It's Perfectly Normal
Yes, it is.
There are some squeals from the general direction of the abstinence-only sty that telling kids the truth about sexuality will only encourage them to go climb on top of everything in sight and screw like mink.
They fail to take into account that kids are sexual beings, and that whether or not they know how to do it, they're gonna do it, regardless. Kids don't believe in abstinence-only. And they don't believe in missing out on anything. And they generally don't care what adults think. Especially adults who have already proven to be liars (think Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Stork, Cabbage Patch).
I'd much rather have my kids aware and accepting of the truth, so they can make their own informed decisions. This book -- illustrated clearly -- not only does not lie to them, but it doesn't lie to me about how to talk with them about it.
And yeah, some kids, like some adults, are gonna screw like mink. And whose business is it if they do? Not yours. Not mine. They'd be doing it even without all the best information possible. I'd much rather have them know all the facts they can get so they can stay safe from both pregnancy and disease. I sure as hell don't want them listening to that bastard in Africa who's telling his "flock" that condoms cause AIDS!
There are some squeals from the general direction of the abstinence-only sty that telling kids the truth about sexuality will only encourage them to go climb on top of everything in sight and screw like mink.
They fail to take into account that kids are sexual beings, and that whether or not they know how to do it, they're gonna do it, regardless. Kids don't believe in abstinence-only. And they don't believe in missing out on anything. And they generally don't care what adults think. Especially adults who have already proven to be liars (think Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Stork, Cabbage Patch).
I'd much rather have my kids aware and accepting of the truth, so they can make their own informed decisions. This book -- illustrated clearly -- not only does not lie to them, but it doesn't lie to me about how to talk with them about it.
And yeah, some kids, like some adults, are gonna screw like mink. And whose business is it if they do? Not yours. Not mine. They'd be doing it even without all the best information possible. I'd much rather have them know all the facts they can get so they can stay safe from both pregnancy and disease. I sure as hell don't want them listening to that bastard in Africa who's telling his "flock" that condoms cause AIDS!
posted by Chimera at 1:07 PM
6 Comments:
We were honest with our kids, and I think it worked out well. They were normal, but not slutty. She had a friend that remained a virgin till she married at about 24 or 25. Now, frankly, I thought that was weird. And not a good idea. Need to try that out before you commit.
I honestly don't get that some people think we need to supress and "control" our sexuality. It usually turns out that people who advocate such supression and control have pretty bent ideas about sexuality, themselves.
And some of the language needs to be altered, too, I think. The word "slut" for instance, only applies to females, and it has an extremely negative connotation. It used to mean "kitchen drudge" -- she who did all the stuff the cook couldn't be bothered doing. Now it means a girl who enjoys sex. But we still cling to the thought that girls aren't supposed to enjoy sex. Huh. Who do they want the boys to enjoy it with, if not the girls?
Humans are so hung up about their bodies and functions. Ya don't see this much angst in any other animal!
People forget that we are animals. Hairless apes. As much driven by instinct as reason.
Sex is a deep-seated instinct that goes beyond the imperative for reproduction. It is important for good physical and mental health. It is a part of who and what we are as social beings.
You can't stop teenagers from having sex any more than you can stop grass from growing through the sidewalk. Life finds a way.
Not educating teens about sex is like not giving milk to infants. Its irresponsible.
Sadly, we have not reached the stage in our social evolution when educational books like this don't need to be defended against those who wish to impose their superstitions on everyone.
Having opposable thumbs, I guess, has led some to think they can control the hearts and minds of others, and not just the physical world within their reach. The power to form tools and create fire is intoxicating. Power. Control. It is so addicting.
I believe the concept of a Supreme Being was created to represent the ultimate ideal of power over all of nature. By allying ourselves with God, we assume part of that power. The closer we are to God, the more we become God.
Greed for power becomes all-consuming. The evangelist with an interpretation of scriptures that differs from his peers is asserting that his power is greater than theirs. Power cannot be shared at that level. Competition for the vast minions of believers is the greatest single cause of war and strife on the planet.
When someone tries to tell you what to think - what to believe - what to say and do - they are trying to feed an addiction for power that can never be sated. The more you give them, the more they need.
Best for everyone if you tell them to go fuck themselves.
I do.
I did that once to a Dominican priest, after he took it upon himself to lecture me loud and long about the importance of my changing my mind about never wanting to have any offspring. Well, I didn't say it quite that short. I gave him the benefit of my considerable vocabulary for the best part of ten minutes, and ended with, "...and if you think you're going to control me the way you control the sheep that make up your flock, you've bloody well got another think coming!"
He blinked rapidly, with his mouth open. He hyperventilated. He sat down. For a change, he was absolutely without the power of speech.
LOL! I don't think anyone had spoken to him that sharply and abruptly since seminary!
You should have thrown in "Why don't you just stick to buggering little boys." I have a very outspoken cousin who loves to say stuff like that every time he encounters a Catholic priest.
Naw. Not only did I not want to be gratuously insulting without cause, but I like to stay on topic if I can.
I had no reason to hate the priest. I just wanted him to shut up about something which did not concern him -- my life and my enjoyment of it without the burden of children. I finally used shock tactics. It worked.
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