4 RB Our The Lion’s Eye February 22, 2012 SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE? le Said By Brent Cannon The Lions Eye staff writer bmeS5196@psu.edu I think that sex means a completely different thing nowadays. What used to be a bond between two peo- ple in love is now a common occurrence for two strang- ers meeting at a bar on a random night. For a majority of today’s young people I think sex is just a fun activity, not something sacred or for having children. When meeting people in school I have only met one virgin, and it baffled me. I couldn’t believe it. It’s so rare nowadays. I mean more power to you if you have gone through life and are morally strong to not partake in this activity. There used to be a saying, “What happens in the bedroom, stays in the bedroom.” That doesn’t exactly fit in today’s pop cul- ture. Sex has become so mainstream today that we cannot escape it. Many popular TV shows show sex a ma- jority of the time. Television shows like Sex and the City, True Blood, and Jersey Shore have a common occurrence at least in every episode, Sex. Whether it is who Samantha is sleeping with in one episode, the crazy sex scene in the latest episode of True Blood, or who the “Situation” and Pauly D have “smushed” in that episode, its everywhere. Not only is it in television but in movies as well. Cruel Intentions is primar- ily based upon sex. The character of Sarah Michelle Gellar uses sex to her advantage. Movies like Superbad and the American Pie series portrays sex in high school in a co- medic way. The new movie Friends with Benefits, staring Justin Timberlake and Mila . Kunis, treat sex like a business transaction between two people, rather than having an emotional connection. Inevitably they fall in love with each other, but I think that is what people do. People make no emotional connection during sex with people; maybe it’s that they are afraid to commit. Sex 1s even prevalent in music. Britney Spears’ entire music career basically revolved around sultry dances and barely there clothing. Songs like “I’m a salve 4 you,” “Hold it against me” and “If you seek Amy” are all filled with sex in the lyrics. Rappers like Lil Wayne, 50 cent, and Ludacris constantly rap about sex. Lyrics in Enrique Iglesias’ song “Tonight” are filled with sex and go, “You know my motivation, given my reputation, please excuse me I don’t mean to be rude, but tonight I'm f¥***** you.” Celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian have become largely famous due to their leaked sex tapes. Comedians even talk and joke about their sex lives. Chel- sea Handler wrote a book about her sexcapades called “My Horizontal Life: A Collec- tion of One-Night Stands”. With all of the exposure to sex in every piece of media today it is evident that pop culture may have changed the meaning of sex. She Said By Michele Varghese The Lion's Eye Staff Writer mav5127@psu.edu Sex has become a mere action with no meaning behind it in our society these days. It is quite a shame because it used to be considered a treasured act. The worst part is that people are starting to do it at younger and younger ages. Of course the media is always a huge factor. Pretty much every televi- sion show with teens makes it into something that is no big deal or that simply the first time is a big deal, but once that’s over, you are ready to go. There are shows out called “Teen Mom” and “Mom at Sixteen”, which are not exactly promoting abstinence. Absti- nence is word that is not éven thought to be used in society’s every day vocabulary. Most people do not even consider it as an option. Those who choose to wait are seen as outcasts. But I don’t see why waiting is such a peculiar thing. Everyone says, “You're first time should be special. It should be with someone you love.” How special can it be if you're first time is in high school, or even earlier than that? No one should feel insecure about his or her morals, and there should be no shame in wait- ing. The one thing that bothers me the most is that people have sex, just to have sex. There is no thought or question to it. It’s something that should be given some thought, because it is personal and such an intimate act. There is plenty of time to grow up, so there is no need to start at a young age. Sex is something that people should only do once they are mature enough, if they really can’t wait until marriage. It may just be a fantasy now to wait until marriage to have sex. Having sex is just as nonchalant as getting divorced these days. If it didn’t work out, just move on to the next one, seems to be how everyone thinks. A lot of people think that they shouldn’t wait until marriage because they may not enjoy the company of the other person and so they should know ahead of time. But a marriage should be based on much more than just the physical attractions. Not to say that that is not important as well, but that shouldn’t be the number one reason for a marriage. There are so many things that should be considered before getting into bed with someone. Whether it is how well you know the person, birth control, or a number of other things. Not to sound like an after-school special, but if these things are not being consid- ered than maybe the person should not be having sex. The way our culture is these days, it’s really difficult to stick to morals. Every- one is just trying to fit in one-way or another. However, people should not feel they have to give in to society and do what’s “normal”. Not having sex is not abnormal, it is just a choice, and a choice no one should feel ashamed of. There is no shame in waiting whether it is for the right time, right person, or marriage. ar} MISCEGENATIONS PROJECT: ling, Identity, and You po MARCH 26™ 7:00PM HUB AUDITORIUM Penn State students will work with The Miscegenation’s Project on an intensive, three day workshop focusing on the intersections of identity such as race, sexuality, gender identity, religion, class, ability, and age. To learn more and register, go to: wunv.prideweek.psu.edu SE TOE TON EY OY TT [RT SER a1 STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Penn State students will present their narratives created during the weekend retreat to the Penn State campus community. All are welcome! Come learn about the identities held within our community! Dedr Lioness Dear Lioness- I'm madly in love with my boyfriend of three years and I would do anything in the world for him. His happiness is all that matters. He and I also think that it is really important to be open with each other no matter what. Well, the other day he told me he wants to go to a strip club this weekend with everyone from work. I didn't want to seem like a pushy girlfriend who was all insecure, so I told him to go. He wants me to come with him, what should I do? This kinds of stuff freaks me out, and I don't like the idea of him going there and having half-naked girls hanging all over him. Help me! Signed- Sorta Prude Dear Prude- Relationships are a two way street and you are in a better place if you do practice honesty being the best policy. That said, you aren't being very honest if you go along with something you really aren't comfortable with and just sit silent. Probably the best thing to do is tell him that you really aren't comfortable with it, but you are right... by telling him he can’t do something makes you into something that you aren't comfortable being either. My advice? Tell him how you feel, but also accept the fact that he is a grown guy and trust him to have fun with the boys and make the right decision. And hey, if you are that worried about it, go along and take one for the team...it might put your mind at ease and keep him on his best behavior! Thanks- Lioness
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