Final answer:
The rule about genuine sexual interest is contentious as it involves balancing modern sexual autonomy with traditional notions of female modesty, often perpetuating misogynistic attitudes and overlooking the complexities of consent and power dynamics which are crucial from a feminist perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author acknowledges that the rule about genuine sexual interest is contentious because it taps into deep-seated societal and cultural norms that often dictate women's behavior and sexuality. The specific aspect of the rule that is controversial is how it intersects with the broader struggle for women between traditional modesty and modern sexual autonomy. In historical contexts, particularly in the 1920s, a shift occurred where a satisfying sexual relationship began to be viewed as healthy, challenging past notions where female sexual desire was seen as insatiable. Yet, these modern attitudes were at odds with persistent, antiquated notions of purity, reinforcing misogynistic attitudes and practices.
Furthermore, discussions about authenticity in sexual interactions often ignore complex dynamics such as power imbalance, as seen in the dubious consent in sex work or the questioning of a character's gender identity in historical texts like Lucian's Dialogues. These conversations tend to marginalize women's experiences and highlight the double standard on sexuality—a standard that is restrictive and judgmental towards women, as reflected in U.S. culture especially. This complexity contributes to the contentiousness of the rule, making it a source of perpetual debate, especially from a feminist perspective.