The Student News Site of Sacramento City College

The Express

The Student News Site of Sacramento City College

The Express

The Student News Site of Sacramento City College

The Express

Commentary: Lords of the ring

Illustration by Adrian Liwanag

“American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks proudly dons one. For now, so does teen pop star Miley Cyrus. Last year, a “South Park” episode crudely lampooned the Jonas Brothers, Disney’s favorite boy band, for wearing them. What are these teenybopper dingbats sporting on their left fingers, and why? Purity rings—21st century chastity belts for the Facebook generation: Easy to wear, much harder to live by.

These well-intentioned emblems worn mostly by adolescents are meant to symbolize chastity and the desire to remain a virgin until marriage. I have no problem with this. The issue is with abstinence-only programs that use these trinkets to endorse an unrealistic model of behavior amongst young people. Kids not living up to these recklessly promoted standards face life-altering and deadly consequences.

The risk of stroke about viagra 100 mg purchase viagra no prescription is increased two to three times in a week. He, no more, has to worry about the possibility of fertility, or even fear if canadian viagra prices prostatitis may turn into cancer. Their provided online cialis mastercard health care is very effective at reducing muscular pain and tightness and also in promoting a sense of well-being. This is a critical consideration at a middle-market company like Colfax. appalachianmagazine.com generic viagra Abstinence-only programs don’t promote contraception, but instead focus on abstinence as the only focus of sex education. This perilous way of thinking puts a high risk group in even more danger from unwanted pregnancies and deadly STDs. Young people will always engage in sexual activity. This is part of life. The education and specific use of contraceptives is essential to the health and safety of young people. Contraceptives are scientifically proven to help prevent the spread of STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Used correctly, both male and female condoms on average have a 95 percent success rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, condoms are highly effective in preventing the spread of AIDS. Major studies throughout this decade conclude that using condoms reduces risk of sexually transmitted diseases, like AIDS, by 85 percent. Simply put, a condom can save your life. What can a purity ring do besides draw attention?

Purity rings—21st century chastity belts for the Facebook generation: Easy to wear, much harder to live by.

A purity ring symbolizes a vow of chastity. It is a personal decision, or should be. Teen celebrities who wear purity rings indirectly influence millions of their young fans they cater and send mixed messages to. Common sense tells us that this is the wrong industry to be preaching abstinence. All these performers exhibit some type of sexual identity in their videos, lyrics, and appearance.Although it may range from the wholesomeness of Jordin Sparks to the sexed-up sauciness of Miley Cyrus, it’s still tied to sexual appeal. In her heyday, Brittany Spears, an old-school ring bearer said “Don’t treat me like a little girl.” No one did.

City College students between the ages of 17-19 were asked about purity rings. The majority praised the idea, but thought the decision should be a personal one. I’m sure Mickey Mouse would agree, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the Jonas Brothers’ sales.

Donate to The Express

Your donation will support the student journalists of Sacramento City College. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Express