‘Safe Sex’ and the Presence of the Absence

A year ago, the term “safe sex” became familiar in gay bars and bathhouses, but it certainly was not a staple on the college campus. Today it is. The appalling projections concerning AIDS have rung alarm bells among college administrators and health-care people, and many colleges have launched “safe sex” educational and even equipment programs.

I have before me a “safe sex” kit that was made available to all Dartmouth students this year as they registered for winter-term courses. Culturally speaking, this item is well worth some reflection. It has been said to be “on the cutting edge” of campus “safe sex” programs, and it probably is.

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Jeffrey Hart

Jeffrey Hart is a contributor to National Review.

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A year ago, the term “safe sex” became familiar in gay bars and bathhouses, but it certainly was not a staple on the college campus. Today it is. The appalling projections concerning AIDS have rung alarm bells among college administrators and health-care people, and many colleges have launched “safe sex” educational and even equipment programs.

I have before me a “safe sex” kit that was made available to all Dartmouth students this year as they registered for winter-term courses. Culturally speaking, this item is well worth some reflection. It has been said to be “on the cutting edge” of campus “safe sex” programs, and it probably is.