The Pill.

This Sunday, the contraceptive that we all know simply as "the pill" hit its 50th anniversary, falling, ironically enough, on Mother's Day. USA Today ran a front page story on the pregnancy prevention, informing me, a mere 21 year old with little knowledge of the pill's history, a brief lesson in the intricacies of pill-reactions.

Originally, many conservatives assumed that the pill would increase general promiscuity amongst women because it made sex without repercussions possible. In reality though, I think women would be promiscuous regardless of taking the pill. Similarly, many people believed the pill would encourage premarital sex, without realizing that the contraceptive could be a good preventative measure within a marriage.

Looking back, the pill, from what I can tell, has been nothing but a good thing because it has given freedom to women. It has created, as the article states, "a sexual revolution". It has given women the opportunity and the comfort of having some semblance of control with their sex life and their fertility. True, there is more responsibility in making sure that the pills are taken when they should be taken, but, speaking from personal experience, it is a fall back that prevents sleepless nights. Unfortunately, it has provided pressure in the way of sexual interactions and relationships because, if one is taking the pill, then what's the problem with sex? Why does a woman have to say no if she doesn't have to worry? I think the pill is a learning experience for women when it comes to specific situations like these.

Ultimately, the pill has revolutionized the way women look upon and feel about sex. Sex is a choice, and the contraceptive may make that choice that much more smooth. But most importantly, it is something that a woman can control, and no one can take that away from her. True, this may make others (conservative men) uneasy, but shit happens.

While checking out the CNN website, I found an article (I forget the specifics) about a romance novelist and her outlook on her stories and her profession. She mentioned that many people assume that the words "romance novelist" equates to an awkward and celibate cat lady that sits alone in her house fantasizing about robust and well endowed men that will fall all over themselves to treat her like the queen that she is. In all honesty, I think I have had the same awkward assumptions.

Through the article though, it was revealed that the novelist in question is a fairly normal woman, with a happy married life, numerous children, and a successful career - a career that she is proud of because she believes that, amidst a "hook-up" culture, it is reminding people of what a relationship and a romance should be. Typically, the heroines are attractive, but more brains than beauty, unafraid to speak their minds and more than willing to give men a hard time because they know they are worth it. In comparison, the men are typically unaware that this soul mate is right under their noses, but they eventually seem to figure it out, and then treat them like royalty. True, the soft core porn is a perk, but at the same time, these romances are a funny breath of fresh air. Rather than a sex charged physicality, there is a connection on other levels as well, and there is a respect between the lovers in question. Maybe this novelist has the right idea.

I think she should take this and run with it, because maybe it's junk novels like these that should be recognized more often as something desirable. We should be reminded that connections should happen in the form of honest relationships rather than sex charged one night stands.

Maxim's Hot 100

When making my way through the many media and gossip sites in my attempt to conquer my boredom and stroke my lack of productivity, I realized that the Maxim Hot 100 was released for this year with Katy Perry topping the list. Frankly, I was surprised that she of all people, with her sarcastic lyrics and 50's-esque style managed to outmaneuver the big boobs and big hairs of the Hollywood inner circle. My confusion was cleared up a bit when I read the little blurb underneath, explaining that Ms. Perry was one of those crushes that was not only hot, but she was the kind of girl that you later found out was really good at skateboarding and baseball too, with the writer so gracefully saying that one's crush would reach "supernova" because she was the whole package.

True, I'm excited that a more down to earth and approachable girl managed to climb her way to the Maxim top, but I was struck with what this message sends to all the girls out there that actually do take into account this ridiculous list in the grand scheme of things - and their own self worth. One can make the fair assumption that, in order to continue to be attractive and appealing to the opposite sex, i.e. men, a girl must not only be hot, funny, have big blue eyes and perfectly white teeth, she must also have brains in the form of witty rejoinders and athletic prowess. In all honesty I don't think I could find a single one of my guy friends that doesn't think an athletic girl equates to an attractive girl, but now it seems that this idea is being shouted from the rooftops. It's saying "All you ladies out there, you better become more well rounded, we're finally figuring you out!"

So, ye ladies of the media, start getting out your cleats, your spandex, your skateboards and wrist braces, because being pretty is no longer doing the job. Gone are the days of easy sex appeal in the form of creams and pert noses. Now you have to put a little effort in. In ways, I think a little ground has been won with Katy Perry, but in others, I think things just got that much harder.