Let's talk about sex

Volume 2, Issue 42- October 21-27, 2011

International Tribune

How can you satisfy frustrated conservative French Parliamentarians?   

This is a tough one to discuss.  The frustration is growing.  The scene is becoming dirtier.  This time it involves gender and politics.  

Since September this year, a new chapter in life science books on gender theory and sexuality sparked a nasty debate between the French conservatives and the Minister of Education, Luc Chattel.   About 80 members of the Assemblée Nationale wrote to the Minister of Education to remove the chapter that introduces the subject of gender theory and sexuality in the school curriculum.  The conservative majority view this to be of a private matter between the student and his or her family, and not the public school system.  French conservatives adamantly called for the withdrawal and see this as another way to mix homosexuality and politics, which has become a thorny issue in France since President Sarkozy opposed the legalization of gay marriage. And what is equally important for the conservative wing is that gender theory is not based in real scientific evidence, and therefore, do not belong in a science text book.  

Illustration by Søren Laursen

Where does the frustration lie?  Hachette, a publishing giant for French scholars added a new topic in their life science text books for high school students, a chapter of gender theory and human sexuality.  In the new book published this year, students will be discussing the topic of, “Becoming Woman or Man”, which introduces the idea that “biological sex identifies us as a male or female”, but is not in itself enough “for us to describe ourselves as masculine or feminine.”  The chapter also makes a distinction that, “sexual identity, constructed throughout one’s life, is a constant interaction between biology and the socio-cultural context, yet is decisive in our positioning in relation to others.”

French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir wrote in 1949, “One is not born into a woman, one becomes one.”  For an outsider, one would think that the French would be more practical and not oppose such topic.  Believe it or not, the subject of gender studies, which has been a regular course in most colleges in America, is just arriving in France.  For the first time this year, Science Po, one of France’s top universities in social science, will offer a course on gender studies.   The school of thought has been pioneered by American sociologists and feminists such as Judith Butler.  But the French have also been involved in shaping the theory with psychoanalysts such as Jacques Lacan.  However, it never made the text books in the public schools.  

Sex or gender talk, let’s face it, is the most dreaded challenge for every parent to discuss with their children.  Why would politicians stick their nose in it?  At times, some parents will purposely forget to talk about the ‘birds and the bees’ altogether.  Why not let a chapter or two about gender theory to be part of the school curriculum- just like how we have opened the learning and exploration of the sun, the moon, the nine planets, and the stars.  Once they read it, it does not mean they will head there.  

Be that as it may, this is a sign of progress, whether you live in France or in America.   Our society is becoming more sensitive and conscientious about human sexuality and its role in our community as a whole.  This is a good path we are heading.  We have to start talking to prevent a topic from being a taboo forever.  So let’s keep talking.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of challenges ahead for the French conservatives.  Not only are they expected to lose the majority in the government next year, but they are also likely to lose the Elysée.  How can you help such a frustrated group?  I am just glad that the guillotine has long been illegal.