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The Pendulum OPINION Thursday, March 1, 2006 • Page 9 Olympic Controversy Women’s curling calendar exposed. p. 10 OPINION Letters to the Editor Issues concerning the student body. p. 11 This weekly column will give insight into the revelations of four Elon students emerged in foreign cultures us they study abroad BROADSABROAD Micheile Goshen Columnist El Sexo. Sex. In Argentina, there are several written and unwritten laws con cerning sex. No sex in the streets, no sex in the park, no sex in cars, no sex in the dorm and no sex in the house. What is the Argentinean attitude towards sex, and where does a city of 3 million go to do the deed when there are all these rules of conduct? The Argentinean culture differs from the United States^ in the simple fact that the Argentinean people do not think of sex as a taboo subject matter. People here are open about their sexual ity and it is understood that most people have an active sex life. In the United States, one's sex life may be shared with a few close friends, but mostly it is a private matter. I feel that although many of us have indulged in a Cosmopolitan magazine or in TV shows such as *Talk Sex with Sue,” or “Sex and the City,” for the most part it is not a topic often discussed among families or strangers. Now understand, Argentineans are not screaming about their sex lives from the street comer, but rather it is a more common topic of conversation and does not have the negative associations that can be found in the United States. Women here who have very active sex lives are not looked down upon, but rather it is understood that it is a nonnai human act. Women seem to be idolized for their sex uality and there appear to be less double standards. Men here are more forward and all people am much more demonstrative. Additionally, public displays of affection are widespread, intense and highly praised. In the U.S., it is rare to see most couples doing more than holding hands or sharing a few kisses in public. Here, young couples can be found everywhere, especially in the parks, embracing passionately. Although clothed, little is left to the imagination. The best way to describe these actions is to pretend as if you are watching the final act of a tango performance, and the man has dipped the woman. Now, add some passionate groping and making out and you’ve got the image. ! don’t find it overbearing, but instead, I sort of admire it I adnouire the people- being forward and open about their sexual ity and not hiding their emotions. Maybe we should try more of this In the United States and see what happens? ‘Although passionate make-out sessions are allowed in the parks, where do these couples go to have some privacy? In Argentuia, it is considered inappropri ate to have sex in one’s home, or in las res- idencias. Instead, if Argentineans are feel ing the romance, they head to Los Telos. A Telo is a place similar to a hotel, but its only purpose is to serve as an escape fit)m the rest of the city for a rendezvous. Los Telos can be found around the city and are easy to access. To use Los Telos, one pays a small fee to rent a room for two hours, five hours, or for the night. Some telos are nicer than others and include such features as music, themes and Jacuzzis. Confused? They pay money to go have sex? It’s true, but it^s not at all viewed as a negative thing. It is not prostitution or going to a trashy motel—it is common and accept able. It is a part of the culture. The purpose of Los Telos is first, to make money in a country that is still resurfacing from an economic crisis. Second, it serves to provide an intimate atmosphere for you and your significant other, Los Telos is an interesting concept— like a hotel, but a bit different, it is a place for intimacy and enjoyment. Contact Michelle Goshen at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247, My hero: A true inspiration at Elon Jonathan Fiedler Columnist Everyone walking this earth is special and unique in many ways. We all have attributes that are admirable and noteworthy. However, in this wonderful walk we call life, there are some people who live extraordinary lives of character. I met junior Chris Hendricks within the first few months that I arrived at Elon. I liked him instantly. Hendricks was in the weight room, his usual hideaway, as he continued to train with amazing conviction. When I saw him continue to strive toward his goals despite his physical limitations, I knew that Hendricks pos sessed one of the strongest wills of courage I had seen on this campus. '"iiendricks^hais cerebral'palsy, a term" ''Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.'' -From the motion picture ''Braveheart'' *'No bird soars too high, if it flies with its own wings.''-William Blake ''Courage is sustained by calling up anew the vision of the goal."-A.G. Sertillanges used to describe a group of chronic con ditions affecting body movements and muscle coordination caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development or during infancy. Approximately 500,000 people in this country have some degree of cerebral palsy. Chris does not let his condition get in the way of his hopes and dreams. He has set a lofty goal of being the first Navy seal with cerebral palsy. If the merit of Navy seal was deter mined by the strength of the human spir- it7 f believethat Hendricks will not only become the first Navy seal with this con dition, but that he will also break the records of all abilities along this road to excellence. During Hendricks’ freshman year at Elon, he decided to break the record in the Swim to Florida competition here on campus. After months of eight-hour days in the pool, Hendricks became the all-time record holder in this endurance event by swimming 18,002 laps. If everyone at Elon had a fraction of the valor and determination that Chris has, Elon would reach ultimate pinna cles among the nation in all fields of life we have" yet to see. We are in the presence of a legendary being. Never give up on your hopes my friends, and watch the star dust trail you as you shoot across the sky. A lesson is to be learned by all of us in the accomplishments and dedications of Chris Hendricks. It is that we should all have faith and courage. But most importantly, never give up on your hopes and dreams. If you work hard and believe, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Contact Jonathan Fiedler at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.
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