Just when I think things can't get any nuttier, I find I'm mistaken.
Consider the latest from that bastion of wholesome family values, Planned Parenthood. It seems Planned Parenthood has a new Facebook page for teens that includes a link to an MTV program called "Sextra Credit Episode 2," which – get this – focuses on redefining the meaning of the word slut.
Now, just in case anyone misunderstands the subtleties of this term, the dictionary defines slut as "an immoral or dissolute woman; prostitute." The Oxford English Dictionary notes the term has been in use since 1402, though its original meaning was a slovenly or untidy woman. Later the term came to mean a kitchen maid. It wasn't until the end of the 15th century that the term came to mean "a woman given to immoral or improper conduct."
So for over 500 years, the term slut meant pretty much what we understand it to mean today. But now MTV's "Sextra Credit" wants to define "slut" to mean "a woman who is confident in her sexuality." Oh, and we should also "embrace" it.
"Don't we already have enough baggage about sex as it is?" scolds the Sextra Credit spokesman, Francisco Ramirez.
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Um, no. The problem is, nowadays we don't have enough baggage about sex. As a society, we have forgotten that there is a proper time and place for intimacy, and that sex outside of those bounds causes an enormous burden on the participants, their families and taxpayers.
Since society has "redefined" what constitutes acceptable behavior from its young people (both men and women), America's problems have multiplied exponentially until we are literally staggering under the financial burden of supporting off-the-charts behavior. And here is MTV urging us to let go of yet one more restraint, namely the possibility that people who act like sluts will actually be called sluts.
"Slut should only be used for good," exhorts Ramirez. Yeah right. It's good to sleep around with an endless succession of partners. Great idea. I'm certain that will lead to sound mental and physical health, excellent financial stability and positive contributions toward society. Not to mention outstanding role models for our children.
But of course a woman can't act like a slut without a great number of willing partners helping her along. And so we come to the only truthful (albeit misguided) statement in the video: Why is it that women who sleep around are called sluts, but men who do the same are called studs?
Believe me, there's nothing studly about a man who sleeps around. Ladies, are you attracted to a male slut? Does his promiscuous behavior translate into the kind of man who would be a good father to your children, a stable provider and a healthy partner?
Unfortunately, after pointing out the double standard associated with the word, Ramirez draws the wrong conclusion. He urges us to "Stand up for equality! Stop the slut-shaming!"
How about this: "Stand up for equality and START the slut-shaming." We need a little more shame in this society.
Do you hear that? We need more shame. We need more self-control.
But today's culture is shameless. It's gotten to the point where ANY restrictions on personal behavior are seen as repressed, old-fashioned and puritanical. Indeed, the wilder the behavior, the more it's embraced and celebrated until – literally – anything goes.
Somehow it doesn't surprise me that Planned Parenthood's teen page links to this drivel. After all, the whole purpose of Planned Parenthood is to create a base of loyal customers for their (cough) "services." Whatever unwholesome vices young people want to engage in, Planned Parenthood is there to urge them on their way and remind them that whatever happens as a result, Planned Parenthood is there to bail them out. Planned Parenthood needs victims. It thrives on victims. That's the only way it can survive.
Tragically, young people have become numb to sex, which is pretty ironic considering how frantically they engage in it. But that frantic behavior comes at a massive price: the inability to put any joy and significance into the sexual act. It becomes merely something to do when you're bored rather than an action designed to bring one closer to one's spouse.
As any happily married couple can tell you, marital intimacy is second to none in its power and significance. But if you spend your youth running down your emotions and your body on a succession of faceless strangers in an effort to be "confident in your sexuality," the meaning of sex dims and your chances of choosing a suitable life partner and maintaining a stable marriage decreases.
In fact, studies have shown that the more pre-marital sexual partners one has, the harder it is to enjoy a stable marriage. Women who are promiscuous before marriage are also more likely to see their first marriage end in divorce; and the more partners they had, the more likely it is their first marriage will fail.
Does this sound like something we should encourage in our young people?
We have two teenage daughters. I have no doubt sex is on their minds a lot. Do you honestly think we would encourage them to be "confident in their sexuality" so they can hook up with a succession of hormonal boys? Or is it better to teach them to control their impulses and learn to put significance on something as important as intimacy?
Look at it this way: I've never heard a woman regret that she wasn't more promiscuous. But I've heard plenty of women regret acting like sluts and wishing they could go back and change their past.
Why do you suppose that is?
It astounds me that among MTV viewers and Planned Parenthood supporters, it is no longer considered a goal for families to raise teens who can control themselves. We must change course. If we suffer an economic collapse or other major calamity to our nation, the very last thing we need is a society of people who can't or won't control themselves no matter what.
If the term slut becomes redefined as something good, then predatory men will simply come up with a new term to describe easy women. After all, if the milk is free, it's natural to want to pass it around.
So to those who agree that the term slut should be redefined, I entirely disagree. Keep the original meaning intact. And if you don't like being called a slut, the solution is quite simple: Don't act like one.