It was very interesting to note that the "Today Sponge" is on sale again. A hugely popular contraceptive in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was suddenly discontinued in 1995. I remember when this happened and i also remember the outcry that followed.
This is NOT a contraceptive sponge. Don't go stuffing it where it doesn't belong
In 1995, i was at the tender age of 19. I knew about sex, i knew about birth control and contraceptives and i think i knew that if i were to have sex, its important to be responsible and do it safely. Its sad that none of this knowledge came from the Malaysian public education system.
You would think that with the Malaysian youth being increasingly exposed to sexual messages in the media, the "adults" of our society would see it fit to counter, with legislation, these messages with a education syllabus. This syllabus would go beyond what is taught in agama (religious) or moral classes. All i was told in those classes is that sex before marriage is wrong. No one told me what is the right thing to do should i decide to have sex.
The Today Sponge of Seinfeld (1995) fame
Its not enough to say "No" or "Don't do it" and feel that our obligation to our youth is fulfilled. We should understand that, while many will heed our advice, many still will seek to satisfy their curiousity. What do we say to help them?
I was fortunate. I learned about responsible sex from my parents, from the various teen and women's magazines that i could get my hands on. I live in the city; such items are easy to come by. I suspect with a great deal of confidence that there are many who may not be so fortunate.
Sex is a wonderful experience. Un-safe sex is simply blindingly stupid.
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