Kids, sex, sex, kids.

So I'm writing my thesis and I keep coming across the same preachings:
Talk to us about sex!!!
We speak, we listen, we hear, we know, we see, we deserve!!!

People of the internet, I just don't get it. For why?!?! For why people are dismissing sex education to youth?!?!

Dear parents,
You know how your daughter went to that sleepover? You think she's watching Snow White?! Bitch please. *
You know how your son likes to take long showers? You think he's washing behind his ears?! Twice?!?! Bitch please.

You know condoms? You think kids think they are balloons?! Bitch please.

You know puberty? You think it's a synonym for anatomy?! Bitch please.

You know how school is JUST what they [teachers] teach and not what happens anywhere else?! It isn't! Bitch please.

You know how ignorance is bliss?! Bitch please.

Knowledge saves lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Educate youth. Educate them now. EDUCATE DAMN IT!!!!

Educate, and then celebrate, with chocolate cake, (and a condom).


Stay safe, sexually speaking

*I'm not suggesting that she is watching porn, but possibly something rated PG13, 14A? Restricted even? Sexually explicit material? Your ass knows it.

The MEDIA and its all-consuming, disturbingly influential power

Teen Mom: A popular show on MTV that I frequently watch for entertainment and research purposes.
Jersey Shore: A popular show on MTV that I am ashamed to say I frequently watch… for entertainment and “what not to do” purposes. 





When I first caught an episode of Teen Mom (the second season), I was on the fence as to whether it a) glorified teenage motherhood by putting ill-informed decision making on television and essentially making parenting look easier than it is, or b) depicted the reality of the challenges and struggles of growing up as a kid raising a kid. I was leaning more towards (a) at the beginning of my watching, but now that I have seen a season and a half, and watched the episodes with Dr. Drew and the “16 and Pregnant” series, I do believe that shows like Teen Mom could be seen as multimedia presentations of sexual health education.

Here’s the thing that bugs me about it:

On the show, the girls say things like “well, at least my child loves me”, etc. Having a baby is not a good way to have love in your life. First of all, don’t you love yourself? Second of all, if you want something that loves you, get a dog. Dogs love everyone! If you don’t think you can handle a dog, get a fish.













Here’s the thing that I like about it:

The show’s cast is a group of girls who all fall under similar categories: They misused birth control, they are struggling to complete and pay for college, they have lacking or unhealthy relationships with the fathers of their children, and they are essentially stressed out. I mean, we all get stressed, but imagine being 17 or 18 years old and stressing about yourself, your finances, your education, AND your child and all the business that is involved with him/her! I admire women who can raise children at a young age, but we should not be advocating for this. None of these teen mothers have said (at least not in the episodes I have seen), “oh I planned to have this child at 16 years old”. I couldn’t imagine it, to be honest. As much as I love babies for very short periods of time when they aren’t screaming, hellllll no. At 18 years old, I could barely take care of myself! Quite some time has passed and I feel the same way!!
On Teen Mom, there is also a couple who gave their child up for adoption. When comparing this teen mother to the ones that opted to keep their children, one can see that there are options that can positively influence your life, such as adoption.

So Teen Mom is an interesting show that talks about teen pregnancy and the realities of raising a child as a young adolescent. At the end of each episode, a website is shown that gives facts and tips on how to be in control of your sex life: www.itsyoursexlife.org! <3 Also, while I’m praising websites, let me throw down my favourite www.sexualityandu.ca ! Both websites are great and I strongly encourage you to go here, regardless of who you are. YOU are a sexual being; therefore, YOU need to know how to control your sex life!

Here’s the thing that bugs me more:

MTV, I love you. You are good for a laugh and you play some stupid shows that I just can’t get enough of. You do, however, play a show that goes out of its way to show me everything I shouldn’t teach someone about sexual health education. How do you do this? With an eccentric gem of a show called Jersey Shore. Despite the fact that I watch this show, I follow the complete opposite of what they preach (guys: sleep with everything that moves; girls: drink a lot and put out). The reason I think it is okay for ME to watch this show is because I am an adult who is educated and aware of her sexual rights and responsibilities. Younger individuals, however, are heavily influenced by the media, and so when I hear that a 13 year old watches Jersey Shore, I cry tears of blood and fear.

