Spring Break
Editorial: Let's talk dirty
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
01/30/09 - As reported by various media outlets, Natalie Dylan, a 22-year-old Sacramento State graduate who has earned her bachelor's degree in women's studies, is auctioning off her virginity to the highest bidder.
According to CNN.com, the $3.8 million bid comes from a 39-year-old Australian, and terms have not yet been negotiated. The consummation is expected to take place at a legal brothel, the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada.
Though it might be a worthwhile investment for some, Dylan's action greatly demeans virginity, and just reinforces an idea that women are the property of men. In the same article, Dylan refers to the act as "just a business deal."
Since when has sex become a business deal? Such a casual attitude toward sex is not only devoid of respect for oneself, but also highly dangerous.
With the rise of sexually transmitted infections - according to the American Social Health Association, more than half of all people will have some type of STI in their lifetime - there should be some precautions associated with engaging in sexual intercourse.
Though it might be embarrassing and uncomfortable, talking about STIs and the number of sexual partners is essential before just hopping into bed with someone. The CDC also reports that 2/3 of these STIs occur in people 25-years-old or younger. College campuses are notorious for high numbers of STIs and generally unsafe sexual actions.
While it is true that not everyone must be in a monogamous relationship, it is true that being prepared is better than regretting things in the heat of the moment.
Contraceptives are readily available, whether over the counter or through a prescription from a doctor. Peer pressure from a partner should never amount to not being protected from infections like Chlamydia, HIV or gonorrhea.
And while most of us learn about being safe through sex education classes in middle school, there are still some out there who have never been taught about the dangers of unprotected sex. But it's a tough subject to bring up in casual circles.
For those who are unwilling to chat about the down and dirty, there's a group on the University of Rhode Island campus willing to help. Speakeasy, located in Room 135, is a group of trained peer educators who will confidentially provide information on aspects of sexuality. The group is doing its part to lessen the amount of STIs found on college campuses through Sex in the Lounge, STI and birth control workshops and distributing monthly sex surveys.
According to CNN.com, the $3.8 million bid comes from a 39-year-old Australian, and terms have not yet been negotiated. The consummation is expected to take place at a legal brothel, the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada.
Though it might be a worthwhile investment for some, Dylan's action greatly demeans virginity, and just reinforces an idea that women are the property of men. In the same article, Dylan refers to the act as "just a business deal."
Since when has sex become a business deal? Such a casual attitude toward sex is not only devoid of respect for oneself, but also highly dangerous.
With the rise of sexually transmitted infections - according to the American Social Health Association, more than half of all people will have some type of STI in their lifetime - there should be some precautions associated with engaging in sexual intercourse.
Though it might be embarrassing and uncomfortable, talking about STIs and the number of sexual partners is essential before just hopping into bed with someone. The CDC also reports that 2/3 of these STIs occur in people 25-years-old or younger. College campuses are notorious for high numbers of STIs and generally unsafe sexual actions.
While it is true that not everyone must be in a monogamous relationship, it is true that being prepared is better than regretting things in the heat of the moment.
Contraceptives are readily available, whether over the counter or through a prescription from a doctor. Peer pressure from a partner should never amount to not being protected from infections like Chlamydia, HIV or gonorrhea.
And while most of us learn about being safe through sex education classes in middle school, there are still some out there who have never been taught about the dangers of unprotected sex. But it's a tough subject to bring up in casual circles.
For those who are unwilling to chat about the down and dirty, there's a group on the University of Rhode Island campus willing to help. Speakeasy, located in Room 135, is a group of trained peer educators who will confidentially provide information on aspects of sexuality. The group is doing its part to lessen the amount of STIs found on college campuses through Sex in the Lounge, STI and birth control workshops and distributing monthly sex surveys.
