12.+Sexual+Fetishes

Sexual Fetishism: The Exploration Behind Human Desires


 * ====Table Of Contents:==== ||  ||
 * ======A. Definition of Sexual fetishes======

A. The discovery of Fetishes

 * 1) ======Tolerance in the past======

B. Fetishes and the Brain

 * 1) ======Origins======
 * 2) ======Genetics======
 * 3) ======Environmental Factors======

C. Other Fetishes

 * 1) ======Inanimate object fetish======
 * 2) ======Body part fetishes======
 * 3) ======Most common fetishes in the U.S======

**IX. References**
||  ||

**Introduction:**
Fetishes were introduced in 1887 by a French psychologist named Alfred Binet, and were defined as a predominant or exclusive sexual [admiration] in an inanimate object (10, 12). When Alfred Binet first introduced fetishes, it was defined as a sexual admiration of an inanimate object. At that time, fetishism was also considered pathological, as in, it was considered a mentally disturbed condition that needed to be treated. As time passed, the definition was extended. For example in 1912 Richard Von Krafft-Ebing referred to fetishism as the admiration of body parts (10).According to the Journal of Sex Research, Anna Lawrence refers to the ICD, which is the international classification of diseases, and defines a fetish as a reliance on some non-living object as a stimulus for sexual arousal and sexual gratification (9).
 * Discovery of the fetish:**

Fetish objects differ in importance to the individual person. In the majority of the cases, they simply serve to increase sexual excitement, which is achieved in ordinary ways. For example, people who have fetishism for items of clothing typically are aroused by having these items worn by people of their preferred sex. People with fetishes will often treat there fetish objects in the same way that any non-fetishistic person would treat their sexual partners. They look for close physical contact; they gaze at them, fondle them, rub against them, suck on them, insert them into body cavities, and even cut them and burn them. If body parts were involved it would be a sub category of fetishes which is not discussed in this essay and is referred to as partialism.

Fetishes can be developed as early as ones childhood. According to Sigmund Freud, fetishism develops in response to castration anxiety during the oedipal phase of development, which typically begins around age five or six in boys (9, 11). Other theorists have argued that fetishism develops in early childhood, prior to the oedipal period. In a report done in the Journal of Sex Research, with forty-eight of the subjects being age twelve or less, they found that most fetishes were aware of their interest before puberty. They observed that for many fetishists, strong pleasurable feelings toward the object develop in childhood, and these feelings were sexually arousing at the beginning of puberty (9).


 * Demographics of the Culture and Society of Fetishes**

If one was to look at the predominant ideals of beauty within a particular society, for example the preference for small feet in Old China, or the Modern Western preference for “perfect breasts”, we as outsiders may look at them as a fetish but the people in that society wont perceive them as a fetish, just merely a normal desire (10). It is said that the average person that responds to bodily features as attractive, have a degree of fetishistic arousal. Arousal of a fetish is generally considered to be a problem only when it interferes with normal sexual functioning or social functioning (10). For example, the desire for lingerie, or women removing body hair. Many Americans experiment with fetishistic behavior, although they do not technically have fetishes According to Dennis Sugrue, a clinical psychologist in Michigan, people are willing to experiment with bondage and other things. Women in particular are more willing to explore fetishistic behavior than men are (11). This does not mean that all women have fetishes but it does mean that these women are more likely to engage in fetishistic behavior than men are.