SOLUTION:
Do I think MTV needs to get rid of Jersey Shore? Not necessarily. I like my mindless television programming. What I do think needs to be done about Jersey Shore is to give it a rating of at LEAST 14A. 18+ even.
There is way too much careless drinking and sexing on this show to make it okay for children to be influenced by it.
I just hope they use condoms.


ANOTHER SOLUTION:

Here’s a better idea. How about the cast of Jersey Shore advocates for LifeStyle condoms? Every person in the world would use a condom if players like the guys on Jersey Shore used them! I think all celebrities should advocate for birth control. You bitches have so much power; use it wisely! Much like charity fundraising and the like, MTV stars should advocate for birth control and not drinking and driving. That’s ONE thing Jersey Shore does right: I never see them drink and drive. They always hop in a cab. Thanks friends.





Arrive alive,
don’t drink and drive!!



So Teen Mom is awesome for educating about birth control by promoting www.itsyoursexlife.org at the end of the show, and Jersey Shore is not so awesome because of sexualized gender stereotyping that COULD negatively influence our youth.

Sarah’s words of wisdom: The things you see on television are meant to entertain you. Don’t let the media guide all of your decisions, especially if they revolve around sex. Let educated sources and credible experts help you make your own. Also, use condoms. And spermicide.

SWEET JESUS Ontario 7-8 Health and Phys Ed curriculum!

Hisssssssssss!

Alright, so I have been debating whether or not to analyze Ontario's sexual health education curriculum along with British Columbia's. I now know it MUST be done.

Ontario recently revised the Elementary Health and Phys Ed curriculum in 2010. Well done my home sweet home!

According to the overall and specific outcomes of the Healthy Living portion of Health education, By the end of Grade 7 students will:

• identify the methods of transmission and the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and ways to prevent them;
Sarah's commentary: Alright. Necessary. I approve.

• use effective communication skills (e.g., refusal skills, active listening) to deal with various relationships and situations;
Sarah's commentary: Okay... such as "Don't touch my vagina right now" and "I hear what you are saying, but I must abstain as the curriculum tells me to..." Right? Nevertheless, I still agree with effective communication. Okay.

• explain the term abstinence as it applies to healthy sexuality;
Sarah's commentary: .... AND?!?!?!?! What ELSE? Birth control? These children are 12. Some of them have developed breasts! Some of them are on their period RIGHT now... Explain abstinence? That's IT?!

• identify sources of support with regard to issues related to healthy sexuality (e.g., parents/guardians, doctors).
Sarah's commentary: Because teachers are scared to say so? Or because policy states teachers shouldn't say so? Should we get nurses in the class telling kids what a penis is and how it works? Why is it this all has to be left up to doctors... it's SO clinical. Parents, YES! But some won't... so what then?

These are not the only outcomes, but the ones which I thought were important and/or curious.

Under grade 8 (alright... we are 13 years old now... or approaching this age. TEENS! Has anything changed?), it states

By the end of Grade 8, students will:

• explain the importance of abstinence as a positive choice for adolescents;
Sarah's commentary: Among others? This is limiting! *hiss*

• identify symptoms, methods of transmission, prevention, and high-risk behaviours related to common STDs, HIV, and AIDS;

• identify methods used to prevent pregnancy;
Sarah's commentary: Such as?

• apply living skills (e.g., decision-making, assertiveness, and refusal skills) in making informed decisions, and analyse the consequences of engaging in sexual activities and using drugs;
Sarah's commentary: LOL! Living skills. HOLD THE PHONE!!! Here is my issue: Ladies and gentlemen and people who create policy and curriculum, PLEASE do not lump sex and drugs into the same bullet. Drugs are horrid things. No one should do cocaine ever. Sex is not a horrid bad thing... so don't you DARE put them under the same thing. Yes, they both have consequences, but so does swimming after you eat, and you sure as hell wouldn't say swimming and drugs are related, WOULD YOU?!?!?! Drugs. WHOLE other story. Give it a new bullet, a new topic/subject area, hell... even a new lesson, please!!

• identify sources of support (e.g., parents/guardians, doctors) related to healthy sexuality issues.

Dear Ontario,
Don't be vague and give sex some positivity. Students are afraid of negative things... More commentary to come.

