Rev. Charlò Camilleri, O.Carm, Sliema
Condoms as a barrier to communication
Without entering into the debate on condoms use, I should say that Vodafone's explanation of "the rationale behind the campus stunt" in distributing condoms to freshers at University, "as promoting communication, rather than sex on campus", makes me think their intellectual aptitude is low indeed.
The Washington Superintendant of Public Instruction (2008) defines communication "as a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create shared understanding". It is a process that "requires a vast repertoire of skills in intrapersonal and interpersonal processing, listening, observing, speaking, questioning, analysing, and evaluating. Use of these processes is developmental and transfers to all areas of life". It would have been smarter if Vodafone admitted that the stunt was only a question of marketing a "means of communication", namely a particular mobile phone brand.
The appointed publicity agency was bolder in giving credit to common knowledge that offering condoms on campus was meant to "stand out among 50 odd different exhibitors". This we call "managerial process" and not communication. The 2008 edition of Principles of Marketing clearly explains that this process aims at enabling "individuals and groups to obtain what they need and want... marketing is used to create the customer, to keep the customer and to satisfy the customer".
Ironically, to create and promote communication, the bait used to attract by Vodafone is usually defined as "a barrier device" used during sexual intercourse to reduce pregnancy and the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, the condom's primary aim is not to foster communication but "to protect from". It is estimated that worldwide, one in three sexually active young people contract an STD by 24 years of age. Behavioural scientists' findings show that "adolescents are at highest risk for infection because they are more likely to be single, have multiple sex partners, engage in high-risk behaviour, and have higher rates of failure with contraceptive methods". In addition, these studies reveal that "a common negative attitude about condom use is that it is intrusive, that it interrupts the flow of a sexual encounter and that it ruins the sexual mood". So, to promote the condom in the colourful options of "Play Now, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly" is anything but promoting human communication!
Finally, I am still wondering about the campaign twist at the Junior College and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology! What was Vodafone trying to promote when "replacing the (coloured) condoms with coloured lollipops"?
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Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Nov 2nd 2009, 19:33
Why are celibate priests so interested in people's sex lives ? Giving free condoms to people is a good thing, communication or no communication. Why does Rev. Charlo Camilleri and his employer like to butt in people's private lives?
Joe Fenech
Nov 1st 2009, 22:07
We've been going on for months about this condom-at-university issue. All the students need to do is to go to a pharmacy. Stop these revolutions of sorts and get down to your work.
Christian Sciberras
Nov 1st 2009, 21:56
I don't want to defend this priest, nor anyone who'd want to use this "aides".
What I find disgusting is how a company USED this issue to help INCREASE THEIR REVENUES.
It isn't about people having safer sex. Nor about increasing (or decreasing) communication.
It is all about getting money off the poor idiots (albeit serves them right) who make a religion out of this.
I, for one, as a student, would have felt insulted if at my school I was presented with condoms, no matter what they're thinking.
I attend school to increase my understanding of a subject of my interest.
If they wanted to do this, they should have offered this stunt at a meeting about sexual health.
Regards,
Christian Sciberras.
Joe Xuereb
Nov 1st 2009, 13:22
Thank you Stefan Kottman and everybody else of sound mind. That includes you Emma Xerri. Thank you.
Joe Fenech
Nov 1st 2009, 00:15
Certain people seem to be coming directly for the Middle Ages!
Joe Fenech
Nov 1st 2009, 00:12
Vodafone : connecting people (safely) together !!!!!
Stefan Kottmann
Oct 31st 2009, 19:38
Why is it that every time we mention divorce, condoms, alternative lifestyles, etc - a member of the local church is given the spotlight? It is as though the church holds a monopoly on what is right and what is wrong, and as soon as something new happens - such as distributing condoms on campus, our heads immediately turn to the church to search for signs of approval or otherwise. We are constantly being talked down to by the local church, and are constantly seeking its opinion on everything. My theory is that the masses refer to the church for moral guidance because they have been sysematically indoctrinated to do so from a young age. The media, on the other hand, considers the church the only organisation (the business of which is morals) that can be formally addressed on moral issues. Opposing viewpoints are, after all, unorganised, and underrepresented. Ibelieve there is a need in this country for a credible organisation that not only challenges the conservative opinions expressed by the church, but that turns the tables and shouts a little louder. Condoms - because LIFE IS NOW, Charlo Camilleri. But he wouldn't get it...
