Society vs. You

As teens a phrase that is often broadcast to us is "peer pressure". I'm not here to tell you what you already know, which is not to let your friends decisions completely sway your decisions. But rather present a different issue. Society pressure.

Growing up I was lucky enough to have very open minded parents and a nurse for a mom. On my twelfth birthday my mom told me if I ever needed condoms or birth control that I could always come to her. Of course being in sixth grade I was disgusted. But now I see how important that is. When we are younger a lot of us (if not all) at some point engage in some sort of sexual experimentation. The "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" moment. The more conservative or afraid parent may walk in on one of these moments and freak out thinking their child is a pervert or that the neighbor boy is molesting their daughter. But these assumptions are not the case. (I am not trying to insult conservative beliefs in any way.) Our curiosity which grows with us is completely natural and not at all disgusting or sinful. When we are little and having fun and exploring our bodies this is not rape. Playing games when you are younger is not wrong. The difference between curiosity and molestation when you are little is mostly age and intent. The point here is not a debate on what constitutes rape of course. But I'm merely bringing up the point that your curiosity and wonder of your body is healthy and normal. Society I feel may often pressure you the other way, presenting sex and masturbation as something dirty and vulgar (or at the other end as something thats "no big deal").

For instance if a kid or teen or young adult is perhaps in the privacy of their own bedroom pleasuring and exploring what makes them feel good and a parent walks into a room and yells "hands above the covers" you may only be left with mortification. So I say to you that there is no need to be embarrassed and no need to feel dirty and gross. This is what leads to giving into peer pressure. Don't let society and culture clash in around you with their opinions of what is right and what is wrong sexually. Develop you own and win the battle of Society vs. You and don't be ashamed of who you are or how you feel.

-Molly Fitzpatrick, TAB member