Dear Ontario again,
I am not scowling at you because you are doing something wrong. I commend anyone who writes curriculum; however, there are a couple of things that are too vague and will be left up to teacher discretion, causing misinformation, misguidance, and an overall inconsistent teaching and learning. Love you. <3

Yours capable,
the newest policy analyst to your team? I'll let you know when I publish my Master's thesis, then we'll talk?

Max wants to know "what's a vagina?"

My people...

Sex! There. I said it. Once upon a time, I was born. My name is Sarah and I WILL be known as a sexpert one day!

Just to clarify, by sexpert, I mean an informed filter intended to promote knowledge, health, and understanding surrounding sex education. I do not mean this. When I say sex education, I mean sex, sexuality, sexual health, health and wellness, wellbeing, self, identity, Who am I, a little bit of gender, a little bit of anatomy, vagina, penis, boobs, belly button, and all that jazz, education. All of this encompasses sex education. I will not be focusing on how to HAVE sex, but rather how to understand one's body in respect to the actions it can perform, undergo, etc. This includes sex. I cannot escape this fact.

Therefore, sexpert does NOT equal "hey baby let's have a good time" *enter cheesy sex music*. Although I DO have some lovely songs that convey a sexual undertone, they are intended to show that sex is everywhere and we need to get used to that.

I am a scholar. A sexuality scholar. I read, write, and do sexual health education. With an emphasis on EDUCATION.

Let me tell you about some issues to which I would respond "well obviously":

1. Boys have penises.

2. People are afraid of sex.

3. Teenagers think about sex.

4. Sex.

This blog is intended for anyone and everyone who wants to come to terms with the realities of human sexuality. Because of my education background, I will be posting specifically educational documents directed at educators, parents, and sexuality enthusiasts.

Because this is on the internet and people love flashy things, I will be posting pictures, videos, and music to entertain the magpie in all of us. Although I thoroughly enjoy reading research, not everyone does, so I will accommodate those of you who would rather not read and just view Cookie Monster holding a condom. (WHAT DID SHE SAY?!?!?!)

Alright,

I welcome you. Please stay a while and fall in love with my passion to write. My passion to write about my passion: sexuality and how it's such a ?!?!?! to lots of people.

Virgin WHAT?! Define purity... and then we'll talk

Purity... I think of doves and girls in flowing dresses frolicking in a meadow...

So I'm currently reading one of the greatest books of all time: The Purity Myth: How America's obsession with virginity is hurting young women by Jessica Valenti. Not only is the book written extremely well, and the research is just flawlessly chosen, etc... but the ideas and the inquisitive nature of almost every paragraph... marry me.

I am only 100 pages in so far, and I have like, 438907589478092 post its and highlights. I want to make references to a couple of things and throw my opinion at them (despite how similar my opinion is to Valenti's... she's a genius, so it's all good).

So essentially the main issue revolves around
- what is purity?
- what is a virgin?
- what's the deal with the virgin/whore dichotomy
- sexualization of youth and how this relates to the obsession with virginity
- if you have sex, you are forever tainted and may as well go live in a cave
- if you are a virgin, here... have a pony <3

oh shi--

Like me, Valenti (2010) argues that abstinence teaching is not a bad thing; however, the absence of any other teaching about sexual health is just wrong. There is a huge bias there about beliefs, and really, who are YOU to say what students believe and what they should believe?!?! Yes, YOU! .____.

Like my thesis majestically says (although in a very rough copy at the moment), sex education should focus more on the individual, relationships, experiences, and healthy living rather than the ACT of intercourse and its negative outcomes. Seriously... negativity doesn't sit well with anyone, and although students NEED to be aware of STIs and unwanted babies, they also need to know that kissing and holding hands and the nice feeling of having your body caressed is nice when it is done in a HEALTHY way.

So why is this virginity issue such an issue??

WELL,
Whether you are a virgin or a whore* (it seems to me like you are either or in the eyes of a virginity-movement advocate), neither is really a good thing.
If you are a virgin, you are a limited sheltered "girl"** who is waiting for her husband to take her flower, etc. Boring.
If you are a whore, you have sex with everything that moves and are dirty and tainted and worthless and hopeless and ANYONE who is not a heterosexual girl purely waiting for her husband to come retrieve the tulips.

