Open Call for Blog Post Topics!

Since my blog posts usually come as passing thoughts that I somehow form into coherent paragraphs, and because I want to start writing more often, I'm taking topic suggestions for future posts!

If you have anything you'd like me to write about, comment here or let me know by some other means. Nothing's off-limits!

Opinions are like Genitalia

This has been bugging me for a while, and seeing as it recently came up in conversation with a friend of mine, I'd like to actually post about it.

Here's your casual reminder that political and social ideologies do not determine whether or not someone is open-/close-minded. And I believe that, as long as their beliefs aren't directly harmful to another human being, it also does not determine whether or not they're a good person.

To clarify: Socially/politically liberal people can be close-minded. I've met plenty of people who fit this, and they are not fun to be around. They tend to be under the illusion that because they are "liberal," it gives them the right to be jerks to anyone who disagrees in the slightest. Likewise, socially/politically conservative people can be open-minded. I've met a ton of conservative people who are willing to "hear the other side" and discuss their opinions openly.

The key is to not be a jerk about your opinions, or how others' opinions might differ from your own.

I like to surround myself with people of different beliefs. It makes life more interesting. I mean, yes, sometimes it's easier to talk with people who have similar opinions, but if I ONLY talked to like-minded people, how could I grow? How could anyone?

And I do mean talk, not argue or degrade. I'm referring to when you sit and listen to someone else, and discuss your views like calm, mature adults. Throwing a fit (figuratively and literally) every time you disagree on something is annoying, and no matter what your opinion is, doing so takes away some of the validity of your argument. Not every opinion needs to be a hill to die on.

I'm aware that this might come across as hypocritical. I know I can get carried away on certain topics, and that I can hold a firm stance. I'm working on calming that down. If it's not to late to tack on an additional New Year's resolution, I'd like to add this to the list.

"Opinions are like genitalia: everyone has them. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to shove them in everyone else's face all the time."

Don't have sex. Because you'll get pregnant and die. – The Sex Ed Stigma

Ahh, Mean Girls. Giving a classic example of the extent of existing Sex Ed classes.

I've always wondered why proper Sex Ed courses so looked down on in high schools. Kids learn about sex someday anyway, right? So why not control what they learn and make sure what they know is positive, accurate, and healthy?

Like, kids learn about fire, guns, and drugs – all interesting, everyday things, that are also potentially dangerous if handled incorrectly– much like sex. The difference is, students learn how to deal with them, how to approach them, and how to to use them safely if need be. Let me repeat that: they learn how to deal with these things in a positive, constructive, safe way if they come up in their life. Now, yes, there are no classes in school about how to shoot a gun or take a life, nor are there classes on how to take, make, or deal drugs. But those are things students can learn about and even have access to in their home life, so we take precautions and educate.

That's what a proper Sex Ed class should be. Education, and showing students if they get into a situation where it's involved, how to move forward in a safe way.

Now, some people get concerned that if you teach kids about sex, they'll go out and, well, try it.

I understand that. But do me a favor, and consider this: in no Chemistry class ever, does the teacher say, "Ok, I showed you how to properly use the bunsen burners today. Now go home and play with matches and dry grass!" Never. Ask any chemistry teacher how they explain their projects and what precautions they use to make sure students don't try things at home. They'll probably say that they teach safety, above all else.

I can hear it now, people getting to this point and stopping me to say, "But, Kade! This is SEX we're talking about, not some science fair project!" And you're right. It is sex I'm talking about here. Sex. The thing behind 99.9% of babies born. The mixing of two ingredients to make a new thing. You're right. This is sex, not science.

However, why shouldn't kids experiment with sex? There are a lot of reasons, and I totally get that. But didn't you read what I wrote up there? Properly educating someone about something does not mean they will go off and try it. They might, but then it's on their head and becomes their choice. (oh no, fifteen year olds are allowed to make decisions noooo). I am in no way saying I condone or approve of little teenage kids bumping uglies. Eugh. No. But if they do, I want them to know the safest possible way so they don't get an STI or hurt themselves, and I definitely want them to know how to prevent teen pregnancy.

Sex Ed courses wouldn't be all about sex itself, or just passing out condoms (and having the kids blow them up and make balloon animals– oh, don't tell me you've never wanted to make a condom poodle). Sex Ed could teach students about different sexualities, different genders, transgender culture and social reception, rape culture & prevention, and an unbiased discussion on the pros and cons of needing and/or getting an abortion. Sex Ed courses aren't allowed in schools because parents think all they'd learn is how to do the deed, but in reality? The classes could really bring up and spark discussions on a lot of social, moral, and public health issues, causing the next generation to be more prepared and better informed.

Teaching kids about sex is different than throwing them into a dark room with another hormonally charged teenager, a few condoms, and some smooth jazz sexmix. Teaching kids about sex is preparing them for the future, and making sure what they learn comes from a trusted, consistent source, rather than lunchroom gossip or crappy internet porn. Sex is a natural thing, and I'd like to see high school students who not only know about safe sex practices, but rather practice them. It's better than letting them experiment on their own and have to learn all they know from their, and their peers, mistakes.