By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Starting in the 1980s, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a TV sex therapist known for her candid and positive approach to sex, became a cultural icon who played a pivotal role in transforming American attitudes toward sex. When she passed away on July 12 at 96, her obituaries highlighted her lasting influence. Even those unfamiliar with Ruth Westheimer's work now live in a society shaped by her legacy, with shows like Netflix's "Sex Education" and Showtime's "Couples Therapy," as well as the prevalence of erectile dysfunction advertisements on TV, reflecting her impact.
Dr. Ruth's radio and television programs, which began in 1980, featured straightforward, humorous, and detailed sexual advice, promoting the notion that sex is a healthy part of life and should be openly discussed. Her timely arrival in the cultural landscape, combined with her wholesome, grandmotherly demeanor, helped normalize sex positivity and marked a significant shift in societal acceptance.
Known for her blunt advice on topics ranging from virginity to fantasies, Dr. Ruth's show "Sexually Speaking" and television series like "Good Sex! With Dr. Ruth Westheimer" provided much needed openness in a country with deep rooted Puritanical values. Her professional background, including work at Planned Parenthood and a doctorate in education, lent credibility to her advice, though it was her engaging personality that endeared her to audiences.
Dr. Ruth's career thrived due to her approachable image as a grandmotherly figure. Standing just 4 feet 7 inches tall, with a distinctive accent and a cheerful voice, she often noted that her success might not have been possible had she been younger and more conventionally attractive. Her persona resonated with a generation that embraced sexual liberation and served as a counterbalance to the conservatism of the Reagan era.
A Holocaust survivor who escaped to Switzerland during World War II, Dr. Ruth remained unwaveringly positive, often citing the Talmud's teaching that humor aids memory. This cheerful approach made her a popular guest on late night talk shows, solidifying her cultural presence. Despite being caricatured, she was widely respected and appreciated.
Dr. Ruth's influence is part of a broader continuum in American history, building on the sexual liberation of the 1960s and the increasing visibility of pornography in the 1970s. In the 1980s, her open discussions about sex helped to destigmatize sexual issues and promote a positive attitude towards sexual health. She was a strong advocate for contraception, women's reproductive health, and safe sex, particularly during the AIDS epidemic.
Even in 2019, while promoting a Hulu documentary about her life, Dr. Ruth continued to offer practical advice with her trademark enthusiasm, urging millennials to prioritize sex despite their busy lives. Her straightforward approach, encapsulated in her statement to USA Today, "Don't be stupid. Make sure that you have time for sex," underscores the lasting impact of her work in promoting a healthy, open attitude towards sex.
