Sexting sends the wrong message By Karen Sanchez I wonder what goes through a teen's mind when taking a racy picture and sending it to someone else, like their partner. I come from a very strict family that is based on morals and never would I dare to do such a thing. The question is, would you rather be accepted for your external beauty or your internal beauty? An NBC News poll found that one out of five teens does sexting. Also, 11 percent of girls ages 13 to 16 have texted a nude picture of themselves, according to the poll. I do not criticize those who do sexting. Only they know what goes on in their minds when doing it. From my perspective, I believe many girls take nude or semi-nude pictures to show that they are cute, feel sexy or simply to impress their boyfriend. But I wonder why they don't think of the aftermath. There are many situations in which girls have sent a racy picture of themselves to a boyfriend, who has sent it to other people, setting off a stressful situation. Imagine the major embarrassment for that young teenager. Her life could have a whole different outcome. Although it was her choice to trust her boyfriend with an intimate photograph, it was not up to him to share it with others, because he would be invading her privacy. We are in the 21st century, but people still treat and judge girls with higher standards than boys. If there is one thing I cannot stand, it's the looks of people just shadowing me. And if I was stared at for some racy pictures, that would be the cherry on top of a humiliating and shameful experience. It is not worth sending some racy picture for whatever reason, because there is always that risk of the picture being spread. Your reputation can be trashed-- more especially if you were considered to be a well-behaved person. There is a possibility that boys will not take you seriously, but rather as a joke. One of the main morals I learned from my parents was: "Para tener respeto, tienes que darte a respetar" (To get respect, you have to respect yourself). I have always kept that on my mind and all I know is that a life with tranquility is better than a life with disharmony. Unfortunately, the consequences of sexting are serious. In one case, a teenage girl who sexted committed suicide because of the life she faced after the original nude picture was forwarded 400 times to students at four different schools. The girl, Jessica Logan, was harassed with despicable names and in the end she couldn't take it anymore and took her own life at the age of 18. This is what I mean: It is not worth sexting to get a boy's attention. Think about the possibility of the picture being posted on the Internet, which has happened. Once it is there, the chance of finding the person responsible is slight. Still, the picture you thought was cute or funny is already posted on the Internet for everyone to see, and for you to deal with. I am against the whole idea of sexting not only because it is stupid, but it does not bring anything positive. The teen who receives the racy picture as well as the teen who took the picture can both be charged with pornography. Despite the fact that charges have been filed on sexting, prosecutors are now debating whether it is the best way to handle it, authorities say. The goal is to make teens understand it's wrong. Although I do not agree with all penalties, I do support several because it seems it's the only way for teens to learn that sexting is not right. Many convicted teens face jail, but most negotiate their way out. Either they pay their bail, accept probation and are listed in the register of sex offenders or agree to have their cell phones confiscated and be under supervision when using the Internet for months. There are better strategies to get a guy interested in you than just for your sexual appearance, which can lead to major consequences including loss of trust, criticism, invasion of privacy and a whole life change. Sexting is a waste of a time when it is just to try to catch a guy's attention in that manner of vulgarity. Instead, show you deserve something better than some self-seeking boys, trash-talking girls and that you are worthy of respect. • • • Vox is the newspaper of the 2009 CCNMA-San Diego Multicultural Journalism Workshop. Return to index | See also: Vox on Blogspot