2008 Woodie Awards
I want your sex ... and your medical history
Catherine Conley
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Opinions
Most of you have seen it: the new Trojan commercials featuring a pig that evolves into good-looking, sophisticated man once he purchases a condom. This is a concept I have trouble grasping. Is that all it takes to win a woman's heart? The song playing in the commercial does say, "I know what it takes to make your heart sing." Is nothing sacred anymore? Has sex become so desensitized and so meaningless that we'll do it with any shmuck who carries latex?
I understand that our generation is a lot more sexually open and free than our parents, grandparents, etc. Very few people wait until they're married for their first time, and I don't necessarily see this as a problem. For most, waiting until marriage is a religious commitment and I understand that there are many who have no religious affiliation. However, this Trojan campaign emphasizes the use of condoms for one-night stands. To me, sex should be intimate and expand on a mutual trust and respect between you and your partner. Even if you aren't married, and even if you don't love the person, shouldn't you at least like them? I don't know that it's really possible to form any kind of real connection with someone in one evening.
Aside from the desensitization of sex as an emotional act, one-night stands just aren't safe. Condoms help to prevent pregnancy and STDs, but are not 100 percent effective. Condoms are designed to block the exchange of bodily fluids, but there are still other areas not covered by condoms that you can come into contact with. I've heard it said on many talk shows, "Have sex with the lights on and check out the equipment," but why should you need to do that at all? If you're in a sexual relationship with a person that you trust, you should know if they have an STD or not. Even worse, some STDs don't have consistent symptoms, so you could contract one without your partner even knowing. One-night stands are dangerous because, honestly, what do you really know about that person? They're cute and charming but you know zilch about them for certain.
I understand that our generation is a lot more sexually open and free than our parents, grandparents, etc. Very few people wait until they're married for their first time, and I don't necessarily see this as a problem. For most, waiting until marriage is a religious commitment and I understand that there are many who have no religious affiliation. However, this Trojan campaign emphasizes the use of condoms for one-night stands. To me, sex should be intimate and expand on a mutual trust and respect between you and your partner. Even if you aren't married, and even if you don't love the person, shouldn't you at least like them? I don't know that it's really possible to form any kind of real connection with someone in one evening.
Aside from the desensitization of sex as an emotional act, one-night stands just aren't safe. Condoms help to prevent pregnancy and STDs, but are not 100 percent effective. Condoms are designed to block the exchange of bodily fluids, but there are still other areas not covered by condoms that you can come into contact with. I've heard it said on many talk shows, "Have sex with the lights on and check out the equipment," but why should you need to do that at all? If you're in a sexual relationship with a person that you trust, you should know if they have an STD or not. Even worse, some STDs don't have consistent symptoms, so you could contract one without your partner even knowing. One-night stands are dangerous because, honestly, what do you really know about that person? They're cute and charming but you know zilch about them for certain.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
Amy Bodsford
posted 10/03/07 @ 10:46 AM EST
This article is outrageous. I agree that condoms aren't 100% effective in preventing STIs and pregnancy, but it almost sounds like you're saying it's ok not to use one if you're in a committed relationship. (Continued…)
Catherine
posted 10/03/07 @ 9:30 PM EST
First of all, I'm really sorry about the impression I gave. I am not by any means advocating lack of sexual protection for couples in relationships. I was merely pondering why Trojan chose to market their product toward persons seeking one night stands as opposed to couples. (Continued…)
Amy Bodsford
posted 10/08/07 @ 11:59 AM EST
Well I'm glad to hear that you didn't intend to imply that it's ok not to use condoms if you're in a long-term relationship. I got the wrong impression from your column. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 10/10/07 @ 8:05 PM EST
This is one of the most poorly-written articles I have ever read. The topic is mildly interesting, but no conclusion is ever reached at the end of the article. (Continued…)
Catherine
posted 11/05/07 @ 12:40 AM EST
Was this my best work ever? Probably not. The most poorly written thing you've ever read? That seems like a bit of an exaggeration. But just so you're aware, this was my conclusion, "Ultimately, I just don't think unsafe behavior should be encouraged, whether it's realistic or not. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 11/29/07 @ 10:17 AM EST
First decent article I've ever seen in this terrible paper. Good job Catherine.
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