Quicky #47 Sex Education in Singapore (with Dr. Martha Tara Lee)
Feb 14, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Martha Tara Lee, a sex therapist in Singapore, discusses her studies, cultural challenges, stigma as an Asian woman sex therapist, ancient Eastern sexual practices, and using Asian culture in sex therapy. The podcast explores sex education challenges, censorship, defamation laws, and pornography regulations in Singapore.
Challenges in implementing comprehensive sex education in Singapore due to religious influences
Censorship issues and cautiousness in criticizing the government regarding sex-related topics in Singapore
Deep dives
Challenges of Implementing Sex Education Programs
Implementing comprehensive sex education programs in schools faces challenges due to the influence of vocal Christian groups, especially those in government positions who hold conservative beliefs. The clash between religious views, such as contraception, and the need for a well-rounded sex education curriculum complicates the rollout process. The presence of religious schools alongside government schools further complicates the implementation, leading to a diluted or abstinence-based version of sex education.
Censorship and Personal Caution in Addressing Government Criticism
The speaker discusses censorship issues and personal caution in criticizing the government in Singapore, highlighting the fear of defamation lawsuits. Due to being vocal about sex-related topics, the speaker abstains from political critique to avoid legal repercussions. Censorship extends to pornography, where its possession is illegal, yet online access is common through VPNs. The shift towards more open discussions on pornography and sexual issues reflects changing societal attitudes towards these topics.
1.
Challenges of Sex Education Implementation and Censorship in Singapore