Kristen Englert
Life and Arts Assistant
At the MTV Video Music Awards on Sun., Sept. 7, Russell Brand took comedy to an uncomfortable level.
Brand made his debut in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” playing a sex-crazed celebrity boyfriend. Although he was supposedly just acting in the role, many discovered after the VMAs that his real-life persona does not seem much different.
The VMAs is one of the most talked about music awards shows on television. Britney Spears’ catastrophe opening dance last year doesn’t hold a flame to Brands’ rant this year. Opening the show, Brand showed no self-control. From bashing celebrities to tearing down the government, he definitely made a statement.
George Bush, sex and the Jonas Brothers were the talk of the evening. Brand clearly stated his negative opinion on the Jonas Brothers’ oath to stay abstinent until marriage, while bashing promise rings, morals and even them in the process.
Promise rings were first popular when Jessica Simpson publicly announced she was going to remain a virgin until her (very public) marriage and first time having sex with Nick Lachey. But, it seemed after her marriage went down in flames, the idea and value of the promise ring went with it.
Not until recently have they become popular again. Sweeping the nation with hits like, “Burnin’ Up” and “Just a Little Bit Longer,” the Jonas Brothers have stolen the scene, all while remaining abstinent.
In Brand’s tirade, he made a vulgar, yet probably true statement: “It’s a little bit ungrateful because they could literally have sex with any woman they want, and they’re not gonna do it – that’s like superman just deciding to not go and fly and save everyone on a bus.”
The Jonas Brothers have become an international boy band, as well as an international sex symbol. Girls, ranging from ages 5 to 45, drool over the Jo Bros every time they take the stage. But, the real question is: What is the difference between not having sex and ultimately, their commitment to God?
The Brothers are very open about their devotion to God, their family and even themselves to remain pure until marriage.
Celebrities are not the only ones staying abstinent. At Pepperdine, there are many students who have chosen to make this vow and it means something different to each one. Junior, Tara DeHaan received her promise ring when she was 13 years old from her father.
“My promise ring signifies a very personal, treasured commitment of staying sexually pure until marriage that I have promised to keep,” DeHaan said. “The Lord really put this matter upon my heart at an early age, and I really believe He is quite clear in His word on the importance of waiting for your spouse.”
The talk of promise rings has always been something with which people struggle. It’s something that is not quite understood, unless one has agreed to make that commitment, as well.
The concept is hard to grasp, especially as a college student. With a mix of hormones, no supervision and off-campus parties, the opportunities of having sex before marriage are very high.
Pepperdine has done its part to discourage sex on campus. For example, students are required to honor 1 a.m. curfews from all girls and boy dorms. The university urges the principle that God intended sex for ones mate.
The stigma that comes with a purity ring is that those who wear one are no fun, do not ever hang out and do not have relationships. This, however, is not the case. Joe Jonas is currently dating Taylor Swift, while DeHaan has been in a relationship for a couple years.
“I think when you are in a relationship, it is important to express your views on big subjects such as this and set boundaries in the beginning,” DeHaan said. “When your relationship is Christ-centered and built on honesty, respect, commitment and friendship, it is so much more fulfilling and rewarding. Staying pure until marriage is something I feel very passionate about, and I’m so excited to be able to give my whole heart and self to my husband.”
Not all vows are expressed with a ring, it’s about a commitment — it goes farther then the surface level.
Senior Marcus Heffner has a different kind of purity ring. Tattooed on his wedding finger is the word “pure” in Hebrew, which he said reminds himself and others of the daily commitment to save himself for his future wife.
“It’s permanent, so until I get that wedding ring to cover it up, I have to be pure. After that, my girl gets all my loving.” Heffner said.
College is the opportunity for undeniable freedom, but with that comes some responsibility.
09-18-2008