Blog #7

Many people equate STD's with immorality, promiscuous behavior and low social status. While I am hesitant to say so, I agree with this statement in part. Immorality has become a word that is without an absolute definition. Those who are religious (not just Christian, but Mormon, Muslim, Jewish, and others) define immorality by the tenants of their religion. Those without these guidelines make their own definitions of what is moral behavior. The phrase promiscuous behavior has rather loose definitions as well. Low social status is the only topic mentioned above that has rather definite parameters.

If one believes that immorality and promiscuity are defined by having sex outside of marriage or having multiple partners close together or even having "serial relationships" or one after another, I have to agree that this type of behavior greatly increases the chances of contracting an STD. It is clear that if both partners are monogamous (hopefully this is the case within marriage) there is no chance of contracting an STD.

However, as we have seen in our readings, and in the movie (A Closer Walk) there are many cases across the globe that women who are faithful to their husband are suffering from STDs due to extra marital sex on the part of their husbands. This brings hesitation to the belief that only the "promiscuous" will contract an STD.

As pertaining to the low social status: it stands to reason that there is a higher probability for those to contract STDs for a couple of reasons. First, lower economic status often goes hand in hand with lower education, leading to more risky behavior. Those who suffer from this status are more likely to be those trapped into the sex industry, leading to more exposure.

However, this is not the only demographic plagued with STDs. Teenagers are having sex at younger and younger ages. These kids lack education and an awareness that today's decisions can effect tomorrow. These kids are not protected by economic status.

I would add to this that parental involvement is vital to protecting kids of any social status from this situation. Ideally, education begins in the home with a healthy view of sexuality and understanding about the possibilities of contracting an STD.

Unfortunately, many parents are loathe to discuss this with their kids, leaving the responsibility to the schools and peers. I believe the schools have been forced into this position because parents have failed at preparing their children. While this education is vital and can prevent many kids from making poor decisions, it can never take the place of this education in the home from parents who love each other and their kids. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world.