0 4A - Thursday, October 15, 2009 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com 74C e IWC4loan wily Shopping for sex toys 0 Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu ROBERT SOAVE COURTNEY RATKOWIAK EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR GARY GRACA EDITOR IN CHIEF Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors. bTtenure toubles University must pursue open legal strategy in lawsuit ne would expect a university that prides itself on its accepting and friendly community would make it a pri- ority to enforce its own non-discrimination policy. But when a gay law professor filed suit against the University alleging that he had been discriminated against, the University took the position that it wasn't obligated to uphold its policy - a position it only changed after an outcry from faculty. After more than five years of the University's attempts to dismiss the lawsuit, a hearing was finally conducted Friday. But regardless of how this case is decided, the University must formulate its legal arguments more sensitively - and more openly - in the future. ast month, one of my sorority sisters was getting married. For the first time in my life, I was stumped aboutwhat to buy as a wed- ding gift. I knew my sister's sizes for shoes and lingerie, book preferences, favorite foods and biographic details - the whole nine yards. But now that ROSE I wasn't just buying for her, the whole AFRIYIE twosome bit was- throwing me for a loop. House appliances were overdone. Money and gift cards weren't personal enough. So, I did what any sorority girl would do when faced with this situ- ation: I headed to the nearest sex toy store. It's a beautiful thing to attend a university where safe, affordable sex toys are sold right off campus. One of Ann Arbor's best-kept secrets is that the Safe Sex Store (S3) on South Uni- versity is a hub for sorority girls who sometimes travel in pairs to buy their big, little, dean, pledge, sands, soror or sister tokens of affection to get her vibe on. The thing is, I wasn't the run- of-the mill customer. I had spent my past summer doing evidence-based research and one of thetopics I covered was sex toys and lubricant. Because of this research, I knew that according to a 2009 study in the Juurnal of Sexual Medicine, a majority of women - 53 percent - had used a vibrator. Additionally, I knew that men were also getting in on it - 91 percent of men and 81 percent of women who used a vibrator used it with a part- ner. And this couldn't help but bring a smile to my face as I walked pastpenis- shaped baking tins and breast-shaped kegs. Accordingto the study, those who used sex toys had higher rates of sexual pleasure and better sexual health than non-users.Womenwhousedtoysfound it easier to naturally lubricate and men had higher erectile functioning. As I eyed the goods, I was immedi- ately impressed: All toys were phtha- late-free. While research on phthalates is still ongoing, researchers have linked these plastic-softening chemicals to negative health outcomes. S3 offered affordable silicone vibrators and dildos, ranging in price from $20 to $140. The deal with silicone, and glass for that matter, is that it is one of the few toy material types that can be thoroughly cleaned. Other materials such as jelly rubber, polyvinyl chlorides, elastomer - and anything else that smells like a shower curtain -is porous. Thismeans itretainsbacteria, no matterhow much antibacterial soap you use to clean it. That's not to say all rubber toys should be hurled to the nearest landfill. Itjust means that porous toys should be used with a condom to ensure one doesn't get an infection. The collection of male sex toys had also grown since my last visit. From disposable masturbator toys, male masturbation sleeves and vibrating cock rings priced $5 to $30, men have some great options for self-love or a pleasurable exchange. But because I believe that sex is a holistic act, I wasn'tjustgoingtofill my shopping cart with a vibrator and cock ring and call it a day. I was interested in the adult sex education books. Itwas nice to see books donning pictures of African-American couples that taught erotic massage and Kama Sutra posi- tions that weren't just for contortion- ists. I offered a silent prayer of thanks for all the authors that dedicated gal- lons of ink to how-to books for going down on a woman. After that, I was on my way to the lube counter. Lube is a safe sex essen- tial. Many will attestto the miraculous powers of saliva, but it only lasts so long. I scanned labels to secure some glycerin and paraben free lube. While studies are still inconclusive, parabens have been linked to cancer. Glycerin, on the other hand, creates an environment in the vadge that is friendly to yeast infections. I didn't want my friend to have any unwanted guests during their honeymoon period, so I was thrilled to seelubethatmet all the healthrequire- ments and still lefta film on my finger- tips an hour later. With healthy lube, toys for him and her and books galore, my mission was accomplished. A few weeks later, I went back to thank the storeowner of S3, University alum and educator Beth Karmeisool, and to get some insights for this col- umn. I asked her what toys students come in for the most, and how one knows when a toy is right. Students have good options for pleasing partners. "I sell a lot of Jack Rabbits and cock rings, but it's not about what other people buy," she said. "I keep products that are fresh and hot based on design, material and customer feedback. It's all about meeting people at their com- fort level." I glanced around the room at my peers. Sorority women held fetish fan- tasy kits and condoms. Average Joes clung to their lube proudly. Couples searched