"Perhaps when one positions oneself on the extreme end of any continuum, the rest of the continuum looks black to one's lonely white..."
Not at all. I understand the continuum and how some people in their particular circumstances may find practical solutions that lie between the black of wanton promiscuity and the white of sex only for procreation. I infact do not believe sex is only for procreation. Sex as I said earlier is the number 1 finest experience two people can share with one another when it is fully legitemized for them, and enriches their life experience immeasurably. It is IMO the most destructive otherwise. Some people say alcoholism is: How many drinkers on a friday night do you suppose are hoping to "get lucky." I can only speak for the men who've talked to me about it and I'd say it is a very high percentage. My daughter told me she has considered entering the military after High School. I asked why. She said it is an opertunity to see more of the world, get excellent training in a skilled area, and get experience working in a highly disciplined organization. I said ok as long as you can convince me that you fully understand the intent of the military. She was not able to. The idea that the military exists for the advancement of political objectives through violent force is highly objectionable to most people who enter the armed forces. It is not that there aren't lots of wonderful aspects to a sexual relationship but if it is founded on a false premise like "fun" in and of itself, the side effects are devestating.
In this case to set a marker at some arbitrary location along the continuum called "Going Steady" for all people, is a very slippery slope. It validates the current state of our culture and so defines the norm as the standard. There are people who don't quite qualify as you defined "going steady" so you can label them "promiscuous" or "slutty" or "dogs" or whatever. There are people who don't think going steady as you have defined it obligates them to enter into a full sexual relationship so you can label them "prude, "goody two shoes," etc. Having done this you must go to an outside entity (outside the two participants) to take responsibility for any negative results. STD's, unwanted births, trajic medical interventions such as abortions, etc. all take a bearing on this standard. Throw lots of education at it, social services, government interventions, medical support, and you eliminate or reduced these negative side effects of the norm standard...not. |
