Sex column: Double standard forces condom carriers to face sexual stereotypes
By: Kourtney Jason
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Features
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Well, the majority of these scenes are lacking one aspect that makes any sexual encounter worth engaging in - condoms.
These scenes don't portray safe sex, which is what our society needs to be reinforcing. I can recall only one movie with a sex scene in which condoms are discussed: "American Pie."
But in the case of nearly every other TV show or movie, what happened to acting on the "no glove, no love" method?
Think of it this way: In how many movies do you see actors and actresses smoking as if it's supposed to add something to their characters?
Seeing people in our society we are supposed to look up to creates pressure for us average folk to be like them.
Because of this, millions of people are influenced to smoke and are likely to become addicted.
If the actors, actresses and the screenwriters for these TV shows and movies would add an extra 15 seconds to sex scenes to have discussions about using condoms before they get it on, well, wouldn't the rest of us be more inclined to do so also?
After all, wouldn't it be more embarrassing to get and pass on a sexually transmitted infection than to buy condoms or even talk about using them?
And you don't even need to buy condoms anymore.
Have no fear, free condoms are here.
Multiple places around Chico and on campus offer condoms for free or at a low cost, including Planned Parenthood and the Women's Center. And for less than $2, you can get 10 condoms at the Student Health Center.
As easy as condoms are to get, people aren't using them.
According to the Trojan Brand Condoms Web site, women make up only 30 percent of the buyer's market. Women shouldn't be depending on the male partner to ensure safe sex.
"There's definitely a stigma attached to a woman who carries condoms, but I personally wouldn't let that stop me from carrying them," said senior Rachel Sherman. "I feel like it's your responsibility to protect yourself."
If a man has a condom with him, he's prepared, protecting both himself and his partner.
If a woman has a condom with her, societal roles dictate her motive is just to get some. She's expecting sex rather than being prepared with protection if the option of having sex presents itself.
Senior Nathan Roozee thinks a woman who carries a condom may be seen as "slutty but safe," he said.
"It makes it seem like she is seeking out sex if she is carrying a condom, and generally it gives the impression that you're definitely not the first guy she has gone home with from a bar," Roozee said. "Given how society judges men and women differently when it comes to being promiscuous, I would say it's not a good idea, and girls who carry condoms should keep them at home."
People, such as the ones who dictate much of what we see in the media, are focusing on the wrong kind of prevention.
Preventing correct information and facts prevents people from making informed decisions.
Preventing knowledge of safe sex and the visibility and importance of condom usage increases the likelihood people are going to have unprotected sex.
So why is our society more preoccupied with the outcome of sex - unintended pregnancies and STIs - rather than the prevention of such outcomes?
"It only takes one time to make a mistake that you may pay for the rest of your life," Sherman said. "With the rate of STIs at colleges, it's stupid not to have one with you if you even just think you might have sex."
Kourtney Jason can be reached at sexcolumnist@theorion.com.
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- Kourtney's columns appear each Wednesday in the Features section.
- You can also read her blog any time at http://orionsex.blogspot.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Loren Pechtel
posted 11/07/07 @ 7:17 AM PST
I've been saying this for years. I consider it a major problem. People know that movies are just entertainment and the plots aren't realistic for the most part but that doesn't stop people from accepting the low-level assumptions hidden in the movie. (Continued…)
Ray Dunham
posted 11/12/07 @ 9:21 PM PST
Sorry, I just don't agree.....People smoke, have sex, drink, do drugs, murder, rob, and rape in movies, and on TV. I don't feel like doing or not doing things because of what I see in a movie. (Continued…)
Ray Dunham
posted 11/12/07 @ 9:33 PM PST
Sorry, I don't agree......People have sex, drink, do drugs, rape, murder, and rob others in movies, and on TV. I don't make personal decisions in my life based on what I see in movies or on TV. (Continued…)
sex toys
posted 3/24/08 @ 7:56 AM PST
The sex scenes in the movies are lack of condoms because they usually show true love scenes that suppose faith and monogamous relationships. As for me, I'm also contra random senseless sex divided with a piece of rubber. (Continued…)
sex toys
posted 3/24/08 @ 8:03 AM PST
The sex scenes, in the movies, lack condoms, because they usually show true love scenes that suppose faith and monogamous relationships. As for me, I'm also contra random senseless sex divided with a piece of rubber. (Continued…)
Ted
posted 3/24/08 @ 11:04 AM PST
I agree with sex toys. No need for condoms when no human being involved in the sex. However, when you "exchange fluids" with another human being, a condom is probably a very good idea. (Continued…)
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