Let’s talk sex.
We all do it at some point in our lives so let’s stop pretending it doesn’t happen, especially at Otterbein. When we aren’t in class or with friends, what do you think we are doing?
Studying?
Please! Sex is natural and beautiful, so don’t look down at it like much of our conservative and insecure society does. Don’t pretend it doesn’t happen.
Generations are having sex younger and younger and you know who their teachers and advisers are? Porn, media and their friends. As you might guess, those are the worst teachers to listen to.
So instead of trying to pretend that Otterbein isn’t sexually active let’s create something to help the community. No, not the usual “scared straight” tactic because that doesn’t work. Provide resources to the students on what positions to engage in that will benefit both partners, help students understand how to clean toys and properly use them, educate on contraceptives, explain what a yeast infection is so girls don’t freak out when they see yellow discharge and dispel harmful sex myths.
My favorite myth, for instance is when girls think getting it in the ass and giving oral sex still makes them a virgin. How is having oral and anal sex preserving your virginity? Stop with that foolishness! So Otterbein, because of perceptions like that, provide information on how to properly have anal sex and how to tend to your behind before and after the fact.
I know, if given these resources, students are not always going to want to go to the clinic. I understand it is private and maybe a little embarrassing. However, my little note for you is: if you can’t buy your own contraceptives or pregnancy tests because you’re embarrassed or scared, then you shouldn’t be having sex.
One thing Otterbein can do for the more sensitive information is put it all on Ozone. Create a little tab or link in the Directory so that students have access to information. Help this community instead of worrying about pissing off your old, conservative, donors help out the generation that is here now.
The problem with my generation, our generation, is that we don’t like to take responsibility for anything. We are too quick to point the finger of blame or say “no one told me this.” Now, if you create these resources, these students are going to have to accept the consequences a little more because you provided them with help.
Sure their parents, community, church and our terrible public school system have enabled some kids, but it stops here.
It’s time to be an adult. Otterbein, help us out. We are obviously very blunt and open about ourselves; you aren’t pulling teeth from us. You just seem to be worried about the money and political power you may lose.
Do right by us, the people who live and learn here, and be our teacher by guiding us towards healthier sexual lifestyles. Let’s break the chains of insecurity, uncomfortability, stubbornness and make a difference in students’ lives.
The Guest Blog program is intended to spark campus conversations. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the www.otterbein360.com staff. If you would like to issue a response to any published article including guest blogs, we invite you to write and submit a letter to the editor. If you are interested in participating in the Guest Blog program, you may contact the Editor-in-Chief at sean.feverston@otterbein.edu.
