Revamp

A friend suggested that I watch a shocking documentary she saw, "Let's Talk About Sex" by James Houston. Houston, an Australian fashion photographer now based in New York, is curious about the negative and secretive attitude most Americans have towards the topic of sex. This film is extremely well written, touches on many different points of view from throughout our nation, and clearly presents the many obstacles Americans have in fighting our out of control STD and teen pregnancy rates. A big piece of the film that really caught my attention were the comparative interviews with European and American teens and their families. In both countries teens start having sex around 16 to 18 years of age but STD and teen pregnancy rates in Europe are no where near that of the United States. Comprehensive sex education, condom use, and honest communication with partners and parents goes a hell of a long way.

Needless to say, my final project goal has changed once again. I see now that there are comprehensive sex education programs that have proven to work (Advocates for Youth in Oregon) we just don't have them in place nation wide. One third of American high schools still teach "abstinence only" programs denying education on any type of birth control or STD protection. These programs have never been shown to delay sexual activity among youth. With all of the economic problems we're dealing with now and the tight grip that religion holds on our education system, it will take a long while before we can ensure every American teen is receiving proper sex education before they become sexually active. But we don't have time to wait. Our youth are in crisis.

My new plan is to create a workshop to enable parents to understand the importance of communicating with their teens about sex and drug use, and to provide them with accurate information along with tools for starting these conversations. For many American teens sex and drugs are part of their daily lives. Education on these topics needs to follow suit. The singular "sex talk" just won't cut it anymore. Times are changing, bodies are changing, relationships are changing, and we need to take responsibility in ensuring that these young adults have the information and time to practice taking care of their physical and emotional health before they are completely on their own. The schools are not ready to join this fight, so we need to take it into our own hands.

I highly recommend "Let's Talk About Sex" by James Houston. Available on Netflix instant play.