Recently, The Reflector editorial staff asked for opinions on including a sex column in the paper.
Judging from the e-mails the editors received, the response has been overwhelmingly negative. The respondents object to the column for a variety of reasons, with claims ranging from “inappropriate” to asserting that such a column means The Reflector “stands against the very moral fiber and faith in Jesus that I live by.”
One respondent goes so far to say, “Society has messed up how we think of sex…” He is arguing that society has trivialized sex, which has some merit. But the truth of his words runs more deeply. Sex is all too often a taboo subject. Naturally, those who feel sex is “no big deal” talk about it regardless of the taboo, so the trivialized version of sex is the one we are bombarded with every day. A sex column would allow those of us who feel sex is a special, intimate and loving activity a forum to voice our views and provide a balance to the overpowering portrayal of sex as “nothing special.”
While such a column may offend some readers’ sensibilities, it still should be published. Any newspaper that covers a wide variety of issues or contains an opinion section will offend someone and thus be inappropriate in his or her eyes.
Covering all sides of an issue generally means offending all sides, as well. All too often, propriety has been used as an excuse for ignoring real issues that people would rather ignore. Forty years ago, interracial dating or marriage was “inappropriate.” As the prime medium for student communication, The Reflector has a duty to encourage frank and open discourse on any issues concerning the student body including sexual behavior-be it flirting, kissing or actual intercourse. The letters to the editor have shared several students’ views on sex. To be fair, The Reflector should publish others that reflect the other views present in the student body.
Perhaps those claiming a sex column is inappropriate are worried that children may read the column without parental supervision and get the wrong impression. This is an understandable concern, but it can be easily addressed. If the editorial staff feels the article may be unsuitable for children, they can publish it partially or completely online with links to the article in the paper edition.
Many of the respondents mistook “sex column” for “erotica column” or perhaps, “smut column.” Their fears are understandable, but such a judgment is too hasty. In a sense, these very letters represent the first sex column-clearly there are students willing to espouse their views on sex in a way that no one can claim is smutty.
Attacking a sex column, or any written work, as immoral is utterly ludicrous. Regardless of whether the subject of the column is moral or immoral, discussing the subject is not. Otherwise, publishing murder mysteries, “Law and Order” and almost every other book, TV show, movie, play, video game or work of art is morally wrong. While these all include discussions of immoral acts, the works themselves are neither moral or immoral. Most major religious tracts, including the Bible, include extensive discussions of sex and descriptions of sexual activity.
Furthermore, attempting to suppress others’ viewpoints by claiming they contradict a faith in Jesus is arrogant, counterproductive and wrong. Christ is the ultimate example of unconditional love-he loves us regardless of our beliefs, sins and shortcomings-including our views on sex. In realizing that we are all sinners, it is clear that faith in him is independent of our wrongdoings and mistaken beliefs. My faith commands that I love others regardless of their views, and that means respecting their viewpoints enough to hear them out, even when they are mistaken.
Even if it is distasteful or immoral to some readers, a sex column addresses a major and often undiscussed part of Mississippi State students’ lives. As such, it would make an excellent addition to the paper, so long as it allows all students to share their opinions-from abstinence to proper condom use to when is it OK to bite in bed.