I can remember back in the 6th grade we had a class period where some lady from a sex education program came in and spoke to the class. The message that she conveyed to us students was that we should be abstinent and that we should not be focused on the opposite at this time. To a six grader that goes in one ear and out of the other one. She also spoke about pregnancy and STI’s but to a six grader, there is an illusion that will never happen to them as if they are invincible to any and everything. After listening to her lecture about sex and the do’s and don’ts, I can now say that the only thing that I can vividly remember was that she told us to practice putting on a condom by rolling up your sock in a condom shape then sliding it onto your foot as if you were putting on your sock. That really confused me at the age because her underlying message was” don’t have sex but if you do make sure you use a condom”. What was the point of you lecturing of you lecturing me about what I may contract or the possibilities of me getting pregnant only to tell me later that it’s okay if you don’t but make sure you are safe. What happened to teaching about your self-worth and how to save yourself for the one you will marry?
The abstinence programs today are using figures like Bristol Palin to speak about abstinence. I found a YouTube video of her on Good Morning America and she was speaking about her situation and how the only way to prevent teen pregnancy is abstinence. The story of Bristol Palin is just as those of the girls on 16 and pregnant but besides the fact that her mother was a Senator of Alaska she still made the same decision to have sex knowing there would be a possibility of becoming pregnant or catching a STI. I cannot out right say that she had unprotected sex but she knew what risk she was taking. So, to me her speaking to others about abstinence would not have effect on the teen pregnancy rate nor will it stop teens from having sex. Some teens make look at her as a hypocrite because on many of her other debuts her answers are contradicting. Here is an example of a commercial that she did that showed contradiction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnkt_0E0zy4. Please comment on what you thought she meant by pause before you play.
This is the video of her interview on Good Morning America:
I think it is really important to look at the vaulue we place on young women and thier decisions about their sexuality. When we place value on women who wait to have sex, and those who don't we are saying that virgnity holds value, which is not the case for everyone and in my opinion is just a tole of the patriarchy to oppress female sexuality. But the important thing is that sex and sexuality are not the same for everyone, and thats why comprehensive sex education including education on STIs, pregnancy, and also embodiement are important.
ReplyDeleteIn some ways I feel like the show 16 And Pregnant and in Bristol Palin's case teenage pregnancy has been glamorized to young girls. Palin made covers of magazines and even Dancing with the Stars. Although her publicity came from her mother being a senator, her pregnancy was made a scandal and almost rewarded (Dancing with Stars, media, ect.). I believe if Palin's teen pregnancy campaign was more focused on comprehensive education and self-worth or empowerment that this campaign would be more effective. I believe she had good intentions but they were not executed appropriately.
ReplyDeleteKristi H.
Did it seem to anyone else that in the beginning of the commercial she was dolled up, happy, and someone people would look up to? Then by the end she looks almost ragged, haggard, tired, unhappy, etc. I think this commercial was really well made because it practically breaks a part her "perfect" look to reveal physically that she made the wrong decision. I think teaching abstinance is still a good idea in elementary schools that have a smaller population but once there are a certain amount of kids it's a lot harder to control how sheltered they are and that's when abstinance only is ineffective and at the high school level this kind of education have become mostly pointless. The biggest problem with sexed is figuring out when to teach what because everyone matures and learns other information at very different times in their lives.
ReplyDeleteMegan Z
I feel that in America, the whole entire topic of sex in a HUGE contradiction. Morally, we are expected/supposed to wait until marriage to have sex. However, from a social standpoint, and even business stand point, sex is whats "hot," sex sales, sex is put on a pedestal. Yes, abstinence is the only 100% option of not contracting and STI or getting pregnant, however facts show that there are large numbers of teens who are curious and anxious to find out for themselves. Then, when they do decided to take part in sexual activity, they are uniformed and unaware of all of the risks, and responsibilities that may result from their actions. To only rely on abstinence is 100% effective in two lights: 1. prevention of STIs/pregnancy and 2. keeping teens ignorant, yet curious, and desiring yet scared. Teens should feel comfortable and knowledgeable about all of the facts of sex in order to even attempt at making a conscious and "right" decision.
ReplyDeletePortia K.