As we all know, sex is a very hot topic. Whether we talk about it freely among friends or for educational purposes, it’s bound to cause some controversy.

This was the case when the Sundial published an article on September 10, “So whose pleasure is it anyway?” stating why some women feel uncomfortable when it comes to performing oral sex on their boyfriends. Was it the picture? Was it the article? Was it the fact that the word “blow job” was used?

I’m not bashing the people who spoke out against the article. Everyone has the right to express his or her opinion and points of views. However, I do believe we’re in the year 2009 and our generation is one of acceptance, tolerance, open-mindedness, change and progression.

Sex is everywhere. It’s shown in movies, music videos, lyrics of songs, talk shows, books, etc. The rapper Pitbull is known for his explicit lyrics regarding sex. His videos show half-naked women dancing and bouncing their booties. Britney Spears, in her first video came out in a schoolgirl uniform and pigtails, singing “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” Her most recent song “If You Seek Amy” had many speculating that the lyrics implied she was looking for someone to have sex with her.  What about Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” mentioning only oral sex?

I can’t talk about sex without mentioning all of the “American Pie” movies, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”, “Zack and Mimi Make a Porno”; I could go on forever.  These movies were based entirely on sex.

These are prime examples that sex is in everything we see and hear. If we’re going to get upset about a picture or article that doesn’t show nudity, genitals or someone’s face, and because the word “blow job” was used, where’s our priorities in what really matters?

I would be the first to admit TV can influence us on sex causing major confusion and turmoil. I know because I get confused sometimes on what I should do, what I want to do, and what I’m expected to do.

I feel this hurts us because we are college students in the peak of our sexuality and curiosity. Not only that, but we’re in the new millennium with all theses movies and songs throwing sex at our faces, and still, we have to battle with the fact that sex is considered a taboo subject.

This day in age, sex shouldn’t be considered taboo. We should talk about it freely.  I sometimes feel like we’re living in the 1900s because whenever someone mentions anything that has to do with sex, some people automatically treat it as something dirty, vulgar, and obscene.

Sex has been taught to us since we were in high school and junior high. By the time we reach college, it no longer should cause embarrassment. We’re in a college environment where we shouldn’t feel judged when we talk about sex.

Right now, most of us taste the meaning of independence. Our parents are no longer packing our lunches, tucking us in at night, picking out our clothes, brushing our hair, and walking with us to class.

Now is the time we have to be adults and make wise decisions that could affect the rest of our lives. The Sundial in no way is teaching people how to behave when it comes to sex or forcing anyone to believe something they don’t want to, or to do something they don’t want to do. It’s our choice whether we want to act out or not.

Like I mention before TV can influence us, but in the long run it’s up to us to make the right decision. As growing adults, we have the ability to say yes or no. We can’t blame a newspaper, TV, or friends from what we are doing. We have a mind of our own. We know what’s right and what’s wrong.

But again, we still face uncertainty and we’re not perfect. We still have questions.  Even though we’re adults we make mistakes, so what a better way to have an outlet by students for students.

An outlet creates communication and solidarity with students that might be facing the same doubts that other students might be dealing with.

We’re not a black and white generation. We’re a generation dealing with things such as Prop. 8 and I believe it’s time to get over words, sex, pictures, and focus our time, energy, and effort into things that really matter and affect us personally.