Reknowned Dr. Ruth visits 'U' to talk about sex

Ever had a burning sexual question that you were afraid to ask? Well why not run it by one of the nation's most popular and enduring experts in human sexuality, Dr. Ruth, who is speaking tomorrow night at the Michigan Theater. The event, which is sponsored by Hillel, UAC and Major Events is part of the University's participation in World AIDS day. Dr. Ruth's presentation will be a lecture followed by a question and answer session.

In a recent interview with The Michigan Daily, Dr. Ruth relayed her plans to discuss numerous sexually related topics that affect college students. This will include explanations about contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and sex in the 21st Century. She explained her motivation in giving these lectures is to promote sexual literacy. "I believe that anyone who is sexually literate is going to have a better life. That there will be less unintended pregnancies, they'll be more

Courtesy of www.zianet.com Dr. Ruth presents a lecture on what she knows best - sexuality.

careful with sexually transmitted disease. Than later on when people are in a relationship or marriage, whatever they choose, they know more about sex and they know how to satisfy their partner." She also stated how "There will be less difficulties and less problems sexually speaking because they will know more."

Another topic Dr. Ruth intends to address is sex in the media. She explained how there are some positive and negative consequences that result from our openly sexual society. "To some extent it is good because its not like in the old days when nobody talked about it." But, she also added "To be bombarded, on soap operas, constantly about different positions and unrealistic sexual activity is a big problem because people are going to be disappointed. They'll think 'What's happening with me, how come I don't have sex like in the movies.'"

Ruth Westheimer was born in Germany in 1928. She emigrated to the U.S. in 1956. In 1970, she got her doctorate in the study of family from Columbia University Teacher's College. Dr. Ruth first began using the media for sexual education purposes in 1980 with her radio show "Sexually Speaking." Eventually she crossed over into national television with "The Dr. Ruth Show," which appeared on The Lifetime Network. Since then she has been at the helm of a sexual information empire. Her endeavors include numerous television shows, videos, 15 books, a board game, a web page (http://www.drruth.com) and her syndicated column "Ask Dr. Ruth."

The most notable of her books is "Sex for Dummies." The work has sold a quarter of a million copies and has been translated into 23 languages. Despite its success, Dr. Ruth admitted that when first solicited by IDG Books the publishers of the "...For Dummies" series she refused, stating that "I don't write for dummies I write for intelligent people." Dr. Ruth explained how after the publisher called her back nearly ten times she "Decided that I had an obligation to at least see what these books are. I did not know about them. But when I looked at them in a split second I said 'Yes.'"

She also added humorously about how college students can use the book to improve their sex lives. "First the relationship; Second, the communication in their relationship, and third, read "Sex for Dummies" so that sex doesn't become boring."

With the jokes aside, Dr. Ruth was willing to advise sexually active college students. She insisted the importance for students "Not to let anyone pressure you and not to rush into it, and certainly not to engage in any sex while intoxicated." Also she explained that "If you are in a relationship and you have both decided to be sexually active to make sure that you are protected. And make sure you know who that partner has had a sexual relationship with before." Because of the high transmission rate of STD'S among college students Dr. Ruth stated "Everybody ought to be worried about it."

The ins and outs of human sexuality are issues that will affect every student on the University campus. Besides a select few students, most won't get the chance to study sex in any depth at the University. Students should view Dr. Ruth's appearance as a chance to learn about 'It' from the one of the best sources in the country, if not the world.

11-30-99