“Sex Box” is a new show where couples discuss their relationships with experts, then go in an opaque, soundproof box and proceed to have intercourse. Afterward, they discuss their “intimacy issues” and “feelings,” or lackthereof.
Either way, this concept is absurd, which explains why the Parents Television Council is outraged with this show.
The Parents Television Council (PTC) is a non-partisan, educational organization encouraging responsible entertainment across all TV networks that don’t include any sex, violence or profanity. They have a petition out now to “Stop Sex Box” from airing to a live audience this
February.
With all things considered, it isn’t like this show is that far off from what we see in the media daily. From Budweiser to Victoria’s Secret, and even Burger King, women and men are objectified in commercials, magazines and billboard ads with no one thinking twice about it.
But this TV show is a little bit different. This is still live television portraying a message that demonstrates intercourse isn’t personal or intimate anymore, but rather something that is displayed — like Mike The Tiger in his cage for everyone to see.
Sexual objectification is the concept of representing or treating a person like a sex object with the sole purpose of pleasing another individual. Many of the ads objectifying men and women are generally focused on the most intimate parts of their bodies.
Why don’t we take a second and look at it from a different perspective? You’re seven years old, home alone, flipping through the TV, stumble upon “Sex Box” and you decide to watch it. The end result — a terrifying and burning idea of the reality behind the lie your parents have been telling you for years now. You know, the birds and the bees.
The PTC has a valid reason to have their panties in a bunch: if I were a parent, I would be horrified if my child approached me asking about “Sex Box.” Actually, I think I would have a panic attack.
This is sending out a horrible message to younger generations. Can you even imagine flipping through your TV Guide and seeing, “Sex Box” listed as a TV show? I would think I was getting Punk’d for sure.
If this TV show is like the majority of ads we see daily, is there really any issue with it when we look at the big picture? To be honest, yes, there is. Now don’t get it twisted, I still enjoy some promiscuous and profane reality TV, but who
doesn’t at times?
But I think “Sex Box” just takes it a little too far, and it is definitely a show I am going to add to my list of Shows To Never Watch Sober, along with “16 and Pregnant,” “My Strange
Addiction” and “Sister Wives.”
Jen Blate is a 24-year-old sociology junior from Miami, Florida. Jen can be reached on Twitter @Jblate_TDR.