Russell Brand’s alleged crimes are horrific – I’m desperately sad but given what boys were taught about sex, I’m not surprised

This weekend the news was flooded with reports of women coming forward to accuse Russell Brand of sexual assault but Lauren Windle asks: what have we taught boys about sex?

When I grew up American Pie was huge. The awkward, coming of age film about a group of scamps who make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. The task was simple; bag and bang a girl. The ends justified the means, even if it meant making moves on drunk girls or lying and manipulating. What are boys like eh?

It sounds unlikely now but at the time, I never heard anyone say this was problematic. Against a backdrop of 00s UK, it was hilarious and relatable. Boys wanted to get laid and they did whatever they could to achieve that goal. While girls’ job was to hold out for as long as possible. The behaviours in the film were commonplace, laughed about and celebrated – particularly if they ended in sexual success.