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Editor’s
Box
Dildos and free cake not the way to teach safe sex
As
I passed though the Student Center on my way to class today I was pleased
to hear music playing loudly and to see someone giving away free cake.
But then reality set in and I realized the song I was hearing was “Let’s
Talk About Sex,” and just a few feet away from the cake was a load
of free condoms.
But what was most disturbing was the fact that “experts” were
on hand to demonstrate the correct way to put on a condom using, get this,
plastic penises (AKA dildos).
The idea behind all this was to promote AIDS awareness and to encourage
students to practice safe sex.
Granted, it’s not such a bad idea. I have no problems with the promotion
of protected procreation, but the manner was somewhat embarrassing.
Giving someone a free slice of cake, a jimmy and a lesson on applying
it seems like it should do the trick, right? No harm in that, huh?
However, what I saw was inflated condoms (in assorted colors, sizes and
flavors!) left in the floor by thankless students, lots of childish giggling
and one potential student visiting the college asking why we were playing
“Like a Virgin.”
Mission not accomplished!
Haunted as I am by visions of condom-wearing dildos, I do think whoever
organized this had their hearts in the right place. I just think it should
have been done in a more intimate atmosphere.
The truth is most college students are sexually active and could truly
benefit from a lesson of sex education. But playing sexually themed songs
and handing out latex love (and cake!) is probably not the best way to
handle it.
When students still in their teens and early 20s are faced with an uncomfortable
subject, such as sex, they tend to overcome that awkwardness by laughing,
poking fun or just passing by the would-be educators altogether. They
can’t take the subject seriously when forced to face it in front
of everyone else in the Student Center.
My suggestion is to do it in a classroom situation. Make it a credit class
that everyone has to take.
I know this sounds like a class that should have been covered in high
school, but the teachers at my school skipped that chapter of the book
(which could explain the four or so pregnancies in my graduating class).
Most students are not going to approach this subject willingly and still
be comfortable. This is why it needs to be handled in a classroom, not
in the Student Center.
If students have to take sex Ed for credit, then they will be forced to
sit down and listen. That way the learning cannot be avoided.
AIDS is an unquestionably serious subject and students need to know about
ways to prevent it. There are so many misconceptions that everyone has
that a sex Ed course would be helpful to everyone.
I just don’t agree that waving a raincoat-wearing sex toy in someone’s
face and handing out free contraceptives is the way to educate young college
students about the dangers of unprotected sex.
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