*Whore??? But she's wearing the colour of purity!!! And doing yoga!!!

Virgin? There IS a cloud in the background. And she looks like she's never had sex (<--- what the hell does THIS look like??!?!?!?!) ** I hate this. I wish SO badly to hear about boys. What about boys? I mean, I understand the pressures are very much in the camps of us females, but what about those poor boys in high school who are being teased by their friends to 'tap that chick', etc.? What if a boy DOESN'T want to have sex? Or what if he does it and then regrets it? I don't think one can argue that one gender is harder to be when growing up. In both respects, there's a hardcore amount of pressure and obsession surrounding sexuality. But, why?

For some reason, sexuality is a big deal. *shrugs* Go worry about your mathematics grade and stop bugging others about how 'far' they've gone.

Anyway, back to the book (I could write all day) <3<3<3 Here's something to try on for size: A symbol of abstinence: a gold rose pin handed out in schools and at Christian* youth events. The pin is attached to a small card that reads, 'You are like a beautiful rose. Each time you engage in pre-marital sex, a precious petal is stripped away. Don't leave your future husband holding a bare stem. Abstain.'" (Valenti, 2010, p. 32).

(Hilarious comic strip illustrating the reality of the above quote to come...)

WHAT?!

Sweet merciful mother!!!! That is just.... OMGGGGGGGG! Holy pressure cooker Batman!

*This scares me. If you are a Christian youth, you MUST be this way. It is your stigma. If you are not, you CANNOT be this way. There's that dichotomy again. I can only imagine a girl wearing a gold pin and falling in love (properly... the definition is up for debate... interpret as you will), and wanting to say... kiss her beloved. Then, wanting to maybe you know... MORE. YOU CAN'T! YOU AREN'T MARRIED!!! But, but... she can't afford a wedding yet... and-- and-- she's only 17. NO! NO!!! AAAAHHHH!!!! *explodes*

Terrifying. And yet, true. America IS obsessed with virginity. I think Canadians are a tad preoccupied with it... but not quite obsessed? I'd like to see a Canadian rendition of this novel... probably wouldn't be tooooooo different, methinks.

Anyway, I have nothing against beautiful gold pins. Hell, I'll wear one. But don't go throwing virginity into a symbol and pressuring someone to make a decision like that at such a young age. When you're 10, all you want to do is play in the dirt and sing stupid pop songs. It's a sweet life! Let's teach our students to self-reflect, assess personal values, and communicate effectively in order to make these apparently "INTENSELY LIFE-CHANGING DECISIONS!!!!"

Newsflash: Having sex is like making a sandwich. It happens all the time. And it's really not that big of a deal. It's a deal... but not that big of one. Let the students decide how big of a deal their sexualities are before we put a giant OMG stamp on all things sexual. Seriously.

ALSO, one last thought (haha, totally kidding... I have oodles to say, but another blog TBA...)
It's parents and adults who are so obsessed with this virginity thing. Students are only obsessed with it because adults have so much control over policy, especially extremist adults like people associated with the virginity-movements. Mad props to passionate individuals, but let's back off a little and let diverse individuals lead diverse, beautiful, unique, and healthy lives instead of drawing out the sexual to-do list of every student ever.

To do:
1. Abstain
2. Brush teeth

^ HAH! Me.

Purity. Doves. Enough said.

Stay safe. Sexually speaking... this includes BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO abstinence.

PS. Anyone who tells you to abstain from masturbating needs a kick in the jaw. As if you can tell me I can't touch my own body.

PSS. Where the lesbians at??!?!?! Apparently, they don't exist in the virginity-movement. Don't GET me started.

Exploring, Questioning, Reflection - Am I ready?

Resources are a beautiful thing. In this world wide web of knowledge, one can find everything from blogs about paste to encyclopedias with words that are 67 letters long. It's fantastic.

Everyone is a sexual being, and thus, since we all have that common thread, one would think that this means there are a lot of sexual resources out there. Yes... there are!!

I recently stumbled upon this gorgeous site called www.TheSite.org http://www.thesite.org/ which is a site that claims to be "your guide to the real world". Naturally, I assumed there would be comprehensive, down to earth, sexual information. I was right... as I typically am.

