Author: "We Were Never Virgins"

Author Jessica Valenti appeared on the Today Show, this morning to discuss her book The Purity Myth. Railing against things such as purity balls and abstinence-only sex education programs, Valenti argues women are being given unrealistic expectations when it comes to sex. Valenti also mentions that there is no such thing as virginity.

Yes, we know what you're thinking. And, yes, Susan Boyle should be happy about this news.

In any case, the book argues that teen girls are being taught that their morality comes from sex, while males' ethical actions have nothing to do with sex. Furthermore, because virginity is held in such a high regard in society, Valenti believes girls are led to either choose to have no sex, or to have a lot of sex.

Valenti writes:

A combination of forces — our media- and society-driven virginity fetish, an increase in abstinence-only education, and the strategic political rollback of women’s rights among the primary culprits — has created a juggernaut of unrealistic sexual expectations for young women. Unable to live up to the ideal of purity that’s forced upon them in one aspect of their lives, many young women are choosing the hypersexualized alternative that’s offered to them everywhere else as the easier — and more attractive — option.

Valenti also points out the mistaken perception of certain products. Instead of seeing sexy school girl costumes and Disney pop stars as promoting sex, Valenti believes they fetishize youth and virginity. She argues that by doing so, society is fantasizing about girls and ignoring real women.

Really? Mylie Cyrus isn't a real woman? We're shocked.