through condoms branded with the word "ecstasy." And I thought to myself, this is what sexual literacy looks like. - Rose Afriyie can be reached at sariyie@umich.edu. Peter Hammer, who is now a law professor at Wayne State University, sued the Univer- sity after being denied tenure at the Univer- sity's Law School in 2003. The University review board initially approved Hammer's tenure in a 4-1 vote. But the Law School tenured faculty only voted 18-12 in favor of approving tenure, two votes less than the necessary two-thirds majority. Because of that Hammer was denied tenure. He claims he was the first male law school professor to be denied tenure in more than 40 years and that the decision was made that way because he is gay. Hammer is now waiting for the court to determine if this case will go to trial. The manner in which the University first handled this issue was extremely troubling. In 2006, the University argued for the case to be thrown outonthe basis that the Univer- sity has no legal responsibility to uphold the non-discrimination policies outlined in its employee handbook. The University's gen- eral counsel specified that the non-discrim- ination guidelines are only a "commitment," that don't necessarily have legal value. The strategy, which was supposed to be private, was obviously absurd. And faculty and students called the University out for it. As a result, the University switched its strat- SEN "Right to defend itself" is too vague a claim for Israel egy and instead argued that discrimination didn't occur. Absorbing this criticism and changing its strategy was the right move for the University. But students and faculty need some assur- ance that other legal decisions being made by the University are consistent with this university's values. Such decisions should not be kept private, and should never violate the University's commitment to uphold a policy of acceptance for all kinds of people. After all, the University should feel morally compelled to uphold its non-discrimination policy regardless of whether it's legally binding. Moving forward, the University must rest its legal strategies on a sound com- mitment to non-discrimination instead of simply reverting to such a position to cover its back. And if legal strategies were not for- mulated behind closed doors, people would be able to put more faith in the University's position. It's very unclear whether anti-gay preju- dice played a role in Hammer's denial of tenure. If it did, the University has a respon- sibility to do something about it. But in either case, the University's position should always be open to the campus population and should consistently support policies of non-discrim- ination, whether the law says it has to or not. ND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU United States using the justification of "fighting terrorism" to condone the blatant disregard not only for human rights but for the rights of U.S. citizens that has become all too common since the inception of our global war on terrorism. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be less than 300 words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. Letters are edited for style, length, clarity and accuracy. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@umich.edu. Grow up, Democrats TO THE DAILY: I would call on Does Israel have a right to defend itself? right to self-defen In their viewpoint, Danielle DePriest and what that actually Naomi Scheinerman assert Israel's right to logue can progress defend itself according to international law (The everyone can agree blame game and Israel, 10/11/09). The mantra of defend itself," to m self-defense is useful for Israel and the Zionist ing with which act movement for two reasons: it is simple to state self-defense and wl and hard to deny. Who in their right mind could possibly say that Israel - or any other nation - Matthew Bussey does not have the right to self-defense? Grad student Israel's constant refrain of its "right to self- defense" is analogous to our own nation's use Athletic De of the phrase "global war on terror." Under the guise of fighting against terrorism, the fillBiig Hou Bush administration and the neo-conservative m d r o movement led our country in the wrong direc- tion. This phrase justified two major wars, TO THE DAILY: illegal detentions, renditions of U.S. citizens, As a season fo domestic spying programs, and the biggest years, it concerns1 power grab by the executive branch in our not be full this S nation's history. student break. I've Likewise, Israel has consistently used their and believe me, it i right of self-defense to justify preemptive mili- In the old day: tary incursions into Gaza, targeted assassina- would sell tickets tions of Palestinian leaders, the building of a students to help fil 24-foot high concrete wall around the West short, but perhap Bank, confiscation of Palestinian lands, the would allow Unive: building of "Israeli only" roads that Palestin- tickets this week i ians are forbidden to use, the establishment of the game. These do over 600 checkpoints surrounding and within given to local midc the West Bank, the uprooting of Palestin- on Saturday morni ian olive groves, the use of white phosphorus Hopefully, the D against civilian populations and the systematic letic Department t dismantling of the Palestinian economy - not lead the way in get to mention illegal detention and torture. ing Good luck andt I would assert that using the justificatiun of "self-defense" to justify this type of ppres- Michael Peikert sin and apartheid is just as nunsensical as the Alum those who defend Israel's se to be more specific as to means. In this way, the dia- past blanket statements that e on, like "Israel has a right to