Promoting Promiscuity

By Karen Parkman | Saturday, February 7, 2004

In the first week back from winter interim, freshman returned to discover a small book outside their doors—a belated Christmas gift, perhaps? It was not to be. This snappy little volume announced it was The Other Student Handbook 2003. Created by "a group of seniors and juniors" and "in no way a product of the College," the book was a discourse on a variety of scintillating sexual practices.

Its contents were diverse. It covered the abstinence base, then, with gusto, proclaimed, "And if you just have that urge that won't go away, see the Sex for One page!" It continued with ebullience: "Good news! This is the perfect time to explore your body and its needs and desires... Not just for those nights of desperation or to 'hold you over' until the next time, masturbation is a perfectly valid form of sexual expression." Inspired by its sage words, I began to explore my body and express myself. Luckily, the authors offered me some tips: "Set the mood... Fantasize a bit... Take your time... Have fun!" I know I did.

After this opening salvo, The Other Student Handbook disclosed its position on sexual orientation—it came as no surprise. "A whole spectrum of sexual orientations exist," but "because our society and most of its institutions... perpetuate male/female relationships as the norm, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) often face alienation and discrimination upon coming out of the closet."

The publication included a list of internet links for alternative sexual practices, most notably bestiality, orgies, bondage/dominance, and sadism/masochism. It was all pretty filthy, but such is the life of a college journalist. The authors included a stern disclaimer: "Many of [these sites] require you to be 18 years of age. We have provided this list as a resource for learning and possibly exploration; please do not abuse what we have provided." I know I did.

The Other Student Handbook also offered advice and statistics on contraceptives, sexual assault, and sexually transmitted diseases. Amid the tables, figures, and fact sheets, was a how-to page—with questions such as "How Do I Use a Condom?" and "How Do I Use a Dental Dam?"—including such helpful hints as "Flushing [a used condom] down the toilet isn't a good idea—it'll back up the system," and "Make sure the condom you are using is not a novelty item, but fully FDA approved." A piece of clipart—a cartoon condom—accented the prophylatic ambience. Finally, the book offered "A Free Gift!" of two condoms, taped haphazardly to the inside of the back cover.

Despite the generosity, reactions to the book were mixed. One freshman I spoke to claimed it was, "very useful, especially near the end." However, as another freshman noted, "it went a bit overboard, with more information than necessary." At least it wasn't made with our tuition dollars. I hope.

Promoting Promiscuity

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