Word: condoms
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...commentary, "Political Machines," Steven Lichtman argues that the proposed installation of condom dispensers is a matter that does not merit the serious consideration it has received. Apparently ignoring the vast portion of the campus which has worked for or supported the proposal, he implies that the Undergraduate Council has used the issue for political motives. This conclusion is based upon a misunderstanding of the nature of the plan outlined by the council, and a line of reasoning which rambles from irrelevant facts to plain silliness. Worst of all, he ignores the facts in denying the importance of condoms...
...Undergraduate Council and House Committees, says Lichtman, are "stockpiling, survivalist-like, condoms on house basements and across campus," an action which "can only heighten AIDS hysteria." This is an unfair mischaracterization. In deciding on laundry rooms and similar locations, the UC and House Committees carefully considered the importance of not just providing a service, but of creating an appropriate atmosphere, one which encourages awareness and action but is not offensive or irrational. Ideally, the stigma associated with condoms, whether humorous or distasteful, will be slowly dispelled as their presence becomes commonplace. Two condom dispensers in a house can successfully strike...
Lichtman's most striking contention is that "there is no reason other than peace of mind and routine birth control, why heterosexuals need condoms." The stunning reckless claim is supported with figures (whose statistical significance seems questionable) on the spread of AIDS among sexually active women. Lichtman has missed a crucial point: the fact that the occurance of an incident may be unlikely does not mean that one shouldn't be concerned with or take steps to prevent it. Should the statistical unlikelihood of nuclear war in the next ten years prevent us from concerning ourselves with disarmament, or should...
...Natural" condoms, made of lamb intestine, are another story altogether. Researchers believe they may contain microscopic holes through which the AIDS virus can be transmitted. The point is very well summed up by U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop: "If you use a condom for protection against AIDS the way you use them for birth control then you are in danger...
Similarly, it's hard to believe the vast minority of Harvard students engaging in homosexual sex need condom machines in their houses to heighten their awareness of the need to practice safer sex. There is no reason, other than peace of mind and routine birth control, why heterosexuals need condoms. Nor is there any reason we need condom machines installed all over campus. Unless, that is, a cheap, prurient thrill is all we're after...