Dorm Room Diary: No Sex Buggies for Me

Comment

Comment by Twyla on May 5, 2010 at 10:10am

I agree 110% Betty Rae.
The problem is that Planned Parenthood *did* have a eugenistic beginning.
But that was a loooong time ago and is pretty irrelevant to the organization now.
What's more relevant today is that young black folks (women in particular) are plagued with various STD's and STI's more so than any other American demographic. Not to mention the fact that we have the highest rates of teen and unwanted pregnancies as well, which is on the low one of the reasons we have not financially and socially "caught up" in america. And I just get so upset when ppl ignore the fact that planned parenthood is *the most affordable* reproductive healthcare org in america (with "sliding" prices that depend on your income/insurance) to talk about it's shady beginnings that aren't even applicable today.
And it's not like PPFA doesn't realize this. They're actively trying to distance themselves from it. They even awarded Dr. King with their PPFA Margaret Sanger award the first year they created it (1966 I believe? Don't quote me).
I say, when you wanna enjoy the amazingly wonderful world of sex but aren't ready for a bundle of joy, use condoms (which we give out for free), get on birth control (which is cheaper there), and get emergency contraception as soon as possible after accidents happen (which is cheapest there as well).
Sometimes our convictions get in the way of practicality.

But I digress....

Comment by Betty Rae on May 3, 2010 at 9:30pm

The white politireligious contingent on campus has also used the eugenicist argument recently in one of their pro-life fliers, but for some reason I doubt their overall genuine concern about the black folk. Seemed more like a way to undercut liberal/progressive attempts to provide sex education and health resources. Admittedly, this eugenicist history is pretty new to me and something I don't know a lot about, but I don't like either side of the debate arguing about Planned Parenthood like it's just an abortion factory. A lot of people use it as a general/sexual health and testing resource. It a shame when politics bump up against each other like this. And I don't mean that dismissively. It really is hard.

Comment by Twyla on May 3, 2010 at 9:06pm

www.blackgenocide.org/sanger.html+planned+parenthood+eugenics&c..." target="_blank">http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-ltYTeh7pSMJ:www.blackgenocide.org/sanger.html+planned+parenthood+eugenics&c...
if anyone wants to check it out for themselves!

Comment by Twyla on May 3, 2010 at 8:56pm

Thanks for your concern, Shannon. I actually did research Planned Parenthood before I started volunteering there. I understand how people can get upset that the organization seems to have more abortion ads visibly available in urban areas with high densities of black folks. But as much as I hate the fact, these areas do tend to have higher rates of teen and unwanted pregnancies (tons of resources on that. Here's just one: http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/?q=node/312). Planned Parenthood also tries to get volunteers (such as myself!) to pass out condoms and contraceptive information in the community. Personally, I'd rather they have more ads for condoms, the Nuvaring, and the Paragard IUD... but I'm workin to get that fixed now ;-)
But I understand that it's a very touchy subject. Hope I haven't offended anyone.

Comment by Shannon Rakai Caldwell on May 3, 2010 at 2:29pm

I'm sorry Twyla but, I think you should do your historical research on Planned Parenthood...the research that Planned Parenthood targets blacks for abortion and that the organization is founded by eugenicists...I can't agree that you are sending more blacks there for "testing"

Comment by Q Manchu on April 8, 2010 at 7:36pm

i concur, wonder twin powers activate!

Comment by Twyla on April 7, 2010 at 9:36am

thx Q! You kno, I get that energy from the people I choose to surround myself with (hint hint!)

Comment by Q Manchu on April 6, 2010 at 6:15pm

i like that you're always positive and informative plus teach by example can't ask for more than that

Comment by Madamoiselle De Sade on April 5, 2010 at 11:19pm

Wow, I didn't even know. I appreciate this.

Comment by Twyla on April 4, 2010 at 7:15pm

very well stated Whitney! I am with you 100%

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