%20Induction%20Into%20Adulthood%20-%20f.jpg "The South Asian (Unofficial) Induction Into Adulthood")
Frantically fumbling in the backs of cars in deserted car parks, incessant visits to the ‘library’ to revise with Priya and secret relationships – it’s our unofficial induction into adulthood.
The sex taboo is almost a running joke for South Asian youth and it makes for a good story.
When the stress and risk of getting caught subsides, it becomes a thrill, enticing and transient enough to warrant giggles.
We skip romantic scenes in movies – faces buried into necks, a sultry gaze and even the bare skin of a woman’s hip can be too salacious for family viewing.
A Bollywood film is rarely entirely watched; as the music rises and the heroine starts to sway her hips, our eyes frantically dance across the living room in pursuit of the remote.
It’s absurd and familiar (amongst other things) as well as being an easy gag.
The sex taboo begins there – in South Asian living rooms.
Strictures are casually implemented on what is and isn’t deemed appropriate to view and openly discuss.
It begins early and persists during adolescence.
We cannot recollect a directive conversation about the topic but we sit in silence and understand what is meant when eyes dart around the room, arms lunge towards the remote and someone conveniently leaves to refill their glass.