations exaggerate the importance of sex in people's lives. Furthermore, movies like Grumpy Old Men, and Grumpier Old Men emphasize the concern that the elderly, especially elderly men, have about sex in the middle and later years of life. This concern is ironic in view of the feeling that the elderly are "sexless." Another interesting image is that of the "dirty old man." Ask your students to consider this irony: On the one hand, it seems that Americans-again, especially American men-are worried about declining sexual function in the middle and later years. On the other hand, we live in a society where most people are uncomfortable with the image of older people having sex. Encourage the class to confront this situation head-on, in an effort to expose Americans' general discomfort with human sexuality.

12. One excellent vehicle for illustrating American attitudes toward human sexuality is to ask your class to consider the use of sex surrogates in sexual therapy. Apparently, many Americans regard surrogate sex therapy as "immoral" or even appealing to prurient sexual interest. Encourage the members of your class to voice their opinions about sex surrogates. Why should this type of approach be regarded differently than any other form of therapy?

FILMS AND VIDEOS

Understanding Sex, 1998, 51 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). In this program, narrated by Candice Bergen, an evolutionary biologist, a botanist, a psychobiologist, zoologists, and doctors probe the subject of plant, animal, and human sexuality. Vivid computer imagery compliments the program.

 

Sociology of Sexuality, 1995, 10 segments, 45 min. each (Insight Media). This series explores sexuality, love, gender roles, and sexual orientation. Hosted by University of Pennsylvania professor and sex researcher Paul Root Wolpe, each presentation examines different aspects of sexual attitudes and behaviors, including the concept of "deviant" sexuality.

 

Chasing Amy, 1997, 105 min. (Feature Film: Miramax, Rated R). There is demonstrated pedagogical utility of commercial films. Chasing Amy provides an excellent opportunity to discuss sexuality, sexual orientation, etc. You may wish to consult a complete review of this film, including suggestions for its use in Teaching Sociology, 26, (July): 238-242.

 

"Love and Sex"--Phil Donahue's THE HUMAN ANIMAL, 1987, 52 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). Falling in love, having sex, making babies-these are easy. But understanding human sexuality is much more difficult. This program visits a male strip club, a gay rights march, a teenage mother giving birth, and a classroom where teachers and parents are trying to help teenagers come to grips with their sexual selves.

 

Hormones, 1992, 28 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). This program examines the nature and role of hormones in sexual development.

 

The Female, 1992, 28 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). This program is devoted to the healthy female body and its normal functions; it covers sexual development and relates the changes that take place in the female life cycle with brain functions: menstruation, coitus, pregnancy, menopause.

 

Embracing Our Sexuality: Women Talk About Sex, 1995, 40 min. (New Day Films). This is a compelling look into the conversations of nine women, ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, and come from different backgrounds and sexual orientation, who gather together for a weekend retreat to talk about sexuality. Topics range from sexual orientation to sexual satisfaction, to the effects of sexual abuse.

 

The Male, 1992, 28 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). This program is devoted to the healthy male body and its normal functions; it covers the hormones for developing male sex characteristics and sexual behavior, how semen is produced, and traces these changes from puberty through the male life cycle.

 

Finding Our Way: Men Talk About Their Sexuality, 1995, 40 min. (New Day Films). This is a companion to Embracing Our Sexuality; in it, a group of ten men ranging in age from twenty-seven to seventy-one and reflecting varied backgrounds and sexual orientation, come together at a weekend retreat to talk about sexual issues. This program will be especially helpful in encouraging men to be less fearful of intimacy with other men and encourages both men and women to be more open about their sexuality.

 

Teen Sex: The Chastity Crusade, 1996, 27 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). This program looks at two different approaches to the issue of sex education and discusses the merits of each. On one side are those who are teaching chastity and prohibiting discussions of safe sex and birth control-an approach that has been adopted by some school boards. In sharp contrast, a more liberal approach is being taken by those teaching the pros and cons of contraception.

 

Teen Sexuality in a Culture of Confusion, 1995, 40 min. (Media Education Foundation). This documentary features eight diverse young people, age 16-24, who talk about the forces in their lives that influence how they make decisions about sex; two of the eight talk about living with AIDS. This presentation addresses how the popular culture portrays sexuality, gender and beauty, how teens decide when and whether to have premarital sex, and how some teenagers develop a fear of intimacy because sex is regularly associated with danger and disease.

 

Sex and Marriage, 1994, 30 min. (Insight Media). This program examines widely varying customs relating to sex and marriage across different cultures. It focuses on the unique traditions of particular societies, explaining that marriage customs are often developed for economic reasons.

 

Sexuality and Aging, 1987, 60 min. (Insight Media). Exploring attitudes, myths, and facts, this program examines ongoing research on sexuality in the later years of life. It investigates physiological changes affecting sexuality through interviews with gerontologists, sex researchers, and sex educators, as well as with elderly men and women, revealing attitudes that are not commonly expressed.

 

AIDS: The Changed Face of America, 1992, 52 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). This presentation features Phil Donahue as host, exploring how dramatically AIDS has changed life in America today: from the dating scene and sexual practices to greater openness about homosexuality and more open attacks against people with alternative sexual orientations.

 

Living and Dying With AIDS, 1991, 77 min. (Films for the Humanities and Sciences). This is the life story of a once energetic man and the documentation of his final days as he dies of AIDS. The program puts real faces on a deadly epidemic that cuts across all populations.