In the past, the word “sex” was rarely spoken. Growing up in the 1960s, it felt uncomfortable to even write it. As a journalist, there was a time when sex education in schools caused a big debate. During the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, some suggested giving condoms to students. Many, including the writer, worried this would lead to more teenage sex and harm traditional values. However, before the 1960s, many young people were married at ages 13 or 14 and had children. In that time Several women married at 13 and had many children. In Kerala, women had more freedom in relationships, often having multiple partners with family approval.
Changing Attitudes Towards Self-Love
In movies like Pushpa, traditional views are challenged. For example, a character expresses her desire to be with a man she sees as her husband, but modern feminists might question this idea. Young people today prefer to explore relationships before marriage, unlike their ancestors who accepted arranged marriages. In Kerala’s past matriarchal society, women could choose their partners, but this practice has faded. The current youth’s behavior reflects old customs, so those who criticize them should reconsider.
Fashion and Public Displays of Affection
Women today are more confident about their bodies and wear revealing clothes without shame. This is a big change from the modest styles of the 1960s and 70s. In earlier decades, many women fought for the right to wear modern clothes. Now, both men and women openly express their feelings in public, which some older generations find shocking. Unlike two decades ago, when a simple kiss from an actress made headlines, such displays are now common. Historical evidence, like the Khajuraho sculptures, shows that affection was not always hidden. While family values may seem different now, human emotions and needs remain constant. The change in values is complex, and opinions about it vary widely.
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