ore pertinent questions deal- ions by Israel are legitimate hich are not. partment should se with kids otball ticket holder for 41 me that the Big House may aturday because of the fall seen the Big House half full s not a pretty sight. s, the Athletic Department for $1 or $2 to high school ill up the Big House. Time is s the Athletic Department rsity students to turn in their f they are not able to attend onated tickets could then be dle and high school students ng. aily can encourage the Ath- o go along with the idea and ting the ticket donation roll- Go Blue. Those who know me well under- stand that I'm a pretty sensi- tive guy. I tear up during sad movies, and births and weddings invariably make me a little verk- lempt. When peo- ple around me get upset, I generally become miserable unless I succeed inx raising their spir- MATTHEW its. But even I, Mr. GREEN Sensitivity, can see that kindness and--- -- compassion have certain limitations, particularly for the nation's democratic leadership. As a liberal who hoped things would be different in Washington after the last election, I'm outraged at the Democrats' inability to enact any real change whatsoever, despite control of the executive branch and both houses of Congress. I mean it with sincere sensitivity when I say Democrats seri- ously need to grow a pair. In countless failed attempts at bipartisanship, Democrats have allowed themselves to be trampled by Republicans. They prefer to fantasize about everyone getting along, while obstinate Republicans are only "in it to win it." Part of the problem may be that Democrats who fight like Repub- licans don't get elected. When How- ard Dean yeehawed during a 2004 presidential campaign speech, he was mocked by established liberals as radical and inflammatory. But when Republican Congressman Joe Wil- son of South Carolina screamed, "You lie!" during one of President Barack Obama's Congressional addresses, $1.8 million in campaign contribu- tions flowed his way the following week. Despite the fact that the democratic congressional majority was voted into power by constituents largely expect- ing meaningful health care reform, system for universal health coverage. the congressmen have since been Though a single-payer arrangement unwilling - not unable - to make 'i th'lyislhpin of cohesive univershl marked change. Ratherthan coming coverage, Obanaleft itbehind as soon up with a feasible health care plan as the slightest opposition arose. Even similar to those in most other wealthy, f hqvy slve ultimately had to give nations, Democrats have pandered to it up, Obama should have realized conservatives and private interests, that this was his greatest bargaining muddying up real reform with stupid chip and held out longer. In his deal- concessions to the health care indus- ings with Congress, Obama should try. They've given up so quickly! channel President Lyndon Johnson 0 Without entirely viewing the leg- and understand that he can't satisfy islative process as a zero-sum game, everyone. He has great ideas, but he Democrats ought to start fighting a gets too hung up on getting everyone little dirtier. Or for that matter, a little on board. more like the Republicans. After all, the GOP somehow managed to get us into a needless war in Iraq with far less power than the Democrats cur- Liberals need to 0 rently have. Why can't Democrats accomplish what Americans actually start standing up need and want? Moreover, Democrats have aban- for them selves. doned their principles for the sake of "reaching consensus." Last win- ter's stimulus package was gutted to appease just two republican senators As a tried and true liberal, I'ntired - Olympia Snowe and Susan Col- of always having to defend the Demo- lins, both of Maine - at the expense crats when they have aren't willing of creating real financial relief for to hold up their side of the bargain. individual states. It's not politics, it's It's still obvious that in spite of their pussyfooting. current ineffectiveness, the Demo- And Obama is as guilty as Con- crats are the better of the two Ameri- gress. As a nation, we're considerably can parties. Conservative leadership worse off than where we were a year would be the worst choice for getting ago. And while much of that change us out of a financial mess that con- is beyond Obama's control, it can't be servative ideology helped create, and ignored that the president has failed would probably just piss off the inter- to accomplish the bulk of changes he national community. needs to - even the ones he promised The Democrats' political philoso- during last year's campaign. phy is just what this country needs, For starters, the ambiguity of out- but their sensitive sidestepping is not. lined proposals for withdrawal from Democrats need to accept that their Iraq is unsatisfying. I understand actions will upset a lot of Americans, the need to keep troops in Afghani- . and that that's okay. And once they do stan, and even to take time in order so, ironically enough, I'm confident to responsibly leave Iraq, but Obama that their constituents will respect hasn't exactly taken the anti-war them infinitely more. stance that his supporters expected. Furthermore, he never should have - Matthew Green can be reached dropped the idea of a single-payer at greenmat@umich.edu. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Nina Amilineni, Emad Ansari, Emily Barton, Ben Caleca, Michelle DeWitt, Brian Flaherty, Emma Jeszke, Raghu Kainkaryam, Sutha K Kanagasingam, Erika Mayer, Edward McPhee, Harsha Panduranga, Alex Schiff, Asa Smith, Brittany Smith, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Van Gilder, Laura Veith BE LLA SH A H E-MAIL BELLA AT BELLZ@UMICH.EDU aa 1 W.Ccts 'e ~o CE cc~rd' 45 \~w~F~csscrl~ \~E r e