Spreading, not inhibiting, knowledge is important for sexual awareness

I address this letter to Ms. Kristen Roberts, in response to her column "Abstinence protects the body and emotions best." (Wildcat, Thursday)

Ms. Roberts:

Having just read your column, "Life in Balance," for the first time, I'm not sure which disturbs me more: the grossly offensive presentation of your thoughts, or the fact that we Wildcat readers are subjected to them on a biweekly basis. This piece is the most frightfully narrow-minded and ignorant approach to the topic of pre-marital sex I have ever encountered, as well as the most poorly structured argument I have ever seen published. So as a sexually active woman of the nineties, I feel compelled to offer readers an alternative to subscribing to it.

So step into my world, if you will. It's a fascinating place where sexual awareness and education have replaced the outdated and unrealistic ideal of nuptual virginity. Don't get me wrong, Ms. Roberts, I'll be the first one to give kudos to the blushing bride in white. I will also, however, be the last one to criticize the rest of us who give in to what you deem our "most self-defeating and dangerous impulses."

See, Kristen, in the 20th century, we've come to terms with the all-too-real prospects of unwanted pregnancy and STDs. How? By spreading knowlegde, not inhibiting it. We've learned that organizations such as Planned Parenthood and events like National Condom Week promote reproductive health and help students make informed decisions about important sexual issues. Planned Parenthood is a resource for those seeking information, counseling, or medical services. It is not a capitalistic money-hungry monster "preying" upon us as you would have Wildcat readers believe.

I completely understand your message, and I can appreciate it. No sex is the safest sex, I'll concede that any day. But abstinence is a very difficult lesson to teach, and you're surely not going to do it through the insults your column offers. Do you actually believe that personifying those of use who've had multiple partners (a vast majority of the student body, I might remind you) as having sexual "rap sheets" is going to do anything other than alienate us? And what about saying that those of us who are intimite, but not married, have "no binding committment in [our] relationships?" Is that supposed to curry our favor and win our support? It's a shame that someone in your position would use your voice to such a disadvantage. I hope for the sake of Wildcat readers that you review your editorial strategies a little bit better the next time.

By Debbie Baker (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 25, 1997