Want to Scare ’14s?

If the answer to that question is yes, you can sign up for “The First Time.” This Blitz got sent out to the campus a few days ago:

THE FIRST TIME

Share your experience in a video about sex at Dartmouth.

The premise of the project is simple: everyone finishes the same sentence, “The first time I _________________.” Responses are short — 1 to 2 sentences max. The goal of this project is to
present diverse perspectives on sex and hooking up at Dartmouth in a film that will be used to promote open discussion of sex at Dartmouth and when you’re ready for your ‘first time’ (whatever first time that is).

THE FIRST TIME will be filmed in the next two weeks and edited in time for inclusion in the ’14s orientation programming

Not necessarily a bad idea. Talking about how, say, everybody has a right to say no is a worthwhile goal as is explaining that not everybody on campus decides to partake in sexual encounters. I’m not sure how balanced the project will be, however, based on some of the quotes listed at the bottom of the Blitz, which range from “cute” (the third response) to “morbid” (the seventh). Observe:

………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I had an orgasm was by myself.” – Female ’10
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I had sex was on a pool table.” – Male ’11
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I kissed someone was spring break of my freshman year at
Dartmouth.” – Female ‘1
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I had sex was my freshman fall, I was blacked out and it was
with a stranger.” – Female ’12
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I realized how hard it would be to wait for marriage was
when I got to Dartmouth.” – Female ‘1
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I ever had sex wasn’t my choice, but since then I’ve made it
a point to always make sure I’m the one making the choice.” – Female ’11
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I blacked out at Dartmouth I woke up next to a guy I barley
knew; I spent half an hour at CVS trying to decide if I needed Plan B.” – Female ’11
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I had sex was nuts!” – Male ’11
………………………………………………………………………………….
“The first time I had sex was with someone I loved and who loved me and
there were literally fireworks.” – Female ’11
………………………………………………………………………………….

Throwing this sort of stuff out there runs the risk of romanticizing the hookup culture that pervades Dartmouth, something I’ve yet to hear anyone actually speak in defense of.

I also had a Blitz forwarded to my inbox that contained a more specific description of what the program will entail.

The First Time Project is a collection of audio and video recordings from members of the Dartmouth community about their “first time.” We hope this commonality (we all have a first time, whether it’s a first kiss, first sex ever or first sex at Dartmouth) can bring together a diversity of experiences. The mission of the project is to promote open discussion of sex and sexual decision-making at Dartmouth. The edited video will be used as part of the sexual health and education programming on campus and in particular for incoming classes of Dartmouth students – starting with the class of 2014 – during freshman orientation and beyond (ranging from public showings of the video to smaller, facilitated discussions with freshman floors).

If pulled off correctly, this could be an informative and informational presentation. If not, it could end up like the Sexpert presentation on my floor freshman year: an awkward forty-five minute talk which the Sexpert concluded by sticking a dildo on the wall.