TMF: Chhatriwali Star Rakul Preet Singh Explains Why Lack Of Sex Education Is Dangerous
When will schools understand the importance of sex education?
Actress Rakul Preet Singh is currently on promotion duties for her upcoming film–Chhatriwali, which talks about the importance of safe sex, breaking stereotypes around the conversation about sex as a subject in the new episode of Hauterrfly’s The Male Feminist. Talking about the lack of sex education in schools, I would love to know if any of y’all were elaborately educated about sex in schools? With taboo attached to the subject, I still remember my biology teacher, skipping this important chapter and calling the class, “over smart,” and mentioning “I know you guys know everything about it. Don’t act smart. I am skipping this chapter.” And all of us watching her with an expression that said, “Are you serious?”
In the name of awkwardness, schools would often organise two separate sessions for girls and boys to educate them about the reproductive system, the human body and sex. And most of us grew up knowing nothing about it.
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While Rakul is amongst some of the few actors who are wrapping a great social message into an entertaining plot, the actress also explains how much importance the subject holds. In the latest episode of Hauterrfly’s The Male Feminist with Siddhaarth Aalambayan, the actress talks about the lack of sex education in India. In the episode, the Chhatriwali actress takes us through her school days and mentions, “I remember when I was in the ninth standard, there was this one chapter on reproductive organs in biology, and after that, there was a seminar on sex education.” She adds, “I still remember, back then even we were giggling throughout the session because we were too shy and also ashamed to be a part of the session.” When asked by the host, if such sessions were held separately for girls and boys, because that’s what happened in his school, Rakul reacted, “That is the problem with society. I think you first separate both girls and boys, but later they have to come together, then why not provide knowledge also together.”
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She further mentions the importance of that atmosphere and environment where it is so normal. Explaining this, Rakul adds, “When schools teach the functions of heart, then you teach it together to both girls and boys. But when you talk about reproductive organs, you draw that line and separate the gender for that particular subject. In fact, it is how you put curiosity in a child’s mind.” She mentions, how it should always be talked about as the biology of the body.
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Talking about her film’s plot that revolves around the subject of sex education, and the lack of it, Rakul mentions how that conversation connected with her, and eventually she said yes to the film. Through the film, Rakul also hopes to remove the burden put on a woman’s shoulders for everything. The importance of safe sex is important to reduce unwanted pregnancies, and abortions that put the onus on women, and play with their emotional, mental and physical health. And it is all because of the lack of sex education and the stereotypes attached to the topic.
Also Read: How Are Teachers With Repressed Sexuality Expected To Impart Sex Education To Students?
Through this conversation, the actress also revealed her first conversation with her mother about periods, her views on body shaming, and how the definition of attraction differs from one person to the other. Rakul Preet Singh’s Chhatriwali is slated to release on January 20, 2023. Catch the full interview here:
