I believe that sexual deviation is a culturally dependent concept created by society as means of achieving people’s conformity to ridiculously narrow-minded and superstitious restrictions. Heterosexual coitus intercourse is not mandated by human biology, and besides being the method for reproductions may not be the ideal option for everyone.
The most intriguing aspect of sex has got to be sexual deviation; it could be that this is the testosterone speaking, but the variety of optional tastes that human being seem to be aroused by is unbelievable considering that the purpose of sexual attraction and intercourse is so distinctly crucial for the survival of the species. Presumably, unlike animals, survival is not the issue for mankind; we seem to be the only creature that is theoretically active all year long. Sexual deviation, such a negative term! Perversion is also a bad connotative cue, but can one really blame anyone for being able to exclaim, “I did it my way”?
A common definition of sexual deviation my leave many pleasurable pass-time activities out in the cold. “Any sexual behavior regarded as abnormal by society. Any sexual behavior regarded as abnormal by society. The deviation may relate to the sexual object (as in fetishism) or the activity engaged in (for example, sadism and exhibitionism). The activity is sexually pleasurable.” (Concise Medical Dictionary). The first part of this definition implies that normal sexual arousal is culturally set concept. “While human sexual tastes are extremely broad, life in society places limits on them” (Alloy at el). It is sufficient to view what was thought of as deviant only a few decades ago in comparison to today’s view to understand the effect of culture on what is considered normal. Another way to see how subjective the term is would be to study its scope in other cultures; our culture is soon exposed as relatively sexually oppressive, restricting anything that is out of the very narrow norm. “Compared to other cultures, western culture has been sexually repressive... most present day dominations still place restrictions on sexual activities that circumvent or replace coitus, or penile-vaginal intercourse, within the context of marriage”(Alloy at el). The psychological definition does not show more stability over time. “In psychology, sexual behavior deemed pathological by its deviation from “normal” sexual desire. The definition of sexual perversion has shifted considerably over time: indeed, it has never been an uncontested category of meaning. For example, homosexual desire has long been stigmatized as sexual perversion among many segments of Western society (and remains so among some), but within the field of psychology, it is no longer considered pathological”( The Columbia Encyclopedia).
Not all perversions are conceived as actual crimes, but all are considered to be un-natural and hazardous to one’s social status if not their soul. “Some sexual patterns’ such as child molesting are designated as crimes. A number of other sexual behaviors (e.g. cross-dressing), while they involve no harm to others, nevertheless transgress social norms and are therefore considered psychological disorders, in the eyes of many people, shameful disorders”(Alloy at el). Assuming arousal stays in the fantasy state (how frustrating), no crime is committed, even dreams of molesting children are harmless unless executed; the problem is that in some cases the drive is stronger than reason and culture and then intervention in needed. Therapy can be used to help the patients deal with their deviation on many optional levels. “The definition of what is normal varies with different cultures, and treatment is appropriate only when the deviation causes suffering. Some people may find that counseling helps them to adjust to their deviation. Others may wish for treatment to change the deviation: aversion therapy may be used, also conditioning normal sexual fantasies to pleasurable behavior. The only helpful effect of drugs is to reduce sexual drive generally” (Concise Medical Dictionary).
Most authorities would define “Normal” sex along the lines of being non-destructive, consensual interplay between two adults. Lets examine this definition; two consenting adults must be a step in the right direction, since no one wants to have his children or possibly himself sexually attacked by a “normal” sexual partner. Although destructive sex may sound appealing to some people, for legal reasons, and for the sake of maintaining a definition that suits most of the population, it is a necessary addition. I would personally like to add the obvious addition of whatever is overall most pleasurable for all participants. It should not be assumed that since reproduction is achieved in a certain way that all other ways are unholy. Since sex is used for more than survival of the species, it is more likely that the norm should be whatever feels right and does not harm anyone. It is sad to think that centuries of people had to use only one position with no variations because it was proper. “…there is little to indicate that human beings are programmed biologically to confine their sexual gratification to coitus. On the contrary, while the sex drive itself is inborn, the direction that it will take is partly a result of socialization”(Alloy at el).
I would advise all that practice sex for other purposes than reproduction to leave society out of the bedroom, or the kitchen for that matter that way no explanations are need, and neither is guilt, or remorse. What consenting adults wish to do with their spare time is their own affair, especially if it is a gesture of love on their part and fun; it is no one’s business but your own.
References
Alloy, L. B. at el. (1999). Abnormal psychology, Current Perspective. Boston: McGraw-Hill College. 8th edition.
Concise Medical Dictionary, Oxford University Press, © Market House Books Ltd 1998
The Columbia Encyclopedia, (2001). Perversion, Sexual. Columbia UP. Sixth Edition.
