August 11, 2007
Catholic School Just Not Feeling a Safe Sex Ad – Wonder Why?
The Boston Public Health Commission placed a billboard featuring a giant pair of hands unwrapping a giant condom in an awkward spot – across the street from a Catholic School in Dorchester.
Somehow, it never occurred to the people locating the billboards that the officials of the Saint Kevin School might get a tad upset. No one asked the kids what they thought – they are probably getting quite a kick out of it, and maybe the more naïve ones are wondering if condoms are really that big.
But what's the fuss? You can barely see the condom underneath the bold "Are You Using?" typeface. The complainers are also assuming the billboard is aimed at the kids. Feel free to make your own Catholic priest joke here – this is Boston, and we've heard all the Catholic priest jokes.
Besides, the school should be happy. The Boston Public Health Commission is well-intentioned, and wants to encourage HIV prevention. At least the students aren't staring at billboard-sized ads for the movies Captivity (featuring a woman in a cage) and Skin Walkers (featuring some sort of drooling female succubus). T riders have had to put up with that crap for months.
Mayor Menino has already said the sign will be down before school starts. And then the kids can learn about sex from where they usually learn about it – from their peers.



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As a graduate of Catholic school, I frankly don't have the slightest respect for the sensibilities of Saint Kevin's administrators. I can't believe Menino is bending over to accomodate the school. Speaking of bending over, the Catholic Church has lost all authority to speak on issues on sexuality. Students should be encouraged to know about using protection.
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Yeah, Mac.
I went to Girls Catholic, where we were taught that the only ways to avoid burning in hell were premarital abstinence and postmarital rhythm method. Jesus and Mary must have been so proud when our class of 45 girls dwindled down to 30 by graduation, due to pregnancy. Oh, and the abortions. Good times.