Sex-ed ignores modern issues

There were pamphlets, popcorn, and plenty of prophylactics to be had at the Student Life sponsored Sexual Responsibility day on Feb. 10. As one of the first generations to become sexually active in the 21st Century, we face a radically different sexual landscape than any of our ancestors. Homosexuality, AIDS, oral sex, female orgasms, internet porn, vibrators, and even condoms would have shocked, confused, and horrified our puritanical progenitors. Now the divorce rate has surpassed 50 percent, and abstinence-only education has proved to be not only ineffective, but irresponsible. Young adults, no longer willing to wait, must consider what it means to lead a sexually active, sexually safe, and sexually responsible lifestyle.

Sex, like every other activity adults engage in, involves risk assessment and risk management. Is climbing this mountain worth the risk of falling and dying? Is riding my bike worth the risk of getting creamed by a texting teenager in an SUV? Is having sex with this person worth the risk of contracting a disease or creating a child?

Be it mountain climbing, bike riding, or getting busy, once risk is minimized through the use of proper safety gear the answer is often, "Yes." The first step to proper risk management is to be well informed. ACC's Sexual Responsibility Day did a commendable job promoting awareness of the traditional sexual hazards: disease, pregnancy, and heartbreak. But we already learned most of that stuff back when Salt-n-Pepa talked about sex in the early 90s.

As we approach the close of the double zero decade, there are some other sexual pitfalls people need to be made aware of. Decent sex-ed programs teach teenagers about syphilis and gonorrhea, but who will teach our youth about the dangers of digital media? How many celebrity sex tapes and MySpace photo faux pas does it take to understand that everything filmed will eventually end up on the Internet? A Google search for "ex girlfriend" immediately pops up a pornographic site devoted to publishing pictures and videos of unwitting amateurs engaged in the act.

According to a recent survey 20 percent of teens say they've sent a nude picture of themselves over the Internet. Thanks to the rapid proliferation of web cams and video chatting, long distance relationships are more fun than ever. This technology is revolutionizing the way we communicate, but it is also a double edged sword. A sexy video for a current boyfriend can quickly become embarrassing evidence in the hands of a bitter ex.

Even unrecorded, today's couples are engaging in all kinds of previously unheard of sexual practices. Aside from investigating what the other orifices have to offer, people are subverting gender, talking dirty, dressing up, and testing out all manner of sex toys. In order to navigate these uncharted territories safely it is important to follow the penultimate principle of sexual responsibility, informed consent.

The only acceptable sexual acts are the ones that both partners agree upon and willingly engage in. Whether its heavy petting or heavy S&M, constant verbal communication is the best way to make sure everyone involved is okay with what's happening. Communication is not only the most valuable tool in the safe sex arsenal, it's also the most fun. Rather than merely rolling on the latex, it is important to talk to your lover about their sexual past, erotic preferences, and previous partners before beginning any bedroom magic. If making out is first base, then explicit conversation should be considered stepping up to the plate.

The first sexual revolution began with birth control and ended abruptly with the AIDS epidemic. As we enter into sexual revolution 2.0, it's important that our generation learn from the mistakes of the past and use the new tools we have to make the best decisions possible. So talk to your partners, wear a condom, explore kinks consensually, and ladies, don't forget to delete those dirty pictures before you break up with him.