But we’re in a peculiar cultural place in the United States right now—where sexualized pop culture and a conservative movement to reinforce traditional gender roles are colliding to form a modernized virgin/whore complex. We’re getting abstinence-only education during the day and Girls Gone Wild commercials at night, and women are suffering as a result. Because whether it’s sexualized pop culture or abstinence class, the message is one and the same: Women’s sexuality is to be defined (and policed) by educators, legislators, and media makers, not by women.
And, overwhelmingly, what institutions want women to be is virginal. Pure. Innocent. Sure, they may demand that we perform sexuality—be visually appealing and always available for consumption—but, à la Britney Spears, what is expected from women is sexy virginity. Be pure … for as long as I want you to.