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Blog - Amplify your voice

Monday, January 25, 2010 at 12:55:00 AM EST

Tonight, I was watching one of my favorite reality TV shows, Tough Love 2. For those unfamiliar with the show's premise, it is a show that puts women through 10 weeks of "relationship" bootcamp run by successful matchmakers Steven Ward and his mother JoAnn.

In a scene that is embedded above, Steve is talking to one of the show's subjects, a woman named Angel. Steve had set her up with a guy named Adam, and has noticed their relationship is starting to get serious. So as her mentor, he supplements his relationship advice by talking to her about using protection! 
 
He gives her the talk like this: 
"Things with you and Adam have been progressing emotionally for weeks now. I suspect that pretty soon, you're going to start getting more physical and women are never too prepared. So what I want you to do is take this with you when you go overnight with Adam."

Then he hands her a condom, telling her "I just want you to be prepared. It's better to be safe." 

Yes!!! Alright, I know Trojan is the sponsor of this show, but I've seen other shows they've sponsored that have not used the product's name in such an appropriate context! Steve then talks to the camera and says:
Here's the thing: men worry that if the bring a condom the woman will be turned off because it comes off as presumptious. Women don't think to bring condoms because they think the guys want to handle it. But in fact, a man finds it very reassuring when a woman comes prepared.

In my opinion, he's going a little further than a contract obligation to bring up the name Trojan. He was asking women to be realistic and prepared when headed into a situation where sex is a possibility, and that the responsibility to be safe is on both partners involved. Angel does act embarrassed and is worried to be perceived as a "slut," but Steve adamantly assures that it's better to be prepared.

I am so proud that he addressed this topic on this show.. it's an important message and men and women regardless of sexual orientation need to hear: 

If you're going to have sex, be prepared: bring protection! 

You can view the clip discussed above here.
 

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Comments
I'm glad you saw this Michelle! Thanks for posting about it. I also like how Steve makes it realistic by being up front about the assumptions and fears that can come along with bringing a condom into a situation.

Also, thank god he only gave her one so she's not doing anything illegal. Kidding, I don't know if the show is based in DC, NYC, or SF.
# Posted By  kathleenmysistahs | 1/25/10 08:22 AM | Report | Reply
HOORAY!! :)
# Posted By ActivistAnali | 1/27/10 11:31 AM | Report | Reply