Lately there has been a big discussion on the net about "What's the New What," segment on NPR. On July 24, 2008 youth's radio Pendarvis Harshaw aired an essay called, "Sex Without Condoms Is The New Engagement Ring," this has brought some truly negative comments to NPR.
Youth Radio's Pendarvis Harshaw says that among his friends, the transition from condoms to no-condoms signifies a lasting commitment.

Listen to his essay and then tell us what you think of this idea by commenting here.

Note: This essay has prompted a heated debate. You can read what other listeners wrote here.

"Jesus, what a pile of useless crap your "what" report is. I listen to NPR for intelligent information not mindless hip-hop MTV sound bites, all puked out with an uneducated speech impediment. The notion that some kid humping without a condom is a grand sign of commitment, love, and responsibility, is laughable. But I'm actually encouraged by the ignorance of the youth described in the "story." It means a bright future for my kids, nephews, and nieces who will have no problem dominating such half-witted masses."

--Kristopher H

This is the worst bastardization of love, commitment and mutual respect I've ever heard. Hopefully, he and his woeful peer group will see their mistake before it's too late. Unprotected sex isn't the new anything; it is the same old self hating, risky behavior.

--Kara D. Parkman

I would have to say some of the comments are people over reacting. The fact that he is saying that they are going to get tested and selecting a different form of birth control is a true sign of maturity and responsibility. I know some people whom are in their late 20ties that refuse to get tested because they don't want to know. I would not view it as the new engagement ring, but I do see it as a big step that many of the people who made negative comments have gone through. Many of whom did not go about it as responsible as this young men is stating. People are trying to say that Pendarvis and NPR are promoting unsafe sex and that's not it at all. He is speaking from his and some of his peers point of view. And let's be real if your educating your children about sex,the pros and cons of it, a 3mintue segment is not going to changing all those years of parenting.