Media magazine

 Media Magazine

The Media Magazine’s article on the television show Sex Education discusses how the programme has cast a long shadow over previous representations of sex, by utilising naturalistic characters that experience realistic issues in terms with sex and their sexual identity (for example, coming out, masturbation, pressure to perform). The article goes into detail about each character and how they convey a real insight into the lives of 16 years olds. Otis is the epitome of an awkward teenager who deals with his classmates’ sexual taboos by giving them informative and accurate advice; his insecure and caring nature subverts from toxic masculinity, as he is comfortable discussing his feelings and is a progressive young man. The article also explains how the show represents minorities and gives them complex character arcs and narratives. For example, Eric battles complicated topics such as his sexual identity, Nigerian heritage and finding himself again after experiencing homophobic assault. At the end of the article, the journalist explains how television shows abstain from presenting realistic depictions of sex, with no discussion of foreplay, contraception or comfort. However, in Sex Education, the stigma surrounding sex dissipates- with a diverse range of characters with “universal experiences”-(Laurie Nunn).