Discussing Sex Problems by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 12, 1914

Discussing Sex Problems

By F. M. W.

WE are pleased to see saner and more conservative views advocated with reference to the discussion of sex problems. Many are beginning to recognize that the free and easy manner in which these subjects are being discussed is tending to evil rather than to social purity.

Among the latest to raise a warning cry against these unwise discussions is ex-President Taft. Speaking in Philadelphia, January 21, of the benefits of many modern crusades, Mr. Taft added:—

The people are sufficiently aroused. Now let common sense prevail to distinguish between what is good and practical, and what is luring but deceitful, in its promises. . . . This greater social consciousness, beneficial as it is, has produced some hysterical excesses.

The former President, according to the Washington Post of January 22, dwelt at length upon the dangers of sex literature and sex plays. He declared that this kind of propaganda—

spreads lubricity, under the plea that vice may be avoided by teaching its awful consequences. By dwelling on its details, and explaining its penalties, sexual subjects are obtruded into discussion between the sexes, lectures are delivered on them, and textbooks are written, and former restraints of modesty are abandoned.

Speaking of the attempts to cure defects in education by greater democracy, the ex-President continued:—

We have had the ridiculous exhibition of school children striking because some favorite principal was transferred to another school, and we find the newspapers stimulating such movements, and weak-minded parents looking with pride upon the courage and enterprise of their offspring. In my day, and that is not so long ago, such children, if they had gone home, would have been properly treated with a spanking.

When by any course of procedure, whether it be by some of the modern

fashions of dress or by the open discussion of sex problems, the natural barriers of reserve and modesty are broken down, the cause of purity is dealt a deadly blow. We do not advocate a prudishness or modesty which prohibits the discussion of these questions in a proper manner and under proper circumstances. We do not believe, however, that mixed assemblies made up in part of boys and girls, are the proper place to deal with questions of this character.

Their discussion belongs primarily to the home. It is here particularly that warning of the terrible social evils should be imparted by considerate fathers and mothers. F. M. W.