SEX SELLS. In the case of Judith Levine's new book "Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children From Sex," sex is not so much selling as it is surrounding the book with scandal.
Levine's book argues that America's youth isn't receiving proper sex education and that parents and educators alike are striving to present an unrealistic view of the horrors of having a sex life. The controversial contents of the book have rendered it a prime target for conservatives' criticism. In reality, "Harmful to Minors" is not encouraging rampant and unprotected sex among minors. It is a realistic reassessment of children's sexuality and everyone should accept and support it for its sensible arguments and positive approach to sex.
Levine's book reassesses America's thoughts and actions concerning childhood and teenage sexuality. Through interviews with young people and their parents, visits to classrooms and clinics, and current and historical research, Levine has challenged widespread myths and anxieties of today's society, according to a press release issued by the book's publishers. With sexual freedom becoming more and more prevalent, Levine has perfectly timed the debut of her encouraging novel on increased sexual acceptance within society.
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In her book, Levine points out that the government now is funding abstinence-only education in public schools. Students specifically are denied all information about contraception, i.e. condoms, except to be told that they can break. Teachers in these abstinence-only classes must tell students that the only safe, acceptable form of sexual expression is between married heterosexuals.
"Where does this leave sexually active teens, especially gay or lesbian teens?" asked Levine. "Certainly not safer." ("Harmful to Minors: Q and A with the Author," University of Minnesota Press). America's schools should be funded to adequately cover all sexual issues from abstinence to contraception, because not all students will agree on a wholesome abstinent lifestyle.
America should know by now that refusing to acknowledge an issue will not make it go away. Take, for example, the marijuana controversy. It comes as no shock that kids smoke pot. Legal or not, they find a way. The forbidden allure of using an illegal drug drives many rebellious teens into the caverns of illicit use. With the controversy surrounding "Harmful to Minors," it is apparent that a similar fate may lie just ahead for sex among minors.
Levine's book may be good, but it's not perfection. Though Levine does us a favor by bringing sexual awareness and appreciation to the table, some of her ideas still are too radical for American society. Levine questions America's age of consent laws and references the Netherlands as perhaps a better model. Under Dutch law, sex between an adult an a minor is permitted with consent for youths between the ages of 12 and 16. Prosecutions for coercive sex may be sought by the young person or the youth's parents ("Book on kids' sexuality causes furor," MSNBC.com, April 2).
This is too radical for American blood. At 12, children haven't even reached high school, and there is too large of a gap in emotional maturity between a 12 year-old and a 16 year-old. The Netherlands also has legalized marijuana and prostitution, and we haven't agreed to implement those laws here. Although sexual activity among minors should be more accepted, sex between a minor and an adult should be cause for scrutiny and Levine's book will not be able to change this mindset.
The book has not made its appearance in stores yet. The controversy surrounding it stems from the premise behind the book, not the book's contents or merits themselves. The general public should be more open minded. Freedom of speech is a constitutional right, and this book benefits from that. Levine is entitled to her opinion, and consumers are entitled to theirs. If given a chance, and read with a willingness to change, "Harmful to Minors" just may afford some valuable insights into American sexual culture and proper ways in which to harness it.
This book shouldn't be condemned simply because it is a challenge to American conservatism. "Harmful to Minors" argues for a more realistic take on adolescent sexual activity and education, and this is a good thing. Children should not be cultured to abhor sexual activity, only to get married and suddenly have the sexual world entirely opened to them. Give the book a chance, the ideas it presents just may prove more realistic in regard to today's youth.
(Alex Roosenburg's column appears Mondays in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at aroosenburg@cavalierdaily.com.)
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