Sex Signals

Keep the People Talking

Since “Sex Signals” is only a seventy-minute show, it can only do so much to effect change in the way we all think about dating and date rape. To maximize the benefit of the show, we advocate follow-up forums led by professors, counselors, or peer educators. By breaking audiences down into smaller groups following the show (ideally, immediately after the program, but it can be anytime that is most advantageous), students can have even more in depth discussions on the topics raised by the program.

Here are some questions to get the discussion going:

• What parts of the show “Sex Signals” really affected you? Why?
• How true was the show in the way it dealt with sexual stereotypes and what our culture expects from men and women?
• How does the language—the words we use to describe something—change the way we view it:
• What is the difference between “rape” and “sex”?
• How do other common words used to describe sex-- “screw,” “nail,” “bang,” etc.-- affect our perceptions of sex and thus our behavior?
• How does the language we use to describe sexually active men and sexually active women affect our preconceptions?
• What messages does our culture send us about how to “act” like a woman or man? What role does the media (i.e., television, film, music, advertisements, etc.) play in supporting or delivering these messages? How powerful are they?
• Does our culture tend to blame victims of rape? In what ways? Why does our culture do it?
• Why is it so difficult to talk about sexual limits? What do we risk? Do these risks outweigh the dangers of getting hurt or hurting someone? Why or why not?
• What sexual signals do you give? How could you improve your sexual communication skills?

Of course, feel free to add any other questions you think might stimulate conversation. Also, you are always invited to contact us at Catharsis Productions (312.294.8905) to help you design a follow-up discussion. We look forward to seeing you soon!