Tuesday, September 9, 2008
"Purity" rings, and the celebs that love them
4 comments
I wish I cared more about the Video Music Awards, because apparently this year's VMAs are sparking debates over "purity rings" and vows of abstinence. The members of a popular band, the Jonas Brothers (no, I don't listen to them...) all sport purity rings, and a comic at the VMAs took it upon himself to make the abstinent Jonas Brothers part of his stand-up material.I didn't see the comedian, so I don't know how tasteless the jokes were, but I really don't think it's okay to make fun of someone's personal sexual choices on national television. Honestly, I don't have a problem with purity rings, as long as they don't replace sex education. Simply because a teenager is abstinent does not mean that s/he shouldn't learn about safe sex practices. Think of it as stocking canned food in your basement in case the apocalypse arrives - it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, but it's good to be prepared.
Despite the comedian being out of line, I was very displeased with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks' response, who also wears a purity ring. She held up her hand, and said, "I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It's not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody — guy or girl — wants to be a slut."So if I don't wear a promise ring and vow to abstain from sex until marriage I'm a slut?
Not an okay thing to say. Both parties were wrong in this debate. I think I'll just sit alone on the sidelines, waving my "it's okay to wear a ring and still know how to put on a condom" flag.
Posts
September 9, 2008 at 11:07 PM
I agree... but it's more than just knowing safe sex practices... it's the idea that having sex before marriage doesn't make you impure. You're not "ruined" because of it. Abstinence is a choice, and a respectable one... as long as it is made for the right reasons (i.e., not simply because you don't want other people to think you're a slut).
September 10, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I fully agree that Jordin Sparks made it even worse by combating his "jokes" by calling everyone sluts, but it was nothing compared to what Russel Brand (the host) had said about the choice to wear a ring to begin with. It's one thing to try to make fun of the celebrities in attendance, because they do that every year... but holding up a silver ring claiming you "got" it from a Jonas brother even though he was "a little resistant at first" is completely uncalled for. I don't remember if those quotes are exactly right, but that's what he implied.
I laughed through the whole thing, including his "apology" to Jordin Sparks that he laughed through while saying that a little sex never hurt anybody... which is true.
So leave it alone, MTV. I already dislike MTV with a fervor, but things like this make it SO much worse.
September 11, 2008 at 7:39 PM
She's obviously a conservative ignorant moron who was taught that sex before marriage give you the AIDS. I'm definitely not listening to her music anymore.
September 13, 2008 at 8:44 AM
My two daughters, 20 & 18 are still virgins by choice. However, they understand and support the need for good sex education and understanding the proper use of birth control as well as knowing safe sex practices. They don't wear "purity" rings nor do they advertise their virginity like it's some badge of honor. They are simply young women who have set personal goals for their futures that don't include unwanted pregnancies and/or STD's.