On this site, one can find facts about sex and relationships, STIs, general health and wellness, safer sex, virginity facts, menstruation myths, and more!



I want to make reference to the section "Risky Sex", because it makes me laugh.

He says he'll pull out before he cums.
You trust a man to have willpower whilst he is orgasming? You shouldn't. Would you remember to do anything other than 'enjoy it' whilst orgasming?

I don't have any diseases. I don't screw around.
HAH! Stop kidding yourself. People lie all the time. Go get a physical.

You'd do it if you loved me.
Slap any bitch who says this to you. You'd not use that line on me if you loved me, douchebag. *rolls eyes*. Love can cloud your judgment, and I understand this, but be aware of love's shade over your eyes. Don't let manipulative lines like this fool you. Know your values and your stance, and make sure your partner knows them too.

I was so out of it, I can't really remember.
I'd advise you to go get checked and check if the condom in your purse is gone. Be careful mixing booze and sex. If you are not aware, anything can happen. Sketch.


Another interesting section to read on this site is Sex with a new partner. When you change partners, make sure you discuss values, limitations, and stances regarding sex. Not everyone is the same and you'd be surprised what you cannot 'read' on someone. I'll give you a clue: their sexual preferences! Be open, honest, communicative, and confident about where you stand.

This site also mentions something I truly believe in:
When assessing whether or not one is ready for sex, think of this:
Are you afraid to carry a condom in your purse/wallet?
Are you afraid to talk about sex?
Comfort is key... so get comfortable about it.

Much more to come from this site, but check it out! It's fantastic. Much like sexualityandu.ca, TheSite.org is the reason I get up in the morning.

Advocating for staying safe, sexually speaking, TheSite and I bid you adieu... for now.

And now, I'm off to give a chat about Sexual Health and Relationships! Ah, Sex Week. :) Gotta love university.

Something 'bout emotion

So I'm sitting in Starbucks right now, sipping on a green tea latte, because I'm artsy like that. There's a song playing, and this woman is singing "something 'bout emotion, ooohhh yea, it's something about emotionnnn".

SO, because my mind never veers from sex education, I continue to assume she means "do you need to be emotionally invested in someone to have sex with them?"

I think this is an issue that should be addressed in schools. We have emotions. They are powerful. Why does he cry when we make love?!?!?!

IN MY OPINION, teens should not be having sex (no one should for that matter) unless they are comfortable in their own skin. Because it can be a very emotional situation, student A should love herself, know herself, know her body, and love her body before she lets student B all up on it.

This is just an opinion, but you dear reader, must remember that I am studying sexual health education in the classroom and curriculum, and general successful comprehensive sex education...
WHAT DOES THIS MEEEEAAAN?

It means I'm right. Or at least, my opinions should be considered.
Sexual expression can be simply pleasure, for sure. I would still suggest that student A confront herself before she lets student B confront it for her.

Let's all embrace the self knowledge. One day, I'll teach a course for girls called "My vagina. Your vagina". It will involve a mirror and a pencil and paper. You do the math. Body knowledge is NECESSARY. Understanding oneself... is that not like, a puzzle piece in the puzzle of life??

I'm been in Starbucks too long. Hello philosophy.

MORAL OF THE STORY:
You cannot escape emotion. Especially if you are a pubescent girlio. Be careful when you sexperiment.

Emotions are as real as chlamydia. So not only must you cry it out when you need to, but use a condom. <3

Stay safe! Sexually speaking. :)

Sex-positive Education

Alright,

Let's be real. Sex is nice. Sexual things are nice. These are the realities of sex. And so is this:

I'm just mad about safe sex!

Greetings my people,

Okay, so I have been reading a lot about abstinence-only, comprehensive, and broad-based sex education and what parents, students, and teachers have to say about all of these forms. I have decided to make a video of me dishing out some issues in a scattered manner. I am getting better at my video making skills, so I have a feeling you will enjoy this whether it is because I'm wearing a hat, or because I have interesting things to say.

Condoms are beautiful!!!! Alright. Enjoy. (Part 2: Sex-positive Education, will be uploaded shortly).

Video killed the radio star, sexually speaking

Greetings!



So I have decided to beef up my blog by adding videos. How exciting!

