"Sex. In America an obsession. In other parts of the world a fact"

"Sex. In America an obsession. In other parts of the world a fact."

-- Marlene Dietrich

I am breaking one of my new rules for this blog.  I am straying away from art and photography and am going to write about freedom of speech and sexual health.  All of this came from hearing a story on first amendment issues on NPR and then reading a photo/video essay at Slate.com on the differences between the United States and Europe concerning teen condom education and advertisements.

PART 1

Video Game Ad at Ground Zero, NYC - 2010

Here is the story.   The Supreme Court is considering a California law that bans the sale of violent video games to those under 18.  The proponents use the argument that these games are dangerous and should follow the same restrictions as pornography.  The opponents (primarily video game makers) claim this is an infringement of free speech.  Many cite the court's decision earlier this year allowing the sale of crushing videos (where animals are tortured, fought, or crushed to death) as potential precedence.

What the fuck is wrong with this country?  In that last paragraph we basically equated pornography may equal violent video games but is more offensive and damaging than animal snuff films?  I understand two of the issues deal with selling adult content to minors and the third concerns free speech of creating a type of speech that is controversial (and unforgivable in my mind).  If the supreme court decides that violent video games can be sold to minors then they are giving the indirect message of sex is worse than virtual graphic killing and/or the sale of products depicting the ultimate animal cruelty.

I support the bans on selling pornography AND violent video games to minors.  Both bans are easy to get around with the internet and permissive/absent parenting, but at least there is some legal protection.  While the pornography laws have become draconian and suppresses free speech through the evolution of 2257, the original intent has validity.

Once again America has stated, violence is good, sex is bad.


PART 2

Please read and watch the essay on safe sex/condom promotions aimed toward European and American teens.  It is an eye opener.  Here is the link.

I find the European ads (especially the Netherlands) very interesting, humorous, effective, and refreshing in how they accept teen sexuality.  While not promoting it, they want to educate the teen lovers  of what to do when the moment arises.  The two most interesting bits are on slides 12 and 15.  On slide 12 they interview Dutch and American teens about the perception of carrying condoms for both young men and women.  On slide 15, you can see a video I watch regularly to inspire me to use condoms.  I know not all kids are like that and I know that boy needs love too, but I remember being that brat and never want to be responsible for that brat either.

Ok, back to regular programming. In my next post I will write about something photographic or artistic.  Ciao.


More of my writing on these issues.


Stuff about 2257.