Today’s Daily Tar Heel examined the issue of sex on campus. Reading this article about the hook-up culture reminded me of a column I read a few days ago about one “old-fashioned” person’s view toward students hooking up in a college town in China. An excerpt:

In late February, someone in Xianlin posted a notice, titled “A letter to college students who rent rooms with dates”, and it went like this:

“For a flash of pleasure, you have failed the expectations of your parents and teachers, and have failed to live up to be role models. You have passionate kisses by the roadside, in buses; you walk hand in hand into this neighborhood. Here’s my advice to you:

Young students should develop correct morals, have dignity and self-love and strength. You should do what a student is supposed to do. You should have lofty ideals and a correct mode of thinking. Don’t waste your education and a life of happiness because of immature romance.

We sincerely plead that female students resist the illusory temptations and male students don’t use up your future happiness on ephemeral and shallow pleasures. If you love each other, please respect each other!

The bottom line of morality should be upheld by both sides!

We also caution the renters that you must love these kids. If they were your own children, would you want to see them walk into the rooms? Don’t give them a hot bed for their foolish impulses for the sake of petty profits!”

The letter was signed: Parents, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters who want to see you grow up, make progress and be happy.

Read the column to see the columnist’s take on the note. I think the two articles provide a good contrast of the two cultures’ views on sex. Being familiar with Chinese culture, I can say that the letter writer’s views, while old-fashioned, aren’t exactly pit-preacherly when compared to the customary Chinese view on sex. Even the columnist’s more modern sensibilities probably come off as kind of conservative when compared to the American take on the subject.

Speaking of sex and China, if you haven’t already, go check out Sexy Beijing. It’s a bit like Sex and the City, except it’s in China, it’s real, and it’s hilarious. It’s a lighthearted yet informative look at Chinese culture, centering around matters of love. Here’s a look at one episode: