In the past, I have abstained from further comments on my articles. I think most speak for themselves. However, I couldn't resist defending my Sept. 19 column, "Are hookups the modern 'free love' revolution?"
I recently had a friend who - gasp - was a former hookup partner of mine stop me on game day to tell me he didn't like last week's column very much. Everyone he knows engages in hookups to some degree, he said, and I was simply stating the obvious.
The reactions I received regarding the column, however, speak to the contrary.
People stop me on the street, I get random Facebook messages, there was a letter to the editor and a dozen comments have been posted on the online version of my column. This seems to signal that my intent of writing the column was justified - people all have opinions on hookups.
My aim in writing the column was two-fold.
For one, I always try to examine an issue that appeals to a large cross-section of students, and I think this does. I find it less than ironic that most of the negative feedback has come from alumni while many of the positive reactions have come from currently enrolled students.
I'm not at all saying there are not important lessons to be learned from the past. I'm a history major who tried to put the whole "phenomenon" into context by using an example from our not so distance past.
My own mother (who was a college student during the early '70s and is probably my biggest critic) read the piece and thought I had an excellent point, her only substantial comment being that "pu pu platter" was not spelled "puu puu platter," an error the keen copy editors at the Alligator thankfully caught.
My second aim is probably more important. I was trying to preach acceptance. I make it very clear that the keys to the hookup is safety (using condoms, birth control, etc.) and willingness (not being too drunk, not feeling peer pressure, etc.). I do agree that without those essential elements, a hookup is not worth it.
Lastly, I want to address those who personally attacked me. Not that I care, but my boyfriend does. You see, I am currently in a committed relationship. This article has less to do with my own sexual history and more to do with acceptance of a lifestyle that is very common on college campuses nationwide.
To those who wonder who would marry me, let me reiterate that my significant other knows about my past, and I know about his. Perhaps shocking to some, he likes me because of my honesty, open-mindedness and wit and does not chastise me for my past conscious choices. Truth is, they all led me to have a successful relationship with him.
Couldn't many of you alumni say the same? Is a large part of college not experimentation meant to direct the course of the rest of your life?
Perhaps the column was more necessary than my former hookup friend acknowledged.
Hookups are part of our collegiate culture; I won't backpedal on that. Why not try to then accept people who engage in all realms of sexual behavior? Once again, safety for one's sexual and mental well-being - as well as that of others - is pivotal.
A healthy attitude regarding sexuality is crucial to our society's success. Everyone engages in sex; it's what life is. Why, then, do people feel the need to make others feel shameful for what they feel or want? The only answer I can think to offer is fear.
Call me a slut if you wish - I truly take it as a badge of honor now. Because if the word "slut" denotes voicing your opinion, wishing for sexual equality among sexes and being a proponent of all types of sexual lifestyles, then I will proudly wear that title.
Thank you, Michael Walker, for reminding me why I love my job and why a sex column, which is deemed purely fluffy entertainment by some (and to my own omission sometimes is), is also so important. We all still have so much to learn and discuss.
