A shitty writer without much wit, insight or expertise, he does pretty well for himself, riding the gay is okay meme. Savage tells Neal Conan that even among those young people 'we've given a decent sex education to, all they really covered in those classes was reproductive biology, which is pretty simple.'
Odd, no? A young person who has received competent sexual education should not simply understand 'reproductive biology,' but critically, factual information about contraceptives--including how to access them.
To possess minimally adequate knowledge of human sexuality, young people need to be brought up to speed on the prevention of sexually-transmitted diseases and what to do if they have contracted one. American sex educators should make young people knowledgeable about the legal basics--that they can access contraception confidentially and that in the United States of America abortion is available and legally protected in every single state; that no one has the right to prevent a woman from getting an abortion if that be her choice.
What does it matter how many lovers you
have if none of them gives you the universe?
have if none of them gives you the universe?
In addition, schools should make young women aware that--whether married or single--no person ever has the right to overrule one on whether to pursue pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term. That decision is theirs and theirs alone, regardless of race, sex, religion, party affiliation, disability, income or marital status. Young women should be taught that they do not require a man's approval (ever, even if married) to terminate a pregnancy, should that be their preference--and that they live in a society which will afford them maximum legal protection from anyone seeking to impose his opinion on them.
After receiving sex education, young women should know that they can access contraception at any time during their lives and that their decision to inform a sexual partner--including a husband--that they are using contraception is not required and is at their sole discretion.
Savage is, sadly, more media whore than sex educator; he fails to draw attention to the stuff listed above. Our society's failure to adequately instruct young people in basic sexuality is a scandal.
Savage hasn't much improved upon Ann Landers of yore, though he's more sanctimonious. He wants American sex education to deal with 'negotiating relationships' and 'talking people into sleeping with you,' he says, though knowing they'll never take on such tasks, his own job security is solid.
To receive Savage's approval, we must be 'good, giving and game,' he signatures. Thanks, but I have other plans.
