Does anyone remember the 1986 breakthrough Spike Lee Joint, She's Gotta Have it? This film celebrated female sexual emancipation and authority, while presenting its characters as completely intelligent and successful beings. She's Gotta Have It is by far one of my favorite Spike Lee joints because this was the first film where I paid attention to the subliminal social commentary that Lee makes in most all of his works. So let's fast forward to 2010, can you believe it's 2010 already?!? The topic of women who are unapologetic, open and excited about their sexual lives is still somewhat of a taboo. Like the main character in Lee's film, Nola Darling, thousands of women do one of three things; 1) Are Nola 2) Daydream about being Nola or 3) Pity Nola. Just the idea of living an open sexual life as a woman, especially in the South, makes eyebrows rise. Contrary to the elaborately open and humorous sex lives that men lead, the double standard of a woman discussing the same thing is disappointing. Gossip columnists say that lately our "good girl gone bad" Rhianna has been displaying the behavior of Nola by bragging on her sexual escapades with multiple men as a way to reclaim her power after being victim last year with the Chris Brown incident. Everyday women like you and I, may channel our alter egos (mines is Bunny Monroe) and think of a life where your sex life was exciting, fun and free from all emotion!! However, why do women need a reason to celebrate their sexuality? Men are required to contribute some type of story or incident when sex is brought up, but women should politely smile like frozen barbiedolls. So, Does She Still gotta have it? Does she even want to talk about it? Whether you are experienced at sex or not, the topic of sex in 2010 should not make women uncomfortable. I dream of a day when women of all ages, races, sexual experiences, no sexual experience could sit down and talk about what sex means to us. We act as if there exist a real stork who delivers babies, STDs, hurt feelings and everything else associated with sex. Let's talk about it! In the film, Nola juggled three partners and never wanted to commit to anyone of them. Though sexual promiscuity should never be condoned, it is necessary to examine why women cannot speak openly about sex as men do. Let's reclaim our independence in 2010, like Nola. So why are you still reading...GET TO TALKING!!!!