**Psychological Definition:**
According to the APA DSM-5, a "sexual fetish" is classified as Fetishistic Disorder. This disorder, as described by it's definition is "o// ver a period of at least six months, recurrent and intense sexual arousal from either the use of non-living objects or a highly specific focus on non-genital body part(s), as manifested by fantasies, urges, or behaviors." (DSM-5). // Paraphilia by definition is a condition where the persons sexual arousal and satisfaction depends on fantasizing about and engaging in sexual behavior that is atypical and extreme. This can revolve around a particular object or act. Research shows that Paraphilia is more common in men than in women. The difference between sexual fetishes and Paraphilia is that people who have Paraphilia are dependent on that certain object or act for sexual stimulation (1). Whereas sexual fetishes are an "unusual" turn-on for the person. They can still be aroused by other sexual acts. For example, someone who has an amputee fetish (Acrotomophilia) can still be sexually aroused when faced with other stimulants. However, a Paraphiliac can only be sexually aroused when they are specifically having sex with an amputee (3). This condition is very difficult to live with because the majority of the people suffering wont tell their partner simply because Paraphilias are considered "abnormal" in society.
 * 1) ======** Origins: **Some sexual fetishes can be traced back to an early age. Children are very impresionable and absorb a plethora of information on any given day. It is though that sexual fetishes are the result of environmental factors in early life. There is little research on exactly how genetics influence fetishes and how they are passed down through our DNA (1). The fetishes that form when people are older can be explained by association. If a man sees an attractive woman wearing leg warmers and is aroused by the woman, these leg warmers become a sexual interest through visual association (2). That is not to say that anyone can develop a fetish of any inanimate object. It takes time for a specific object or action to form a sexual fetish for a person. That being said, it is also highly plausible for a person to form a random attraction to an object. It simply cannot be explained and the majority of the time the person cannot pinpoint when his or her fetish began.======
 * Paraphilia: **

**Treatment (4):**

 * 1) **Symptoms:** Early symptoms involve persistant thoughts about the object or action which then progress into physically touching the object or preforming the action to acquire sexual arousal. In extreme cases it becomes a requirement in order to achieve any sexual arousal or satisfaction.
 * 2) **Diagnosis:** If the fetish is causing emotional or physical problems then counseling is required to obtain a history on when and why the patient developed the specific fetish.
 * 3) =====**Treatment:** When fetishes were first discovered shock therapy was used as the primary source of treatment. This was highly unsuccessful. It was then suggested that though therapy reach orgasm through "socially acceptable" stimuli and was much for successful than shock therapy. Today there is no medication available to sure sexual fetishes. Few people seek out therapy for their specific fetish and if they decide the fetish is a problem will usually attempt to stimulate themselves uses those "socially acceptable" stimuli for sexual gratification.=====


 * Types**
 * Most Common**
 * Feet: Feet are seen to most people to be smelly, gross, and only used for a way to get around. Someone with a foot fetish sees the exact opposite and will find feet the sexiest part of the body. It is possible for them to get off on not only touching feet but just the sight of feet. The foot is the most popular body part fetish even compared to boobs and butt (8). this could be because the feet lead to the leg which then leads to the genitalia or that feet are somehow connected to the genitals in our brain. No one is really sure.


 * Shoes: The most popular inanimate object fetish for men is women's shoes. It doesn't matter how many a women has its the style of shoe that gets men going. The excitement comes form the shape of the shoe, how high the heel is, the color, how pointed the toe is, and if it is a boot, how high it comes up on the leg (8). All these factors and then how it looks on the woman can determine the likelihood of someone with a shoe fetish to be sexually satisfied.


 * Leather, Rubber, Latex, Fur: There is something about fabric that can cause someone to become sexually aroused. The feel or how tight it conforms to the body can excite some and there are even clubs dedicated to pleasing this crowd. Leather particularly draws a large crowd and plays a part in bondage and dominatrix type activities.

Some may see sexual fetishism as a mental illness or disorder. Psychologists and scientists continue to try to diagnose it while current society becomes more open to it. When asked to comment your thoughts on sexual fetishism many people responded positively such as Jesse from Denver Colorado saying, "Mentally ill? Lighten up America!!! Fetishes are nothing new. It never ceases to amaze me just how tight a strangle hold our puritanical beginnings still have around the necks of self expression in this country. Why does any strange or different form of sexual self expression have to be demonized to the point of suggesting that one might be mentally ill if one participates? If you are not harming someone or forcing someone to do something against their will then I see nothing wrong with a little kinky self expression amongst friends (7)." As people become more sexually open the issue becomes less of a threat to those who seemed to question the subject before. Although it has become more accepted in the American society, within the fetishist society they still maintain an etiquette and a sense of privacy (5). Many of those who do practice a fetish have to keep it to themselves or only share with others within the fetish community. Their jobs are at stake otherwise and you would be surprised by the amount of professionals and CEO's that have a fetish outside of their work life.
 * Today's** **Outlook**
 * Society**

