No Pictures, Just Sex

After a long week of work, all I wanted to do today was sleep. I did manage to get a few other things accomplished (my dirty laundry was threatening to take over my room), but thoroughly enjoyed my lazy day. I began my day by watching a movie and then decided to investigate a sex book.

Perhaps I should explain: A few days ago, I was helping the librarian clean off some bookshelves, when she pointed out a book entitled "Going All the Way For the First Time." She mentioned that her 9-year old was beginning to ask questions about "female issues" and that she thought it was about time for "the talk." I could not help but think to myself, "she's only 9 years old! She's not supposed to know that sex even happens!"

My boss Renee taught 5th grade last year, so I asked her what sex education is like here. Just like in the States, 5th grade is the point in children's educations where they get to have what my elementary school called "family life classes." However, in comparing notes with Renee, I found that my experience was very different than the way the kids are taught here. Back home, we were split up into a guys class and girls class. I'm not sure about the guys, obviously, but in the girls class we only talked about the menstruation cycle. Nothing about guys, nothing about sex (I guess we were supposed to figure that out for ourselves?); and we were expressly told not to tell the boys what we had learned. Renee said that here, boys and girls are taught together and they learn about both male and female issues. They even had a party at the end of their learning called a "menstruation celebration," although why anyone would want to celebrate that is beyond me!

The next day, I walked into a classroom and saw a 7th grade boy reading this book. I was again appalled that someone so young should be exposed to such ideas. Then again, I did not know what was in the book, so I decided to read it for myself, to see what ideas these kids are being exposed to.

I was quite surprised at what I read, although I probably would have been somewhat unprepared for anything about the subject, considering my state takes an "abstinence only" approach to sex education. : ) Though the book was not religious in nature, it did support abstinence, but mainly in that one should wait until he/she is "ready" to have sex. It also did a great job of explaining the different types of STDs and birth control options. Although I only skimmed over the STD chapter, I thought the birth control chapter was very well-written. It gave information on how to use each kind and their pros and cons, including their failure rates. This is very important information for a sexually active teenager; I was glad to see it presented in such a humorous and easily accessible manner. The book also included a chapter written for homosexuals. Some parts of the book, however, I did not think appropriate for someone young to be reading. For example, though the book emphasized that the definition of sex depends on who you talk to, it detailed a lot of ways that people engaged in non-intercourse sex, which makes me worry that kids will become sexually active simply because they think there is no "risk" involved.

Overall, the book (and Canadian sex education classes) took a very "sex is beautiful, sex is good" attitude which I admit I felt a little uncomfortable with. Perhaps it is because I grew up in a conservative community, in a conservative church, that I prefer the "not talking about it" approach. : ) I do understand, though, that not every young person chooses to abstain, so it is important that they are made aware of the risks associated with being sexually active and how to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

After reading the book, I have to wonder how the more liberal Canadian approach to sex education influences the prevalent social issues in Nunavut, like the higher rates of teenage pregnancy, suicide and alcoholism. It also makes me wonder how much the lack of religion in Nunavut contributes to these issues, especially considering that the presence of religion would encourage abstinence and perhaps encourage positive social change.

In other news, since the spring has arrived, there have been tons and tons of seagulls constantly flying by my residence. It sounds like someone is dying. : )