What Now? with Trevor Noah How Shame Became the New Sex Ed with Carter Sherman
Nov 13, 2025
Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter, explores the complexities of Gen Z's sexual landscape in her book, The Second Coming. She discusses how the 'sex recession' may be more about intimacy and societal influences than lack of desire. Sherman highlights the failure of U.S. sex education, the impact of internet culture on real-life relationships, and the normalization of rough sex without consent discussions. With optimism, she reflects on youth activism and the potential for reshaping sexual culture amid challenges.
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Virginity Pressure From Teen Years
- Carter Sherman cried at 17 because she believed she was the last virgin in her friend group.
- Her mother reassured her that people lose virginity at different times, which highlighted cultural pressure about timing.
Sex Control Shapes Future Norms
- Controlling youth sexual norms lets institutions shape the future and social order.
- Sex education conflicts often reflect desires to restore a 1950s family ideal.
Recession Hides Intimacy Decline
- The 'sex recession' headline misses whether young people are learning vulnerability and intimacy skills.
- What matters more is whether they can handle rejection and build emotional connections.