Many fetish conventions are held throughout the world. Some are specific to one fetish while others accept all fetish types. People from different parts of the country or different parts of the world will flock to these conventions to take part in social events. One of those conventions is "FetishCon" which accommodates several fetishes but you can see mainly bondage (5). At conventions like this they hold trade shows and classes.Just imagine a Star Trek convention with a sexual flair to it. Like any convention, it is a great place to meet people who can relate to what you're into to as well as learn. These gatherings help those with fetishes feel free to express themselves.
 * Social Networking**
 * Conventions**

The internet is home to thousands of websites that accommodate any kind of fetish you can think of. If you find it strange to be sexually stimulated by popping balloons just type in "Balloon Fetish" into the search bars and you can find websites full of photos, videos, and chat rooms pertaining to whatever tickles your fancy. These websites are also ways to connect with others that have the same fetish. People have been known to also date through these sites, being able to happily share their fetish with someone else that understands. The fetish market continues to grow on the internet making more things available to purchase or view as more people begin to explore their sexuality.
 * Internet**


 * Pornography**

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported fetishes in relation to the rise of internet and television use. Some say that the rise of pornography is causing more and more people to develop fetishes because they are able to see literally anything they want to see on the internet(2). Whereas 20 years ago people were forced to form attractions to their lover or crush based on what attracted them to that person. Back then, there was no sexting or phone sex because it did not exist. With new technology comes new curiosity and a willingness to explore ones sexual desires. When looking at a sexy picture no longer gets the job done, it is natural to look for something more attractive and different. By developing these new attractions people are creating new and strange fetishes (1). There are hundreds of porn channels exposing new and erotic ideas that millions of people view everyday. With new porn developments comes new fetish possibilities.

1. http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Sex%20and%20GID%20Lit%20Reviews/Paraphilias/KAFKADSM2.pdf 2. http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/paraphilia-dictionary.htm 3. http://www.dsm5.org/proposedrevision/pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=191 4. http://www.psychologistanywhereanytime.com/sexual_problems_pyschologist/psychologist_paraphilias_list.htm 5. Alexander, Brian. "All Dressed up in Latex and Dog Collars" //Msnbc.com//. 27 Oct. 2006. Web. 01 Nov. 2011.  6. Friedman, Emily. "People With Fetishes Aroused by Everything From Feet to Sneezes." //ABCNews.com//. 28 Oct. 2009. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. . 7. "Fetishists Aren't Freaks, (most) Readers Say." //Msnbc.com//. 11 Feb. 2006. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. . 8. Layton, Julia. "Discovery Health "5 Most Common Fetishes"" //Discovery Health "Health Guides"// 2011. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. [] 9. Lawrence, Anne A. "Erotic Target Location Errors: An Underappreciated Paraphilic Dimension." //Journal Of Sex Research// 46.2/3 (2009): 194-215. //Academic Search Premier//. Web. 4 Nov. 2011. (196) 10.Metcalfe, Luke. “Sexual Fetishism”. Nationmaster.com. 2003. 11."Once taboo, fetishes now flourishing." //Contemporary Sexuality// 35.7 (2001): 9. //Academic Search Premier//. Ebsco. Web. 28 Oct. 2011. 12. Weinberg, Martin S., Colin J. Williams, and Cassandra Calhan. “If the Shoe Fits…”: Exploring Male Homosexual Foot Fetishism.” //Journal of Sex Research// 32.1 (1995): 17-27. Academic Search Premier. Ebsco. Web. 2 Oct. 2011.
 * References:**