Purity Rings, and the Celebrities Who Love Them

Who knew that the Video Music Awards on September 7th would present us with more than just this year's best pop video? The events at the awards show unintentionally sparked debates over "purity rings," special jewelry worn by young people to symbolize a vow of abstinence.

The controversy all began with a British comedian who performed at the VMAs. He decided to include in his stand-up material the popular band the Jonas Brothers, and their decisions to wear purity rings and abstain from sex until marriage. I didn't see the comedian, so I don't know how tasteless the jokes were, but I really don't think it's okay to make fun of someone's personal sexual choices on national television. Honestly, I don't have a problem with purity rings, as long as they don't replace sex education. Simply because a teenager is abstinent does not mean that s/he shouldn't learn about safe sex practices. Think of it as stocking canned food in your basement in case the apocalypse arrives - it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, but it's good to be prepared.

Despite the comedian being out of line, I was very displeased with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks' response, who also wears a purity ring. She held up her hand, and said, "I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It's not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody — guy or girl — wants to be a slut."

So if I don't wear a promise ring and vow to abstain from sex until marriage I'm a slut?

Not an okay thing to say. In my opinion, both parties were wrong in this debate.