Also, she really is a terrible mother
Ugh, she's bad, although I wouldn't call her terrible. But maybe my standards are pretty low. I think that she loves Otis and wants to do good but she's so overtaken by her own profession that she lets it permeate her own life, too. The entire "let's talk about it when you're ready" sounds like a sane approach at first but in the end, he never is ready and just keeps making mistakes. Otis is actually a strange character. In one episode he seems pretty knowledgeable and clear-thinking but in another, he does the dumbest thing ever. And he's constantly switching between these modes of an okayish teenager and a total moron.
Already know all the spoilers, eg
WARNING: spoilers below
Adam and Erik getting together
Adam and Erik getting together
.
Must be in Season 4. I haven't seen that yet! That sounds like the worst idea ever, by any means of believable character development, even. EDIT: Good Lord!!! It says Adam!!! I thought it said Otis. Now THAT would be ludicrous!
What are you referring to specifically?
Total confusion of values. Sex first, then getting to know each other better / asking to go out.
1. They f*ck 1 time
2. They f*ck 20 more times
3. They decide that they will either go out with each other or they will break up
4. If they decide that they will be a couple, then after being together for a long time, they still do not know what interests the other person has, because all they do is f*ck xDDD
Of course, when it doesn't work in bed, they break up immediately and go to someone else - usually of the opposite sex and ethnicity than the previous partner. It's one thing to imply that sex is a certain part of relationship life but it's completely another thing to imply that it is the MOST IMPORTANT part of a relationship. Sure, the above pattern does not suit every character, but the patterns are quite clear. The main problem is with the show's confusing title and intended use for teenagers. If it was for adults and the title was different, it would be easier for me to swallow it and think that it is a super-exaggerated satire on sexuality.
Look at Erik, his behavior, and his approach to sex and relationships. Why did they break up with Rahim? Why did he break up with Adam after that? It's already a classic line for Erik to tell Adam that if he's not ready to go all out, it's over. Anyway, Ola and Otis are also a good example...
You can always say that they are doing wrong and a teenager is supposed to watch it and come to that conclusion, but I have long doubted humanity. Rather, these characters are presented as ideal models (they look good, are cool), so inevitably teenagers may strive to be like them.
Sex-based relationships are not something that someone who is 16 should do. At this age, if teenagers want something more than friendship, it is normal to learn to respect your SO, talk and understand your partner, take responsibility for your actions, and learn how not to hurt someone, how important faithfulness is. But of course, such topics are boring for "modern" teenagers, what can you do. : P
Sure, we ought to teach teenagers about contraception at this age, because although they should not, some will have sex. But teaching about contraception without teaching morality and relationships does not give much to teenagers. It is also worth teaching, for example, in the case of hetero couples about non-vaginal sex. Also, stop demonizing masturbation and blaming virginity as something one should be ashamed of.
Education is important, but the theoretical knowledge you acquire does not have to be put into practice right away. It is possible to build a healthy relationship by starting with sex, but it comes with so many potential problems along the way that it is better to consider relationships built on interests, a similar approach to life, and beliefs as default. If all three of these play well together, problems in bed will not be a reason to break the relationship. In the case of a relationship based only on sex, when there is no sex, nothing else remains.
Since teenagers do not really grasp the sexual sphere yet, it is easy for them to misunderstand and adopt erroneous patterns. I daresay porn and erotica are enough to discover yourself and your sexuality. That's what masturbation is for. If someone does not know their true nature or has hidden, for example, homosexual tendencies, then they should take advantage of good therapy, talk to a sexologist to get this nature out and start loving themselves, not to have sex left and right and "experiment". The problem, for example in Poland, is that such people may be afraid to come out, or even admit to themselves that they are like that. But casual sex with multiple partners is not a good option. The solution is reliable education.
A much bigger problem for a partner is an adult who can't talk, love, sympathize, or be faithful than an adult who just didn't fully discover their sexuality. Not to mention that masturbation should be the norm and a way to discover your sexuality, not a taboo. With an open mind (and love) on both sides, EVERY problem with sex can be solved. And if someone absolutely has to have sex in a certain way and the lack of this assurance is a deal-breaker for them, well ... it does not speak very well for such a person.
Real love, a relationship, a close relationship with another person is about giving that person yourself, sticking to them regardless of circumstances or life obstacles. Of course, there are some deal-breakers like cheating or marital rape. On the other hand, apart from such extreme examples (unfortunately, they happen), what is needed in a relationship is mainly understanding and openness to the other person. You enrich the other person and they enrich you. You look after them and they look after you. And only after establishing such a relationship, making sure that you have love, similar views, future plans, interests, attitudes towards life, etc., etc., can you make a decision about sex. You can go wrong. Both regarding sex and the above. It is possible to go to bed early without achieving the above goals. These ideal goals may never be achieved. It can be only love and understanding so that people with even different personalities and views can be together.
It is not about setting any artificial boundaries. For some, it takes 3 months to achieve the above, for others it takes 3 years. But it should never be a matter of 3 days or 3 hours. Because it is just impossible. If you are provided with the above, sex takes a back seat. It ceases to be a problem, even if it is an issue because people who love and understand each other will find a solution. Yes, this is extremely idealistic, and often the relationships are flawed, built differently. But we need ideals so that we can strive for them. Ideals are meant to be somewhere above our reach. Even if we don't reach them, by stretching our hand to reach them, we'll still ascend higher than if we never stretched our hand in the first place.
Sex Education says:
1. Have sex with whoever you want, this is a way of discovering yourself and what you want - utterly materialistic and hedonistic, there's little to no talk about any other layer of teenage or adult relationships. I'm like, wanna be promiscuous and be honest about it? Sure, go ahead! More power to you! Wait, you're 16? Where are your parents?
2. You can freely express yourself and be yourself no matter what others think - fair enough, but stop pretending everybody who wants to cumber you is a literal fascist (but the teacher character actually does blame tablets Mao-style LOL).
3. Casual sex is normal, having sex with people after you're intoxicated is normal, all-vomit parties are normal, parents not giving a damn are normal (since they pretty much do the same,
4. Many more but my rant is long enough already.