This week marks Northwestern's 2nd annual Sex Week, and College Feminists intend for NU students to once again be titillated by a Kama Sutra discussion and an orgasm talk, among other events. NU students don't need a week to talk about sex. They do it all the time. Sex is no longer taboo.
These days, sex talk infiltrates our lives. It flavors the news, saturates the entertainment industry and rules conversations in class, dorms and parties. Sex is certainly a relevant topic in this day and age, but it's not a novel one. In a society where sex is openly discussed, even excessively portrayed, Sex Week is stuck between a health education seminar and a porn convention. And it doesn't strike a happy medium. It's time to address sex in new ways.
Instead of predictable events, the week should feature fresh and applicable ideas. Sexual Health and Assault Peer Education is an effective student group aimed at educating NU about STD and sexual assault prevention. Peer Health Exchange makes sex discussions relevant to teens by developing health education programs that are implemented in schools around Chicago. Sex Week could uniquely capitalize on what these groups have to offer.
It's time to be realistic about sex talk and what it means for college students. We're not interested in hearing former porn stars talk about sexology. Sex Week aims to entertain. In doing so, it does not address realistic and unique sexual topics and concerns facing college students.
2008 Woodie Awards
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
L
posted 4/09/08 @ 4:15 PM CST
Of course sex is still taboo. People make idiotic sex jokes all the time, but they're too embarrassed to go up to a table in Norris and get free condoms, and they still are under the impression that getting tested for HIV is something that only "Promiscuous People" need to do. (Continued…)
Ben
posted 4/09/08 @ 11:13 PM CST
Education about STDs and sexual assault is "unique and fresh" to you? Where did you go to high school, middle school, and even elementary school? If such "effective" other groups are tackling these issues, shouldn't Sex Week be about bring something new to the table?
Sex Week does aim to entertain. (Continued…)
Check your sources!
posted 4/10/08 @ 12:43 AM CST
Have you even looked at the schedule of events for Sex Week? SHAPE is co-sponsoring at least 2 events...Also, the co-coordinator of Peer Health Exchange is on the committee, as are at least 4 SHAPE members, including one of the founding members!
If one takes a look at the schedule of events and the massive turnout at each event, it's easy to see that Sex Week is extremely relevant, totally unique and fresh to the max. (Continued…)
Are you serious?
posted 4/10/08 @ 12:08 PM CST
It is a sad day when one of the leading students publications in the country displays such a lack of research and insight. I would challenge the author of this editorial to actually do some research and display a little bit of creativity. (Continued…)
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