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Reading Assignment

Guest, Kenneth J. “Chapter 9 – Sexuality.” Cultural Anthropology - A Toolkit for a Global

Age. New York, Norton & Company Press, 2017. 311-344. Print.

Central Theme

The section discusses the theme of sexuality through the experience of a college

student, Emma Sulkowicz. In the process, the chapter addresses sexuality in the context of

desire, belief, behavior, as well as the cultural area (Guest 314). The insight from such

perspective assists in understanding that sexuality has more than just what people see in

social life. More so, the theme extensively covers the role of globalization by focusing on

aspects such as race, sex, social justice, disability, and sex tourism. The authors, at the end of

the chapter, provide a perspective on globalization's role in influencing sexuality in Nigeria

(Guest 340). The approach enables an understanding of the comprehensive scope impact

sexuality has in different contexts.

Chapter Description

The section provides an exhaustive discussion of sexuality as one of the critical

subjects in Anthropology. In such regard, the section first defines sexuality in two

perspectives. One of the views is that sexuality is an aspect grounded the belief, desire as well

as behavior with a connection to elements such as pleasure, intimacy in addition to physical

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contact. The chapter, on the other hand, also defines sexuality as a cultural arena where

people can debate distinct ideas about their physical desires as well as behaviors considered

morally right and appropriate (Guest 314). The chapter then provides background information

on the origin of sexuality.

Additionally, the chapter also provides an analysis of the human sexuality scope by

introducing the global perspective into the debate. In this regard, the section can determine

that human sexuality goes beyond personal choices (Guest 333). More so, the chapter also

extensively explains the arguments suggesting the US as the setting behind the construction

of sexuality by first introducing Bill Clinton's statement. The section then determines the role

sexuality play in power relations and the globalization influence on its local expressions

(Guest 337). The discussion of such perspective, therefore, enables a deep understanding of

what entails sexuality in different contexts.

Thoughts and Feelings

The chapter is exciting based on Guest's thoughtful arguments on the issue of

sexuality through the lens of Emma Sulkowicz’s case. In such regard, Guest can paint a

picture of sexuality as one of the essential aspects of human life, especially when it comes to

emotions. In the process, the chapter helps with an understanding that sexuality constitutes

different expressions and roles right from personal choices to the cultural context where

people express desires (Guest 314). More so, I feel that the insight provided by Guest enables

an in-depth understanding of sexuality in the sense of desires, beliefs as well as behaviors that

sometimes involves physical contact and pleasure. The same applies to sexuality in the

context of the cultural arena. I, therefore, feel people should approach the issue of sexuality

with an open mind based on the provided perspectives.

What I would like discussed in class

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In class, I would like the discussions to focus on the global perspective of human

sexuality and how the growth of the society, notably globalization, affects the perception of

sexuality locally.

Wickström, Annette. "Virginity Testing as a Local Public Health Initiative: A 'Preventive

Ritual' More than a 'Diagnostic Measure." Conformity and Conflict - Readings in Cultural

Anthropology (14th Edition). Ed. James Spradley and David McCurdy. Boston: Pearson

Education, 2010, 156 -163.

Central Theme

The article discusses the theme of virginity testing. The author focuses on addressing

the public health perspective of the approach as a preventive ritual measure in the KwaZulu

Natal region (Wickström 156). In such regard, the article provides an argument that virginity

testing is one of the critical strategies that the Zulu people use in enhancing individual as well

as community responsibility when incomes to the issue of sexual relations and AIDS.

Article Description

The article explains the aspect of virginity testing and the critical role it has been

playing as one of the conservative measures among the Zulu people. In this sense, the author

explores the significance of the measure in the KwaZulu Natal region as a collective ritual

that the community mostly uses in addressing the AIDS epidemic (Wickström 158). Drawing

from the knowledge of the area, Wickström manages to provide an insightful description that

the practice of virginity testing is not an individual aspect when it comes to the girls as well

as women practicing it within the limits of the community traditions. The author in the

process confirms that celebrating virginity in the community serves as a reinforcing strategy
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for local preservation of morality and responsibility in preventing epidemics by delaying

intercourse.

Additionally, Wickström confirms the significance of this in understanding the

contrasting notions about responsibility as well as personhood in the Zulu context with that of

Western nations. In the process, there is an understanding of why it is essential to understand

the responsibility for sexual decision making as well as sex education when it comes to

young girls. In such regard, the Zulu traditions teach the youths about engaging in non-

penetrating sex, which was later replaced by the colonial education system that placed the

responsibility in the hands of the parents (Wickström 159). Such contrast with the Zulu

cultural norms is, however, not defining how the community handles the issue of virginity

testing.

Lastly, the article presents the aspect of virginity testing as a cultural approach used in

controlling health epidemics such as AIDS (Wickström 162). In the process, Wickström

provides a debatable case study that points to the arguments about human rights and

traditional relativism, thereby calling on gender perspective.

Thoughts and Feelings

I found the article insightful in how it addresses the issue of cultural relativism,

especially on the matter of virginity testing. In such regard, Wickström is convincing with the

arguments about testing as a strategy meant to enhance individual as well as community

responsibility when it comes to sexual relations and strengthening of women's position. I,

therefore, concur with the arguments that such measures are appropriate as alternative ways

in the protection of young people.

What I would like discussed in class

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In class, I would like the discussion to focus on the debate about the conflict between

traditional practices and western ideologies, which continues to influence critical decisions,

especially where women are involved. I would also like a discussion about why virginity

testing is not considered an outdated preventive ritual.