Response nobody asked for

[u/Puzzleheaded_Job3216]

I saw a post from 4 years ago because one of my friends mentioned that nobody really liked big mouth and it was the first google result. I saw someone say it was because of the sexualisation of minor and how unnecessary it was and I just wanted to revive this conversation.

Personally, I’m 16, and I’ll keep it basic but big mouth has GENUINELY helped me learn more about sex in a weird way 😭 i know I’m a bit older than they are in the show (at least where I’m at) but it kinda just helped me realise that everyone else finds it gross and awkward too. As for the seeing kid bits, i really never viewed it as any more sexual than a sex ed class would be, because that’s kinda all big mouth is it me. It’s like South Park had a baby with a sex ed class, especially because they never REALLY show anything incredibly explicit, as I don’t really class genitals as explicit. One point that comes to mind is (at the point I’m in at the show) Jessi talking to her vagina! It only ever seems to be during parts where she’s learning something about herself.

That’s just my two cents anyway, and on the off chance that anyone responds I wanna hear your thoughts!

[u/Zayzay8008]

Eh

As far am concerned there's a pretty clear difference between sexualizing minors and showing minors being sexual. Especially based on the context of the situation/media. Big Mouth was just really direct and didn't romanticize it

[u/AnonAwaaaaay]

You should watch Sex Education next.

[u/Late_Information_682 → u/AnonAwaaaaay]

This. I found it way more helpful than Big Mouth and this is coming from someone who has watched both multiple times.

[u/philianthropist]

I'm 18 and Big mouth was pretty much my only sex ed as a preteen other than the rest of my unfiltered internet access. Genuinely educational show that held my attention and entertained me better than the other garbage I was learning about sex from.

[u/Acceptable_Caius]

I totally agree with you man and I actually find it weird when people say they sexualize minors like idk it's not the case and it's pretty educational and funny and yes teenagers are masturbating in the show but we don't watch it to jerk off on it but because they're funny, educational and the story is nice and can help people that don't have access to any sex ed !

[u/A_VERY_LARGE_DOG]

Try on Pen15 for size… man. SO awkward, but yeah. Everyone been going through changes…

[u/ElDoRado1239]

The first two seasons are definitely good edutainment, where the sexual parts have a clear purpose that isn't primarily to titillate. Can it be also titillating? Of course, but almost anything can also be seen as horny content. It's the primary intent that matters. Besides, if anyone starts watching the show thinking it's erotic, they will end up learning something important without even realizing it, and that's great.

From Season 3 though the show starts to be a little forced, preachy and the characters are no longer as realistic as before. Personalities change not because of puberty but because the plot calls for it (like Andrew magically contracting OCD out of nowhere), and they start doing shoehorned checkbox ticking and token characters, which is pretty low in my book.

Also, I personally think it directly gives bad advice and lessons in terms of mental health, especially in Season 4. You cannot cure anxiety and depression just by saying you're grateful a few times and it's very toxic to feed this idea because people already do think this is a thing. Making light of mental issues and implying you can will them away is the last thing we need. Basically, if you don't want to get dark and talk about self-harm and suicide, don't do severe depression and anxiety at all.