Health in the News
Vietnamese see funny side of sex, Ha Mi (BBC Vietnamese Service), November 4, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8325827.stm
Summary:
In most cultures, the topic of "sex" is very taboo, especially in Asian cultures, but the Vietnamese approach this topic using humor to make it less awkward and uncomfortable. A survey was conducted, showing data such as an increasing number of people are having sex below the age consent and how sex seemed to be a one-sided argument. Young children and teenagers are not fully educated about sex; so, it leads to dilemmas, such as unprotected sex and an increase in people contracting HIV. Additionally, the issue of sex is sexist and Hong Hanh, radio presenter, said, "All male callers said that sex before marriage for men is normal and okay, but they would not want to get married to someone who has lost her virginity through sex." Nevertheless,light-hearted jokes are still made around the household and Vinh shares his experience, "My parents say if you get her pregnant before marriage, you both won't be allowed to go in the house by the front door." But, will these jokes ever educated young children about sex and its dangers?
Big Meaning:
One could say that some parents find it hard to talk to children about sex, and not educating children will lead to greater consequences later on. It affects the world and community socially, emotionally, and physically. Socially, the community would be affected since teaching young teens about sex will be beneficial. However, it depends on the community. If the community is as conservative as Vietnam or as liberal as the United States, there will be different outcomes in the willingness to educated young minds about sex. If not properly educated about sex, teens will experience an emotional roller-coaster because you never know what might happen after two teens conduct in unprotected/protected intercourse. After the ordeal, the partner would either leave the other or face certain extreme consequences, such as pregnancy. In the end, it comes to the physical health implications. In terms of physical, unprotected sex will lead to sexually transmitted disease or teen pregnancy, both of which will affect both partners physically. Therefore, there are many consequences that will happen if a child is not properly educated in sex and its dangers. Additionally, the increase in contracting STD will affect the world since people are now able to travel, so there will be a high chance of spreading these diseases. In brief, the big meaning is young minds must be educated in sex so they will know the consequences of unprotected sex before it's too late!
Personal Meaning:
This issue struck me as interesting and it reflects my culture as well since I believe that Asians are not keen on talking about sex to their children. Even though some parents are fine with it, some parents will make jokes about sex to make themselves and the kid feel less awkward. I felt this issue of using sex as a joke topic to be very strange since it does benefit the kids, but it doesn't have an underlying meaning. Additionally, you could not blame the parents since they are just repeating the cycle again to the next generation. Similarly, my parents and I never talk about sex since I feel it's awkward and I never bothered asking them about it. So, just like the young Vietnamese kid, I know their situation. But thanks to Health class I took in Grade 8, 9, and currently 10, I know more about sex and its dangers. But I wish the schools in Vietnam will conduct a sex education course so that there will be less teen pregnancies and less people suffering from STDs.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8325827.stm
Summary:
In most cultures, the topic of "sex" is very taboo, especially in Asian cultures, but the Vietnamese approach this topic using humor to make it less awkward and uncomfortable. A survey was conducted, showing data such as an increasing number of people are having sex below the age consent and how sex seemed to be a one-sided argument. Young children and teenagers are not fully educated about sex; so, it leads to dilemmas, such as unprotected sex and an increase in people contracting HIV. Additionally, the issue of sex is sexist and Hong Hanh, radio presenter, said, "All male callers said that sex before marriage for men is normal and okay, but they would not want to get married to someone who has lost her virginity through sex." Nevertheless,light-hearted jokes are still made around the household and Vinh shares his experience, "My parents say if you get her pregnant before marriage, you both won't be allowed to go in the house by the front door." But, will these jokes ever educated young children about sex and its dangers?
Big Meaning:
One could say that some parents find it hard to talk to children about sex, and not educating children will lead to greater consequences later on. It affects the world and community socially, emotionally, and physically. Socially, the community would be affected since teaching young teens about sex will be beneficial. However, it depends on the community. If the community is as conservative as Vietnam or as liberal as the United States, there will be different outcomes in the willingness to educated young minds about sex. If not properly educated about sex, teens will experience an emotional roller-coaster because you never know what might happen after two teens conduct in unprotected/protected intercourse. After the ordeal, the partner would either leave the other or face certain extreme consequences, such as pregnancy. In the end, it comes to the physical health implications. In terms of physical, unprotected sex will lead to sexually transmitted disease or teen pregnancy, both of which will affect both partners physically. Therefore, there are many consequences that will happen if a child is not properly educated in sex and its dangers. Additionally, the increase in contracting STD will affect the world since people are now able to travel, so there will be a high chance of spreading these diseases. In brief, the big meaning is young minds must be educated in sex so they will know the consequences of unprotected sex before it's too late!
Personal Meaning:
This issue struck me as interesting and it reflects my culture as well since I believe that Asians are not keen on talking about sex to their children. Even though some parents are fine with it, some parents will make jokes about sex to make themselves and the kid feel less awkward. I felt this issue of using sex as a joke topic to be very strange since it does benefit the kids, but it doesn't have an underlying meaning. Additionally, you could not blame the parents since they are just repeating the cycle again to the next generation. Similarly, my parents and I never talk about sex since I feel it's awkward and I never bothered asking them about it. So, just like the young Vietnamese kid, I know their situation. But thanks to Health class I took in Grade 8, 9, and currently 10, I know more about sex and its dangers. But I wish the schools in Vietnam will conduct a sex education course so that there will be less teen pregnancies and less people suffering from STDs.