This video will be one of many highlighting the following:
a) how entertaining I am
b) how sex education can be fun
c) the beauty of my bedroom
d) the fact that I wear glasses

I am hoping to devote at least 5 minutes of video time a month. By 5 minutes, I realistically mean a couple of hours, as I tend to videotape, screw up, and then videotape again, at least 7 times.

Through our time together, I will learn the ways of the world, video wise, and amuse you with my technological suavity.

So sit back and take a load off your eyes from reading, and educate yourself via this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYpQejZ4mwI

It's a sexual world out there!

Sandra L. Caron is a professor of Family Relations and Human Sexuality at the University of Maine.
Her main focus on human sexuality is that of social-sexual development of young people, with an emphasis on sexual decision-making, safe sex, sex education, and cross-cultural perspectives.

I feel like I'm looking in a mirror!

Her book Sex around the World: Cross-cultural perspectives on Human Sexuality was just staring at me in the library, so I HAD to pick it up! Very interesting.

Caron (2007) lays out her book statistically, listing countries and their views of Sexual Activity, Contraception, Abortion, Sex Education, STIs and HIV, Sexual Orientation, Prostitution, and Pornography.

I took a specific interest in Canada's statistics, but I am going to share with you some interesting facts from around the world. Canada will be a separate blog post (soooo much to say).

Interestingly so...

In Greece, there is no sex education in schools. According to Caron's (2007) findings, ***Greece is one of the few countries in Europe to have yet to adopt a liberal embrace of sex ed***

In Denmark, sex ed has been compulsory since 1970. Sex ed has been a long standing tradition. ALSO, Denmark was the first country to allow contraceptive availability to youth without parental consent. This began in 1966.

Like Denmark, in Poland, sex ed has been compulsory since 1972, but there is still a strong church influence.

Intriguingly, in Finland, when an adolescent turns 16, they are sent a package with information about STI/HIV, general sexuality, and condoms. Cool? Yes! Sex ed is also very prominent in Finland.

Who takes the cake?
In Sweden, sex ed has been compulsory since 1955!!!!! Also, when an adolescent decides to go on the pill, the first three months are free. WHAAAAT? Like subscribing to a cable company! YAY Sweden. I'm moving there tomorrow...

Along with Denmark, Poland, Finland, and Sweden among others, the Netherlands too has a very positive sex education curriculum with an abundance of contraceptive availability. Using contraceptive is just normal and seems to be done by most. :)

Weird...
In Romania, sex education was removed from the school system in the 1980s. I wonder why...

Honestly, this book is delicious. Sandra L. Caron has written other books that centre around cross-cultural patterns in sexuality. It is really neat to see that even though we live in a big, crazy, different world... there are loads of similarities when it comes to sex ed. AS THERE SHOULD BE. We are all the same anatomically... and that's just the beginning.

Canada and the US to follow. There are some JUICY stats there my friends. Some I didn't even know!

Sexuality, the friendly ghost

So I've recently been reading a lot about curriculum. There are many different types of curricula that take place in schools. I took a curriculum course last semester, and one of the most intriguing curricula to me was the notion of the hidden curriculum.

Hidden curriculum is what is learned without us knowing... so to speak. For example, 2+2=4, yes. This is probably what was written on the overt curriculum. BUT, Bobby and Susie discussing a parent's divorce on the playground; this is hidden curriculum. What students learn (and trust me, it's a lot!) that is unintentional.

Now ladies and gentlemen.... Let me introduce you to the biggest ghost in the world: Sex Education

Okay:
If we do not teach kids about sex in schools, they WILL learn it anyway. At lunch when Bobby holds Nicole's hand and she blushes. BAM... that's a sex education lesson. At a girl's sleepover on Saturday night when they giggle and talk about boys. BAM... lesson two.

Rest assured, it is not only sex education that is a hidden curriculum. And rest assured again that hidden curriculum is not necessarily a BAD thing. The majority of the things I deemed valuable in high school were not things on the overt curriculum. My grade 10 history teacher gave me some study tips inadvertently that really stuck with me. As I educate, I find myself reiterating these tips to many of my students. Thanks Ms. Morrison!

