Sex is not the end of the world...

I actually find it amusing how freaked out a lot of Americans get about sex. It's not that big a deal.

HIV, on the other hand, is, and not only in developing countries, but also in the minority world (or "developed" world). The lack of sex education in schools is appaling. I'm about to start volunteering at a project of the British Red Cross, which focuses on educating teenagers about aids and raising their awareness at the schools. Their lack of knowledge about these things is shocking, and this is the UK we're talking about, not a Zambian village. There are 15-year-olds sitting there, who think that HIV is transmitted through kissing, or that it can't affect you if you're on the pill. It's a good thing the Red Cross started that project, especially since it involves the kids actively, and doesn't just give them some passive, judgemental talk.

I guess I was lucky, the health ministry sent people to our school in Germany to talk to us about it in 9th grade. They informed us in a serious, not-talking-down-to-us kind of way, started a debate, played games with us (quizzes, etc.), and just generally made sex an issue to be talked about, rather than something embarassing or tabu. I think that was the most helpful bit of education I ever got about HIV and contraception (it was a combinatory event), although what we learned in biology in 5th, 7th and 9th grade was informative as well. But it was really that non-judgemental, realistic, "we're treating you like adults" kind of morning that made a difference.

I think if they extended that approach, it would help a great deal. Also, they should try to provide condoms at a cheaper price. They're extremely expensive, especially in Germany and even more so in the UK (although our uni doctor there provides them for free, which is great).

Jam it back in, in the dark.