Emma Xerri
Oct 31st 2009, 16:37
Yes I agree totally reverend. Condoms are a barrier to communication.
The communication of disease and unwanted pregnancies.
Joseph Ellul - Sydney
Oct 31st 2009, 06:07
Last night I was woken up by the screeching of cats fighting in my front yard. This seems to happen on a regular bases but this time I think that Vodafone has hit its target. These cats must have heard about how to use condoms becuase when I went out in the street, guess what I found? Right. A used condom. Now can Vodaphone invent something to shut up these cats while having wild sex in public places.
William P Flynn
Oct 30th 2009, 22:44
@jnebejer
I am not against priests writing about sex they hate (and have always hated) because of their religion but because they want to impose a sexual and living dictatorship.
If I had room I'd explain about the "Modernist Oath" priests take and how Canon 1386.1 disallows any priest even to write this letter without passing it by his bishop; and in turn the bishop up the line involving secret censors. But you can Google these yourself.
We're told god allows humans the benefit of free thought, speech and conscience but not the pope.
Your gynaecologist comparison is an unfortunate one for that discipline requires very much reading followed by very much visual examination and touching right into a woman's body.
Which gynaecologist would have never looked at a woman's body and never touched one?
Do you know any priests who are gynaecologists?
Kenneth Cassar
Oct 30th 2009, 21:28
@ j n ebejer:
Far from being "disrespectful", Phil Humphries makes a very valid point. In his effort to ridicule the Vodafone campaign (is that disrespectful?), the priest made sure that the brand name gets further free exposure.
As for comparing the pleasures of sex (which you have to actually experience to know) to gyneacology, you show that you do not know much about either or both.
Joe Xuereb
Oct 30th 2009, 17:42
2) cont./ Nature, ever so insidious, is about propagation (of the, any, species). It offered a carrot, an incentive. Otherwise no multiplication. People, naturally hedonistic to counter the horror that is life, hijacked the incentive, the pleasure. They turned the pleasure into a sport. Worrying that. Especially when there is no communication with or without a condom. Worrying. But it is our legacy as humans, no way out. Some people may be prepared to heed any advice that highlights the dangers of unbridled promiscuity. But that advice needs to be sound, needs to feel like it could be trusted. And we should all be grateful and sentient that, but for a spark in the eye and a frisson, not one of us would be here. Nature is not only cute. It is very astute.
Joe Xuereb
Oct 30th 2009, 17:27
1) The Reverend Charlo` Camilleri speaks as an expert on matters sexual. May I remind him that he is indeed an expert on sexuality, mainly its prohibition. Rev. I can of course only talk for myself. I have used condoms for near fifty years and still going strong. You make it sound like a guy puts on a condom, no questions asked, no names exchanged. Maybe it happens like that. I am sure it does at times. I was saying: over fifty years of condom use, whether it was with a woman or a man - yes, you read right Rev. Charlo` - the condom was aired AFTER quite a lot of deliberation. Life was at stake after all. And children born out of wedlock is irresponsible (that is your area of expertise I am sure so I won't steal your thunder). To even suggest that condoms somehow replace communication is sweeping indeed. Talking of communication, you of course are experienced in that (I take it you listen to confessions and give penance, and absolve. An enviable coveted situation but somehow, I never made it to the seminary. I was told, not tall enough. econt./
Dr Ing Patrick Attard
Oct 30th 2009, 16:28
Why are condoms so important? http://patrickattard.blogspot.com/2009/05/reason-why-pope-is-wrong-on-condoms.html
Kenneth Cassar
Oct 30th 2009, 15:54
@ Albert Buttigieg: "It seems that everyone here is entitled to have his opinion heard and respected except to Fr.Camilleri and many other silent catholic readers?". Well, the proof of Fr Camilleri's entitlement to have his opinion is in his letter being published. As for the entitlement of others to their own opinions, who's stopping whom from expressing them?