The hidden curriculum. Be aware of it! It's not all bad. Actually, most of it is incredibly inspiring. So, don't be afraid of all the invisible sexual knowledge. Key word there: all. You can be afraid of some!
(***Parents: Note the privacy/safety tool on Google***)

Not all ghosts are malignant ghosts. :)

I think my teacher skipped this part. WARNING: This clip says the word 'sex' in it.... a few times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbPowCASKoM&feature=related
*** See Pop culture teachings about sex education for link ***

So I couldn't upload the video (I will try to upload it in the left side column), but this is a trailer for the movie Skipped Parts. It's an adorable movie (and by adorable, I mean you should probably be 18+ as this movie is kind of rated R...)
Anyway, it's an adorable film about a boy who is naive about sex, except for what he reads in books.

He meets this chick next door who is all like "pfft, I know more than you", so they decide to "educate" each other about sex, aka have it.

This movie illustrates the lack of information about sex education in youth and how it can be detrimental. Obviously, it is a little extreme and intended to be comedic and not entirely truthful, but STILL.

Pop culture addresses issues that are prominent in society, so let's all listen to the media! It knows.... sometimes.

Anyway... I think this clip is hilarious. I recently bought this movie. I watched it when I was .... 13 I think, because I had an irrational crush on Bug Hall, and then I watched it again when I was about 16 or 17. Then I bought it this year and watched it again. Every single time, more and more was revealed to me about sex (the lingo, the myths, the norms).

I think this movie is very interesting.

I'm quoting it in my thesis. Straight up. Check out the link to the trailer! It's a good one. Kind of weird... but hey... that's good TV! :) Enjoy.

Moral of the story (in my opinion), don't be afraid to ask questions about sex... unless your mother is Jennifer Jason Leigh. HAH! Her character is a little intense.

Moral #2 of the story: Just because it is not taught in school doesn't mean kids won't try to learn about it. TRUST! Kids think about sexuality. It's sex for crying out loud!

PS. I still think Bug Hall is cute.

New sex ed curriculum? C'moooooooonnnnn....

Hey there McGuinty! Mad props for ALMOST being awesome.

You know, I definitely cannot be pissed for the abrupt turn around and lack of change in the sex ed curriculum in Ontario. There are some radical people out there who are just NOT having any of it and are freaking out over the possibility that their little 9 year old Susie will be educated about masturbation.

For the love of Nancy!

Still, it's an awesome prospect to think that these reform ideas are bubbling.

http://communities.canada.com/VANCOUVERSUN/blogs/reportcard/archive/2010/04/21/ontario-sex-ed.aspx
^ This is BC's response to the possible reform (until it was later taken away... like candy from a baby, in my opinion).

So this curriculum being thought of, and then decided on for like five seconds, and then taken back made me think of differing sex ed curricula depending on which province one is in.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario-near-middle-of-canadian-curve-in-content-of-its-sex-ed-program/article1542651/
^ Why oh why are these so different!?
Props to BC for addressing the issues fairly early, and mad props to Ontario (home sweet home) for addressing sexual identity in grade 3. Will it happen, though? Is this realistic to think that teachers will address these issues and parents/government/society/Aunt Mae won't get all "SAY WHAT?!" about it?

Okay, here's the deal:

I took a Psychology of Human Sexuality class that addressed virtually all issues of sexuality throughout human development. I have also read like 4738920768354 books/articles/words on page about sex and sex education. I know my stuff. Trust.

Talking about something does not mean that person is going to do it.
Take anal sex: "Now kids... there are a variety of ways people get intimate. Here they are: blah blah blah, anal, blah blah blah"
What's anal sex? "Anal sex is stimulation of the anus with male genitalia or a toy such as a dildo or vibrator".
And?
How is this scary? Of course it's a little scary, but so is hearing about quadratic equations!!! C'mon now. Kids are GOING to hear it. Why not hear it from a trusting adult.

Punchline:

If kids hear these scary details they *may* not want to hear from a respectable, knowledgeable educator, they will trust the information and not view it as taboo as it could be. If a kid googles "anal", they are NOT going to get a simple matter-of-fact family friendly definition. Trust THAT.

Bottom line:
Sex is everywhere. It's coming around earlier. This is the way it is. Accept.
Denial is not a very reliable coping mechanism.

More to come about this HOT TOPIC. Sarah has lots to say. Trust.