"Promoting Promiscuity"

My mom said she doesn't agree with RENT's message of "sexual promiscuity" and that sort of thing. I've told her it's not a show about sex, it's about living life the the fullest, but she's just not getting it. It's very frustrating. I know it doesn't seem important, but I can't drive over here and the only way I can see RENT is if I can get her to go with me. (The nearest theater that's showing it is 2 hours away). What can I tell her to make her understand??

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She heard La Vie Boheme.

I was surprised, because she's usually so open-minded.

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That's a good idea. :) As for checking the times, I don't even live near a theatre that HAS it - I'm stuck here in Germany. :| So it's drive to Frankfurt or Luxembourg, basically.

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Isn't Rent rated PG or PG-13?

Certainly Mom can buy into that.

And even if it does "promote promiscuity" or anything like that, Rent will not make YOU promiscuious.

And besides, your mother and I are probably roughly the same age. Ask her what it was like to be on the barricades during the sexual revolution!

On second thought, better not.

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Doubt THAT will get your mom to change her mind...lol. There are a lot of colorful things mentioned in La Vie Boheme, but I don't see how it really promotes promiscuity. Maybe if you explain what's going on at that point in the show?

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Updated On: 11/21/05 at 10:31 AM

I can't recall anything about "promiscuity" in La Vie Boheme. The sexual things are all fully capable of being a healthy and vibrant part of a commited relationship. Or are about acceptance of others.
I would quote the song here, but we have that "no lyrics" rule.

The point of the song has nothing to do with sex, at all.

Learing about the bohemian lifestyle and the importance, of truth, love and beauty would be my recomendation.

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too bad the only song (contact) that mentioned latex was cut

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Homosexuality alone (especially male to male) in A LOT of peoples minds equals sex right off the bat. When most people think of 2 men together, unfortunatley the only image that comes to mind is one of explicit sex promiscuity and multiple partners. Its rarely of love, commitment or family. that may be the problem alone in this case (unfortunatley).

Updated On: 11/21/05 at 12:22 PM

Drama, I'm of the same generation as your mom,(though there are differences) and maybe I can give you some insight into her concerns and how you might be able to get her to see RENT with you. I'm assuming that you are a fairly young teen, 14 - 16? If that's the case, she's worried about what lessons you're learning about sexuality from the media and the culture. She's afraid that you'll see the characters in RENT as glamorous and that you may want to be like them. She's afraid you'll make mistakes, perhaps mistakes that have profound consequences, such as becoming HIV positive, or getting pregnant. I don't know if you're a boy or a girl. She's afraid of your taking on adult responsibilities too soon.
You told her that the show is about "living life to the fullest." I can understand if she doesn't find that comforting, as it's coming from you.
Actually, the show is about a group of friends who are trying to survive and grow in difficult circumstances. There is sexual activity, but there is - and here is the more important theme - also selfless love, committment and hope. They still dream, and try to make their dreams come true even in the face of poverty and death. You might ask your mom to see the film with you and then talk to you about it - her concerns and yours. These themes are universal, and I guarantee she will understand these themes. Let her know that the action of the show takes place in the 1980's and the characters are also products of their time. The choices they make will not necessarily be the choices YOU make. Let her know that your desire to see the film is not a total rejection of the lessons she's tried to teach you. If you don't whine or brow-beat her, she may come around if you show her you are reasonable and responsible, too.
Good luck. I'm looking forward to seeing RENT myself.

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Thanks, Flahooley.

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ur mom doesn't seem too open minded to me, dramaparox

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its probably the gay issues folks disguised by "promoting promiscuity! most moms and dads aint havin it!

sweety. are u kidding? wake up itno the real world. please. cuz clearly u are asleep. i dont knwo what plant u are on..but this is AMERICA!! and the majority of america is BIBLE BELT!!!!

totally agree with ozone: "Homosexuality alone (especially male to male) in A LOT of peoples minds equals sex right off the bat. When most people think of 2 men together, unfortunatley the only image that comes to mind is one of explicit sex promiscuity and multiple partners. Its rarely of love, commitment or family. that may be the problem alone in this case (unfortunatley). "

Updated On: 11/21/05 at 04:50 PM