A purity ball in South Dakota. *
So two months ago, the government announced that it would start having sexuality education in school to be taught by 6 external groups. These 6 groups were chosen out of 20 or so groups that applied. It was noted that out of the 6, 4 are Christian- based groups, including Focus on the Family, a well- known conservative Christian group very influential in the States.
The approach the Singapore government is adopting is abstinence- only (knowledge on alternatives such as contraception is not taught or not given importance). It is also anti-abortion, anti-homosexuality and anti-masturbation.
I wrote in to the Straits Times regarding this matter. The letter was edited before published online. Alex Au, writer of the very insightful blog yawning bread, published the full version of this letter in his blog:
*Purity balls are very popular in many states of the US. Author and associate professor Jessica Valenti in her book The purity myth argues that the country's intense focus on chastity is damaging to young women. It often involves a clear double standard towards the 'purity' of women VS that of men. It also causes young women to feel that their morality and self-worth is based almost wholly on whether they have sex before marriage or not. Moreover, the emphasis on virginity of women and 'saving' oneself implies a lack of ownership a woman has over her body and sexuality - Young women's sexuality belong to their father before being passed on their husband during marriage. The purity ball is observed to clearly demonstrate this, symbolically and quite literally.
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