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This is a fascinating SHARE, Aimee. Thoughtful and relevant for almost every generation.

We all understand that past generations were different, and that information about our sexual selves was less forthcoming. As a moderator for EmpowHer, however, I worry that the generation of kids today who have had abstinence education are actually moving backward in their knowledge of themselves and their bodies. The sheer number of questions we get from young girls trying to figure out their periods, for instance, or if, how and whether they could be pregnant (or have an STD) is astonishing, and most of them don't have a clue about these things, or even the proper names for them. One girl had sex two periods ago and still worries she could be pregnant. Another girl had sex two nights ago and because she is sore "down there" she thinks she could be pregnant. Yet another girl has found her cervical mucus for the first time and believes that something is wrong with her.

These are teen girls who will soon be adults, who have been told that sex is bad unless you're married. Their "shadow selves" are not only not integrated in this generation, they are moving in the opposite direction, I think. And that seems worrisome at best.

June 19, 2009 - 8:24am

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