French Sex Ed Exhibition Comes Under Fire

The French are far more enlightened than Americans when it comes to sex. In fact, they believe that sex education should begin in grade school, that time in life when children are far more receptive to new ideas and concepts, and much more willing to pay heed to good sex ed advice. Nevertheless, just like in America, once the conservatives find out, they've got to shit all over everyone's good time. 

According to France 24 (link below), the "Zizi Sexuel" sex ed exhibit is coming under fire by conservatives in France, who have already amassed 40,000 signatures on their petition to stop the exhibit.

Called “Zizi Sexuel” (a Zizi is a childish term for a boy's “private parts”) is proving popular with children – it is aimed at nine to 14-year-olds – and parents who have been flocking to see the exhibition at Paris's Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie.

The interactive and sometimes very graphic show, which aims to explain sex in the five themes of Love, Puberty, Sex, Conception and Prevention, features popular French cartoon characters Nadia and Titeuf.

Those attending the exhibition told FRANCE 24 they were pleased with its frankness.

“The door is open now and it will be easier to answer their questions now,” said one happy parent.

Cue freak out about the children in 3... 2... 1...

Conservative lobby group SOS Education is not so sure.

The group says it has no political affiliation but is part of a growing traditionalist movement that has emerged in France, notably amid opposition to the legalisation of gay marriage which went ahead last year.

“I don't think showing an ejaculating penis to an eight year old is the right way to talk to them about physical affection,” a spokesman told FRANCE 24.

And now for a totally sensible and level-headed response from the exhibition curator...

Exhibition curator Maud Gouy insisted the criticism was misplaced.

“Society has changed,” she said. “The exhibition has proved itself. These criticisms sometimes focus on one single element completely out of [the exhibition’s] context.”

Yeah! Take that SOS Education, you cheese eating surrender monkeys! In my mind, every member of that group looks like this...

Via France 24