I thank God I was raised Catholic, so sex will always be dirty

I thank God I was raised Catholic, so sex will always be dirty

John Waters, the iconic filmmaker known for his provocative and boundary-pushing work, has never been one to shy away from controversial topics. In fact, he has made a career out of challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in mainstream media. One of the recurring themes in Waters' work is the intersection of religion and sexuality, particularly in the context of Catholicism.

In his infamous quote, "I thank God I was raised Catholic, so sex will always be dirty," Waters captures the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards sex within the Catholic Church. Growing up in a strict Catholic household, Waters was likely exposed to the Church's teachings on sexuality, which often emphasize abstinence, purity, and the sanctity of marriage. These teachings can instill a sense of shame and guilt around sex, leading many Catholics to view it as something inherently sinful or dirty.

However, Waters' tongue-in-cheek remark also hints at the subversive potential of embracing this perceived dirtiness. By acknowledging and even celebrating the taboo nature of sex, Waters challenges the repressive attitudes of the Catholic Church and society at large. In his films, such as "Pink Flamingos" and "Female Trouble," Waters gleefully subverts traditional notions of decency and morality, reveling in the grotesque and the transgressive.

Waters' irreverent and irreverent approach to sex and Catholicism has earned him a reputation as a provocateur and a cultural icon. His work challenges viewers to question their own beliefs and attitudes towards sex, religion, and morality. By embracing the dirtiness of sex, Waters invites us to confront our own taboos and repressions, and to consider the ways in which our upbringing and beliefs shape our understanding of sexuality.