Michelle Wilk
I have recommendations concerning Kenzie Templeton’s sex column “Perfectly Normal, Natural Things.” I feel that she needs to refrain from passing judgment upon any form of sexual act. Her use of “skanky” in her most recent article was especially rude and slut-shaming. She may have just alienated some, if not a majority, of her readers.
In addition, her vocabulary is unprofessional, such as “bumping uglies,” “wee bit of fabric,” and “boinking.” If she is to write a sex column and be taken seriously, she should employ the appropriate language, instead of skirting around the topic by using poorly thought-out euphemisms.
However, not only is her language inappropriate, the content is also perpetuating rape culture. The heteronormative undertones are barely excusable, but her encouragement of “a friendly ass grab” is definitely not excusable. It condones sexual harassment.
She should also research before writing an article. For example, she claims if “you can’t wait until you’re back at your apartment or dorm…you’re more than likely about to experience some of the most erotic sex of your life.”
While it is understood in the article that the ensuing sex is consensual, this may not always be the case. The sex could be coercive or completely non-consensual. In addition, research has actually been done to counter her point, as measured by orgasm (for the reference, just ask). Therefore, the assumption that erotic sex is equivalent to impulsive sex is rather unfounded.
Her journalistic, professional integrity is undermined by this article, especially when she states, “Like any good photojournalist, I tried to snap a picture, but I was too unskilled and it was too dark. Plus I felt like a total pervert.” With the advent of cell phone cameras, “civilian journalism,” and the internet especially, ethics has seemed to become secondary to the urge of capturing a moment. However, with her training as a photojournalist, she should be educated in the appropriate ethical ramifications of taking a photograph, such as the requirement of consent of those photographed.
Because of her education, she should understand the implications of taking a photograph of such a sensitive situation. Her addition of, “Plus I felt like a total pervert,” does not excuse the possible unethical nature of her intentions. This is commentary that should be kept private, not divulged in an article.
My recommendations regarding “Perfectly Normal, Natural Things” are for her to alter the intention of the column to be more sex positive with an educational objective. For example, she could have a column regarding communication with friends about how to handle sexual situations so instances of “friends having sex while (she) was in the room, car, hot tub, etc” do not happen.
She should present a more professional attitude while writing this column if she wishes it to be taken as a serious piece of journalism (e.g. not using phrases such as “crotchal region”).
Third, she should reduce her heteronormative undertones and take into consideration that her audience is extremely diverse. My final recommendation is that she diminish, if not completely eliminate, anecdotes from her column instead of providing them as evidence or justification for her articles.
*Column is also endorsed by Bethany Bailey, Katie Penny, and Czarli Rex