What Outrage Can We Manufacture Today?
I got an email from a well-meaning commenter here, "Subject: Harvard to teach students how to have anal sex," noting that Harvard's a private institution, so they can offer whatever class they want, but that this offering a sign of our deteriorated culture.
I had a hard time believing that Harvard was going to have a class in anal sex -- and no, they actually aren't. But the way some websites are headlining this, it's like students are getting credit for it.
I took 12 seconds to click on a few links and I wrote back to the person:
But this isn't a class Harvard is offering. A student-run organization is behind this.Sex Week is coordinated by Sexual Health Education & Advocacy throughout Harvard College, or SHEATH, a recognized student-run organization on campus.I appreciate that you sent this because I'm a little tired of the outrage machine -- looking to manufacture outrage at every turn...probably as a way to get web traffic and get people to feel cozy about being on the same side.
As for how to have anal sex, use lube, darlings.
And frankly, since the store Good Vibrations was (heh, heh) behind the workshop, it was probably interesting, fun, and good.
Tuesday, November 4 What What in the Butt: Anal Sex 1015:00 pm, Sever 113
Come learn everything about anal sex from the experts of Good Vibrations, a sex-positive store located right in Brookline! They will dispel myths about anal sex and give you insight into why people do it and how to do it well. They will cover a wide variety of topics, including: anal anatomy and the potential for pleasure for all genders; how to talk about it with a partner; basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex; anal penetration for beginners, and much more! Learn the facts about this exciting yet often misunderstood form of pleasure, find out the common mistakes people make, and get all your questions answered!
The workshop nobody cared to mention:
Losing Your (Concept of) Virginity6:00 - 7:30 pm, Harvard College Women's Center (Canaday B basement)
This event aims to explore the myths, stigmas, and popular ideas surrounding virginity. Through documentary clips, activities, and group discussions, we will consider the historical context of virginity and its different social, political, personal, and religious meanings. All are welcome to attend and share their thoughts, though no sharing of personal experience is required, and no identities are assumed. Does virginity matter? How does a person lose their virginity? What does virginity really mean? And what does it mean to you?
What, no comments? I'll be your first? ;-) I think this is awesome. But what's funny is, in the constantly turning outrage machine, wherein everyone is in trouble for even having a private thought about sex that gets them expelled or worse, brought up on charges of assault at universities these days, this class was allowed.
I, for one, as a student, would have been petrified of attendance at said class for fear that my presence would have been enough for some female to claim assault.
Lee Ladisky at November 7, 2014 8:06 AM
I was under the impression that promoting anal sex was the same as promoting THE PATRIARCHY!
Am I wrong? besides, you have to get affirmative consent at every thrust, so it seems to be a lot of work...wut?
I R A Darth Aggie at November 7, 2014 8:48 AM
I would be afraid of attending that seminar. I get the feeling that any women who show up would not be there to find out how to enjoy anal sex, but to see what guys they need to avoid. (However, it would be interesting to see if any of those women get hit up for dates immediately after the seminar.)
Fayd at November 7, 2014 9:11 AM
I'd go.
And if any woman was there simply to figure out which men to avoid, I probably wouldn't want to date her anyway, so it's win win.
Steve Daniels at November 7, 2014 9:32 AM
I plead naïveté for believing Harvard would actually offer such a course. Thanks to Amy for making the extra mouse clicks to find the truth. I should have known better. Back when I was a UCLA student (during prehistoric times) there was an "Expeimental College" with all kinds of goofy "courses". Maybe it is a sign of our deteriorated culture after all that I was willing to believe Harvard offered such a course. Stranger things have happened, including the loss of free speech on campuses.
Jim Simon at November 7, 2014 12:51 PM
We had an org give a bdsm workshop in college. It was primarily attended by goths... Ah, the 90s!!!
Nicolek at November 7, 2014 4:09 PM
"to see what guys they need to avoid"
Why would they avoid young men who are learning about human sexuality? Is it an icky subject that Mommy doesn't want you to know about or something?
Gog_Magog_Carpet_Reclaimers at November 8, 2014 8:58 AM
They are already getting kiestered financially and policy-wise by the university. They might as well learn how to enjoy it.
David at November 8, 2014 11:48 AM
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