j n ebejer
Oct 30th 2009, 15:22
@phil Humphries Being disrespectful to the priest reflects bad on your kindself, irrespective of the contributer's arguments, which seem to be based on effort from his part to be knowledgable on the matter. @flynn As if a gynecologist would need to be a woman to be a good doctor or anyone writing on the subject not being a religious person, have a knowledgable opinion just because he is not a catholic priest. Write something based on serious studies on human relations phsycological effects of sexual intercourses amongst youngsters - choose non religious sources if that irks you so much - but do not be so rude to be blatently prejudised against someone because he follows a religion.
albert buttigieg
Oct 30th 2009, 15:15
It seems that everyone here is entitled to have his opinion heard and respected except to Fr.Camilleri and many other silent catholic readers? Your way of writing and communicating your 'opinions' are full of anti-clericalism and anti-catholicism
Phil Humphries
Oct 30th 2009, 14:58
What a successful marketing campaign. Vodafone should be grateful to the Reverend Father for giving them yet more brand exposure in the media. Perhaps they should send him a token of their appreciation. Any suggestions ?
Maria Vella
Oct 30th 2009, 14:10
What better communication can there be if not when two people want each other so much so as to decide to make love? I once learnt that this is the closest way two can communicate. At least both are physically present. To my mind it is a better way of communicating than by sending the famous sms or email. Sex is not platonic. It is guarding our youths from the adverse consequences of sex that we need to push through (thus he campaign) not sex itself.
katya micallef
Oct 30th 2009, 12:39
Ha ha william flynn hit the nail right on the head. Everyone has their own beliefs and their own lives and everyone makes their own choices. Live your life and let evryone else live theirs as long as they don't hurt anybody
Charles Sammut
Oct 30th 2009, 12:38
The date of this letter is wrong, should be 30th October 1009.
Sex happens to be a common experience/occurance and protection is not amiss. It is like surfing the internet and using an anti-virus, driving and wearing a seatbelt, shooting heroin and not sharing needles, riding a motorbike and wearing a helmet, working on construction sites and wearing safety boots. None of these precautions are 100% safe, but it is universally considered wise to take them. Nobody takes the attitude of 'In God we trust'.
William P Flynn
Oct 30th 2009, 12:06
You are a catholic priest. I don't know your age, but you are most likely celibate and your next sexual encounter with a woman (if ever) will be your first.
You have never known (and likely never will know) the" moment" when a man and women find sexual magic.
"Behavioural scientists' findings blah blah blah" and "studies reveal that yakkity yak yak" are meaningless. Please save yourself the embarrassment and leave the subject of sex alone. You can't win against it. To a young person, (and some not so young) sex is the beginning and end of everything.
It is none of your business anyway what people do and what sex aids they use. You likely don't know anything about sex except what you read in books. Believe me it's not the same.
As a catholic priest, one shouldn't expect you'd have a good word to say about condoms to save your life, anyway.
Vodafone should have done this promo during the pope's visit. They would have made world headlines.
Chris Finch
Oct 30th 2009, 11:27
Communication can take many forms, verbal, written or non-verbal.
Two people can communicate physically, it is entirely natural to want to do so. And when this physical communication takes place, as the good reverend pointed out by stating ' "a barrier device" used during sexual intercourse to reduce pregnancy and the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases.' it is surely an act of love between the partners that they want to protect each other from possible STD's or unwanted pregnancy.
Come on vodafone, extend the scheme! One free with every top up.
S. Calleja
Oct 30th 2009, 11:03
I didn't get the point of this letter. Vodofone's campaign on campus worked marverlously considering it is still being spoken about today. The reason for this is that in general young adults want to use condoms. And that's good news, since it means that they are becoming more aware of the risks of STDs and unwanted pregnancies.