A FTER Janet Jackson's "nipple gate" incident, many Americans fear a populace that talks about sex too casually. You hear it in the media, in schools, in movies -- everywhere you go, someone is talking about sex. Yet, as our generation moves into this "sexualized" open dialogue, I do not foresee any negative consequences. Talking about sex is both a healthy practice and prevents the spread of unsafe sexual behaviors.
Recently, Harvard University approved a student sex magazine which was deemed by many students as pornography ("Harvard approves student sex magazine," CNN.com, Feb. 11). It features sexual art, stories and photographs of nude Harvard undergrads. Is this going too far or merely an extension of freedom of speech rights? Portraying sex artistically is not a crime -- students were granted the opportunity to express themselves in any manner through the Bill of Rights. This open forum fosters a more comfortable environment for students and faculty to discuss sexual behavior at Harvard. More schools should encourage these opportunities in the media so students have no qualms chatting about sex.
In response to our generation's sexual dialogue, many conservative Christian and right-wing groups are promoting abstinence and less talk. On the day before Valentine's Day, high school students around the country unified in a "Day of Purity" which encouraged students to not have sex outside of marriage ("Teens promote abstinence with 'Day of Purity," CNN.com, Feb. 13). They distributed pro-abstinence materials to their peers. Also, President Bush's budget proposal increases federal funding to sexual abstinence programs in schools.
However, abstinence training is not the answer if American society intends to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. At the University, there are many resources that promote safe sexual practices, instead of purely abstinent behaviors. The Cavalier Daily recently implemented a "Health & Sexuality" section. Students and faculty passed out free condoms on "National Condom Day" last week. And both the Inter-Fraternity Council and Inter-Sorority Council have new member programs which talk about sex.
An open dialogue about sex is much more conducive to a safe sexual environment than an abstinence-based education. Learning about safe sexual practices prevents STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Even if you are not having sex now, lessons about safe sex and sexual risks are valuable forthe future.
People who advocate abstinence sometimes have pro-life tendencies as well. I hate to break it to you, but in today's society, you are going to have to choose the lesser of two evils. If you educate teens about condom usage and birth control, there will be fewer unwanted pregnancies. Fewer unwanted pregnancies equal fewer abortions and adoptions. An abortion is a much more serious matter than a sexual education course.
Open sex dialogue does not necessarily promote sex -- just safe practices. No educated person is walking around Grounds insisting that everyone should have sex. When someone chooses to start having sex, he should be knowledgeable on the subject. Sexual tolerance promotes healthy, responsible sexual choices, and this in turn creates a more receptive environment for talking about condoms and HIV/AIDS.
Granted, abstinence is an admirable principle. Many students display a sense of conviction and religious devotion when abstaining from sex until marriage. But for the rest of the population who decides to have sex, it is necessary they know how to do it safely. Sex should be the assumption and abstinence left to those few who are waiting until marriage. Abstinent students do not have to read sexual publications or take courses which discuss sex -- they have the same freedom of speech rights as everyone else.
The debate over sexual education in schools is not merely talking about sex, but instead it is an ideological battle. One side looks at pre-marital sex as a horrible sin, and the other sees sex as a natural practice. Yet if society is afraid to engage in open dialogue about sex, the same amount of people will have sex, but with less knowledge and resources. We are the new generation of open sexual practices -- Madonna is our pioneer -- so we should talk about these practices and ensure healthy sexual choices by young people. Safe sex is the message in sexual education courses, not sexual promiscuity. Abstinence is a good principle, but not the answer in dealing with sex openly and preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
(Michael Behr's column appears Wednesdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at mbehr@cavalierdaily.com.)
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