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14 OpinionOpinion Opinion Sex Ed Reform Needed
A Dear John Letter to Netflix
I have lived in Avon my entire life; I am proud to call Avon my home with the great education system it has. However, I still cannot wrap my mind around how Avon has still not changed its sex education classes. In my middle schools days, sex education was referred to as “Creating Positive Relationships,” and the instructors of this course shortened it to CPR. So, when I went home that day and told my parents I had been taught CPR, at first they were excited… but then I explained what it actually was. Abstinence was the only way to never get pregnant. That was that. Any other questions in my “CPR” class that revolved around condoms or birth control were shut down immediately or ignored purposefully. As a lifeguard that’s certified in actual CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, I can now look back on this mix-up and laugh. However, as a young adult who never really learned any other alternative to contraceptives aside from abstinence in Avon, I can say it has had a negative effect on students. I am not saying that the school program should be preaching that sex is OK at a young age or discredit the value of abstinence, but there will come a time when teenagers grow up into adults. Avon is by no means the worst offender of this either. At least Avon’s program has evolved since my days and does mention the use of other contraceptives, though according to CPR’s curriculum, abstinence is still the focal point and the “better” option. A school’s main purpose is to educate children in order to help them be successful in their adult lives after K-12 ends. The so-called knowledge that statefunded schools are providing their students with has been found to actually be the least effective way to teach young people proper sex education and prevent unwanted pregnancies. In a report done by the Government Reform Committee staff, it was found that in 25 states their curriculum was subjective, contained false information or unproven assertions. This misleading information given to students follows them into their adult lives. They deter the use of contraceptives among young adults, leading to more teenage pregnancies and STIs— the complete opposite effect that the schools should be striving for. It’s crucial that Avon revamps its sex education classes and become more nuanced in its programs by creating less emphasis on abstinence as being the only option and shed more light on contraceptives and be open about them and their success. Sexual intercourse is always a personal choice, but students have the right to know other alternatives to prevent unwanted parenthood and STIs.
Dear Netflix, It has been almost 24 hours since I last logged into my account. Have you missed me? I am writing to tell you something important. You might want to sit down, this is going to be hard to hear. I want to break up. It’s not you, it’s me. I am at a place in my life where I need to focus on school, myself and my health. This isn’t safe anymore. Our love has become toxic. I spend sleepless nights eagerly watching each episode you offer me. I can no longer keep up with our midnight trysts; I barely sleep anymore. I know you offer me a chance to stop each and every episode, but eight seconds is not nearly enough time for me to exercise any of the limited self-control that I may possess. Sometimes I think you do not want me to leave, and despite how good it feels to be wanted, you consume too much of my time and too much of my bank account. You’ve put me in an impossible position. Forcing me to choose between you and my health and newsflash: this isn’t one of your Netflix original romantic comedies. I choose me. I promise there is no one else; I told you that thing with Amazon Prime was a one-time thing. It will never happen again. And let’s be honest – Hulu Plus could not even compare to you. You are wonderful. So beautiful in your modern design, so kind and so addicting. You have been there for me for over a year now. Whenever I needed you. In sickness and in health, for better and for worse. Remember that time when we watched all six seasons of “Gossip Girl” in four days, or that time when I watched 11 years worth of “Grey’s Anatomy” in less than a month? Oh, and remember that time when I got my wisdom teeth pulled out and all I did for two days was spend time with you? We have had a lot of good times together. It’s you. It has always been you. Your screen is like a drug to me. In the words of Edward Cullen from “Twilight” – which I have binge-watched 20 times, thanks to you – “you are like my own personal brand of heroine. I’m addicted to you. I just can’t keep away,” but I have to, for my own good and for yours. If you truly love me, you will let me go. No more emails or notifications about new movies or shows. Cancelling, unsubscribing or breaking up. Call it what you want – either way it’s over. You have to go. I will miss you but I really think this is for the best. Sincerely, Your Ex-Bae and Former Netflix Addict.
By Rachel Moore Editor-In- Chief
FEBRUARY 2016
By Light Laleye echo reporter
How To Take Care of Your Single BFF By Sydney Johnson echo reporter
Are you in a romantic relationship? Do you have a perpetually single best friend? Do you often find yourself struggling to share your time between said relationships? Well have I got the solution for you! There are many rules individuals can follow while learning to balance their time while dating. These rules are here to ensure you a lifetime of happiness and keep your friends one hundred percent content, not annoyed whatsoever, at all times. Rule One: Get your priorities straight. Nothing and no one comes before your significant other. They are the most important thing in your life, so you’d better treat them as such. Not even your best friend deserves your attention in the honeymoon phase of the relationship (although the term ‘honeymoon phase’ doesn’t apply to your relationship because everyone knows you two will be together forever). Actually, it may be best to flat out ignore said best friend. They’ll understand, I promise. Rule Two: Make sure your BFF doesn’t get too sad and lonely without you. They’re bound to miss your constant text messages and the afterschool hangouts that you simply can’t afford to schedule in anymore. You can’t possibly invite them to hang out with you and your boyfriend or girlfriend because we don’t want them feeling like a third wheel, now do we? Instead, why not force them into a relationship by setting them up with that kid from your math class? (Sure they’ve never met… but how hard can it be to fall in love in a pressured situation?) Then you all could double date! And when you don’t have time to hang out, you won’t feel bad because now they have a significant other to complete them. Rule Three: Your best friend has to know just how incredible this relationship makes you feel. You may not have time to text them anymore, but you can definitely update your Snapchat story every five minutes with pictures and videos of you with your significant other. And don’t forget Instagram! Your captions on all of your selfies and/ or adorable couple photos are required to include deep, meaningful quotes that reflect the current status of your relationship. Why not throw in Twitter also? Let’s even bring back Facebook! Using these valuable tools will guarantee that your best friend will know you’re in a loving relationship and won’t be worried or stressed about your happiness. Put these simple rules into practice now, and your perpetually single best friend will feel like he or she actually matters to you in no time! PAGE DESIGN BY LIGHT LALEYE