I recently spoke with Nancy Bruno. Bruno’s new book, Beautiful Women, is now available. Beautiful Women is a book of photos of 35 beautiful women, ages 3 through 90. In addition to the pictures, there is a story snap-shot of each woman and how she got to where she is.
Here is my [...]
Archives for January, 2008
Interview with Nancy Bruno
Substance abuse and sexual abuse
Yesterday I spoke to a group of therapists at a residential treatment center for teenagers with substance abuse issues, the Phoenix House.
One of the teenagers who was doing really well in the program gave me a tour of the facilities. She told me, among other things, that most of the people were there voluntarily, but [...]
Not Like You, by Deborah Davis
I recently read - um, devoured - Deborah Davis’ new book, Not Like You.
What really struck me about Davis’ book was her portrayal of adolescent sexuality. (Let’s not all act too surprised at what I focused on, shall we?) Kayla, the protagonist, is a 15 year-old girl when the book begins. We [...]
Prostitution too close to home
The news about a prostitution ring in Fort Worth, TX is making the rounds (the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Associated Press have articles). This case is garnering particular interest because those running the ring were teenagers. You can read more elsewhere on-line, but here’s the short version: Seven Fort Worth gang members [...]
Teaching Teenagers
This week seems to be shaping up to be all about knowing and teaching and learning right from wrong. That is to say, all about morality. What I have mentioned yet, though, that bears mentioning in this context, is how morality and teaching through example apply to parenting.
It is tempting, as a parent, [...]
vaginal intercourse as the Ultimate Act
Last week I wrote about born-again virgins and the Silver Ring Thing. One of the reasons I said I disliked this program was that it suggested to teenagers that vaginal intercourse is some Ultimate Act, and that it is really the only act that need be promised against.
Now, as a disclaimer, I suspect that [...]
Can I be both moral and liberal? Can you?
In my post on Monday, I wrote about teenagers and racial tensions.
I was nervous about this post for several reasons.
First, racial issues are touchy. As a white woman, I have a hard time writing and talking about race. I worry I always sound…lacking. But I think it’s important, even critical, to talk [...]
Dove Self Esteem Campaign
Dove has launched a major self-esteem campaign, aimed at reaching 5 million young women by 2010. I’ve posted two of the commercials created by this campaign (Evolution and Onslaught).
The goals of Dove’s campaign are good:
The Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF) was established to raise the self-esteem of girls and young women to make them [...]
Beyond the Birds and Bees: a class for parents
Dr. Karen Rayne presents a four-session class for parents on how to talk with children and teenagers more easily and effectively about issues of sex and sexuality.
Topics include: Current trends in adolescent sexuality, common assumptions about adolescent sexuality (right and wrong!), hopes vs. reality, and talking with your teenager (what to do, what not to [...]
Martin Luther King and the Jena Six
Today is Martin Luther King Day. To honor the work that Dr. King and so many others have given their lives for, I would like to talk about the Jena Six.
This is an on-going story of racial tension in Jena, Louisiana. The short version that has received national attention began with black students [...]
