To absolutely no one’s surprise, when Season 3 of ‘Sex Education’ dropped on Netflix, it began trending in Pakistan . We’ve seen this pattern with shows like ‘Sex Life’ and movies like ‘365 Days,’ which is why it wasn’t all too surprising. However, this show in particular is actually pretty unique in many ways, and even though we, as a nation, shy away from the very concept, chalking it up to being taught about sex, the show does away with that very misconception.
Here’s why it’s actually kind of okay that people in Pakistan are watching ‘Sex Education’ on Netflix:
‘Sex Education’ tackles sexual assault in the most healthy way
Aimee becomes a victim of sexual assault in the earlier season. However, the series promises to set up her arc as an empowered individual, constantly healing and wanting to move on from the incident. Moreover, all her friends contribute to her healing. The conversation between Jean Milburn and Aimee is also extremely important, which emphasizes on the fact that it is, indeed, never the survivor’s fault.
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It highlights the importance of friendship
Whether it’s Otis and Eric, Ola and Adam, or Maeve and Aimee, the show beautifully shows just how important it is to have a solid support system. No matter who you are, or how you perceive yourself to be, everyone needs a friend. It is always encouraged to ask for help.
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Sex Education also highlights the importance of friendship among women
In a local context, we’ve been taught that aurat hee aurat kee dushman hoti hai. However, the show proves that women who stick together and uplift each other are far more powerful. Even though everyone at the school has their differences, they do not hesitate to come together to create a powerful unit.
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It highlights how no one is perfect – everyone is deeply flawed and, therefore, human
There is no perfect character in the show. Everyone has an arc. Each character grows differently, but the characters regress as well. It goes to show that healing is not linear, and there are no concrete villains and perfect heroes. People are people.
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‘Sex Education’ also has amazing representation
The spectrum of representation in the show is just plain beautiful. Whether or not you agree with what is being shown, it is deeply enriching to watch all these characters from different walks of life, with different beliefs, come together and interact.
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It celebrates the human body
Numerous times, it is stressed upon in the show that all bodies are beautiful, and there is nothing absurd about deviating from the standards of beauty set up by society. It is a powerful and necessary message to give to the audience, in a world filled with ads and shows selling them products to conform to the norm.
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‘Sex Education’ addresses the toxicity in all of us
Whether it’s Ruby and her almost Poo-like backstory, her friends who come through when she needs them, Adam and his battle with anger and self-acceptance, or even Adam’s father and his projection of anger and insecurity – every character deals with being toxic in some way or the other. We understand where this comes from, and it allows us to look within and reflect.
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All in all, the ‘Sex Education’ is so much more than what audiences can make it out to be. It is a lesson in and of itself, and it is a guide on how to introspect and be better. For many, it is cathartic as well. While a lot of the Pakistani audience may not agree with what is being shown (and, indeed, should not watch it if it makes them uncomfortable,) the lessons that one can pick up are, undoubtedly, priceless in so many ways.
Have you watched the show yet? What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below.
Cover image via Netflix/MangoBaaz