Sexploitation Book Summary - Sexploitation Book explained in key points
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Sexploitation summary

Cindy Pierce

Helping Kids Develop Healthy Sexuality in a Porn-Driven World

4 (33 ratings)
15 mins

Brief summary

Sexploitation by Cindy Pierce is a revealing book that explores the impact of media, technology, and culture on our views of sex and relationships. It offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which these influences shape our sexual experiences and identities.

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    Sexploitation
    Summary of 4 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 4

    We need to talk about “the talk”

    When do you have “the talk”? When children hit puberty? When they start middle school? When they first start showing curiosity about their bodies? It’s a question that has plagued parents for generations. Luckily, there’s an answer, and it’s this: you shouldn’t. That is to say, you shouldn’t have the talk, singular. In your role as sex educator, you should talk with your children openly and often about all things sex. And you should start pretty much from the time your kid is able to hold a conversation. 

    Before we get into what you should be talking about, let’s dig into why this approach is best.

    Initiating a series of ongoing low-stakes conversations takes the pressure off. You don’t have to cover all bases in one intense discussion. It also signals you’re comfortable talking about sex and want them to feel comfortable doing so, too. And talking with your kids about sex in an age appropriate way from the time they’re toddlers means that when things get a bit more complicated, they’ll be in the habit of coming to you with questions.

    Now, onto the “what.” With little kids, there’s no need to go into graphic detail. Start from toddlerhood by labeling body parts accurately and without shame: penis, testicles, vulva, vagina, breasts, and so on. No “pee-pees” or “down-there”s, please! 

    Around the time your child is in first grade, pediatricians recommend sharing simple explanations of how sex works and how babies are made. It’s important to share this information early, in a comforting and supportive context, because explicit and age-inappropriate sexual content is simply so easy to access these days. You can build on these conversations by talking about different relationship configurations – sex can happen between a man and a woman, two women, two men, and so on. Babies can be made through IVF, or they can be adopted or fostered.

    Bath time is a great opportunity to introduce concepts like personal space and consent. If siblings touch each other's genitals, remind them to respect each other's space and reinforce that no-one can touch these parts of your body without permission. If your children touch their own genitals, emphasize that this is a perfectly normal activity, but that people do it in private.

    Just as important as what you say is the behavior you model around sex, love, and body image. For example, some families are comfortable being totally naked around each other – that’s great, and signals a healthy level of comfort with the body. You might not be comfortable doing that – and that’s fine. But if your child walks in on you while you’re undressed, make a point of staying calm and relaxed. There’s nothing wrong with a naked human body. After all, we’ve all got one! The same advice applies if your kids catch you having sex – address what they saw calmly, then move on. 

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    What is Sexploitation about?

    Sexploitation (2015) is an up-to-date take on sexual education, aimed at arming parents, carers, and educators with the best advice for supporting kids to make healthy sexual choices. 

    Sexploitation Review

    Sexploitation (2020) is a thought-provoking exploration of how our culture's hypersexualized environment affects our understanding of sex and relationships. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • The author's insightful analysis of the media, advertising, and pornography industries reveals how they shape our attitudes towards sex.
    • Through interviews and personal stories, the book uncovers the realities of hookup culture, sexual violence, and the pressures faced by both men and women.
    • Offering fresh perspectives on consent, communication, and healthy sexual relationships, it challenges conventional ideas and encourages thoughtful reflection.

    Who should read Sexploitation?

    • Parents who want to support their tweens and teens in exploring their sexuality
    • Educators dealing with the impact of porn and social media on young adults
    • Carers and mentors looking for up-to-date advice on sexual education

    About the Author

    Cindy Pierce is a storyteller and sexuality educator, known for her frank, fearless, and wise approach to helping young adults navigate their own developing sexualities as well as addressing the implications that porn, social media, and hookup culture have for young people.

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    Sexploitation FAQs 

    What is the main message of Sexploitation?

    Discover the exploitation hidden in our hypersexualized world and learn how to reclaim healthy relationships.

    How long does it take to read Sexploitation?

    Reading time varies, but you can get the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.

    Is Sexploitation a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Sexploitation is worth reading for its eye-opening insights and empowering perspective.

    Who is the author of Sexploitation?

    Cindy Pierce is the author of Sexploitation.

    What to read after Sexploitation?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Sexploitation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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