No Such Thing As Virginity, Author Says: 'Purity Myth' Says We're Too Harsh On Women Who Are Sexual

MSNBC ^ | 4:38 p.m. CT, Wed., April 22, 2009 | Jessica Valenti

[lewisglad]

More than 1,400 purity balls, where young girls pledge their virginity to their fathers at a promlike event, were held in 2006 (the balls are federally funded). Facebook is peppered with purity groups that exist to support girls trying to “save it.” Schools hold abstinence rallies and assemblies featuring hip-hop dancers and comedians alongside religious leaders. Virginity and chastity are reemerging as a trend in pop culture, in our schools, in the media, and even in legislation. So while young women are subject to overt sexual messages every day, they’re simultaneously being taught — by the people who are supposed to care for their personal and moral development, no less — that their only real worth is their virginity and ability to remain “pure.”

So what are young women left with? Abstinence-only education during the day and Girls Gone Wild commercials at night! Whether it’s delivered through a virginity pledge or by a barely dressed tween pop singer writhing across the television screen, the message is the same: A woman’s worth lies in her ability — or her refusal — to be sexual. And we’re teaching American girls that, one way or another, their bodies and their sexuality are what make them valuable. The sexual double standard is alive and well, and it’s irrevocably damaging young women.

[ILikeBourbon]

But I’ve got the biggest... balls of them all!

[lady lawyer]

I taught my sons and daughters the same thing. All six of my children are married and religious, and all 20 of my grandchildren have been born in wedlock, and have the advantage of homes with parents who can trust each other.

[brwnsuga]

See the product of good parents is good children.

[Lorianne]

What happened to individual CHOICE?

Women are always persecuted for their decisions, by one group or the other.

The world will never run out of people telling women what to do or not do.

[Theophilus]

What’s that say about their faith?

That they don't heed scripture:
1 Corinthians 7:9
But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Also, I disagree with those who say it’s bad to get married young. I’m so glad that I’m still married after many decades to the wife of my youth. What a great thing to still be with the person I shared so many firsts in life with! That’s a joy I hope my children and grandchildren can also experience with their spouses, and that’s how it’s supposed to be (God doesn’t give us rules to hurt us, he gives us guidance to uplift us!)

If the Lord tarries, I hope some of my descendants marry some of yours. God bless you!