Society and Men's obsession with virginity is not something that we all are unaware of. Women's morality is often judged based on whether she is a virgin or not. Morality should not be judged based on one's sex life and the ideal of purity should not be forced upon young women. Jessica Valenti in her book, The Purity Myth speaks out against this issue and takes on the virginity movement. She argues that it's high time we dissociate female morality and sexuality.

Why should sexual abstinence define how a woman is perceived by others? By losing one's virginity a girl is made to believe that she is no longer pure. Daughters are taught to keep the family name intact by not engaging in any activity that may tarnish her character. The media and the society have played a huge role in promoting this chastity myth. There are even purity groups on popular social networking sites like Facebook that urge girls to "save it." While a man may do as he pleases, a woman is subject to pressure from people who care, to abstain and remain pure. Intercourse has always meant one thing for men and quite another for women. Women are easily classified as sluts and whores the minute they engage in anything the society considers as 'wrong' for women. The double standards of society are not the easiest to live with. How can having sex make a woman dirty? Is abstinence really the answer to this issue?

The worst part of it all is when the sexual history of a rape victim is questioned. Instead of prompt justice, which a victim rightfully deserves, she is questioned about her past sexual encounters. Promiscuity is not looked upon favourably by the jury and the fact that she has had consensual sex before may put her at fault somehow. It is in situations like these when we realize how wrong things can be. In some cases, young brides have to undergo medical treatment to clear the virginity test. Failure to pass the test may result in isolation and make the woman a social outcast.

The modern society needs to wake up and women need to realize that their worth cannot be measured by an intact hymen. We need to stop subjecting women through such humiliation and not fuss over their sex life. We have to let go of our obsession with the young and virgin bride. The absurdity and the debates related with the issue certainly need to end.

Team MSN She