What is the meaning of life?

Just kidding. We are not going to address that at all.

The real question is why I’ve titled this blog “Sex, Drugs, and Rap.”  Despite the risk of being misidentified as Miley Cyrus (hey girl!), I strongly believe that a blog on these 3 topics will be a public health journey — and here’s why:

Sex: I currently coordinate the Condom Club at The Ohio State University, and I have a strong passion for sexual health education among adolescents and young adults.  I spend a lot of time listening to Trojan’s hold music.  This blog will feature my thoughts about everything from abstinence-only education to anal sex.  If you’re comfortable with all of that, great. Stick around.  If you’re already uncomfortable, definitely stick around.

Drugs: About a year ago, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my best friends and colleagues, Sarah Nerad.  Sarah has been in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction for the last 6+ years, and she inspires everyone that she meets.  Her story changed my perspective on addiction, and I hope that this blog will challenge your perspectives, as well.

Rap:   The grown-ups of America shun rap and hip-hop because of its objectification of women (check), its frequent references to violence (check), and its not-so-subtle drug and alcohol references (check-check).   But my big kid knowledge conflicts with my nostalgia.  In other words, Lil’ Jon reminds me of riding the school bus.  Consequently, a dissonance between hating and loving rap has emerged in my mind, a dissonance which I plan to explore further in this blog.  If you’re a rap fan, I hope this blog introduces you to the public health problems associated with rap culture.  If you hate rap, I hope that I can introduce you to the innovators, the Tesla’s, the Steve Job’s of rap that fuse brains and beats.  Exhibit A:

Be Well,

KP