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Why is the image of the penis so taboo in most cultures? After all, half the world's population has one. The ancient Greeks certainly had no problems with it, given that their art is filled with examples and the Olympics were originally played in the nude. Part of the reason is that many of the world's major religions require some level of modesty. To show one's genitalia in public is considered at best immodest and at worst sinful. This is no doubt because genitals are sexual organs and most religions teach that sex is a private matter that must not be discussed publicly. Of course, simply having genitalia is not inherently sexual but this basic biological fact tends to get overlooked when it comes to discussions of what constitutes immodesty.
Another reason is that, as noted on the main page, most writers have historically been male (as well as straight) and therefore have little interest in depicting something that they view as just another body part. That is, unless NakedPeopleAreFunny is thrown into the mix, in which case the penis is often used as a gag and a fleeting one at that. This is not to say that most media in which penises are seen are written by straight women and gay men. Rather, as the examples on the main page show, the penis is rarely depicted as an object of sexual desire outside of pornography.
Finally, it may simply be that when one is shown a penis, one cannot help but think of sexual activity. Most media depict the penis in its natural state i.e. limp. But it is all too easy to imagine it as erect and that automatically carries with it a sexual connotation. And so, it must be kept out of sight because the human imagination cannot help itself when it comes to sexual matters.
As media becomes more diverse, it will be interesting to see if the penis will remain a largely taboo image or if the stigma will slowly fade away with time. If there ever comes a time when the MaleGaze is no longer seen as the default, will people feel more comfortable with the depiction of penises in both sexual and non-sexual contexts? As with most things in life, only time will tell.
Another reason is that, as noted on the main page, most writers have historically been male (as well as straight) and therefore have little interest in depicting something that they view as just another body part. That is, unless NakedPeopleAreFunny is thrown into the mix, in which case the penis is often used as a gag and a fleeting one at that. This is not to say that most media in which penises are seen are written by straight women and gay men. Rather, as the examples on the main page show, the penis is rarely depicted as an object of sexual desire outside of pornography.
Finally, it may simply be that when one is shown a penis, one cannot help but think of sexual activity. Most media depict the penis in its natural state i.e. limp. But it is all too easy to imagine it as erect and that automatically carries with it a sexual connotation. And so, it must be kept out of sight because the human imagination cannot help itself when it comes to sexual matters.
As media becomes more diverse, it will be interesting to see if the penis will remain a largely taboo image or if the stigma will slowly fade away with time. If there ever comes a time when the MaleGaze is no longer seen as the default, will people feel more comfortable with the depiction of penises in both sexual and non-sexual contexts? As with most things in life, only time will tell.
to:
Since then, many of the world's major religions
Additionally, as noted on the main page, most writers have historically been male (as well as straight) and therefore have little interest in depicting something that they view as just another body part. That is, unless NakedPeopleAreFunny is thrown into the mix, in which case the penis is often used as a gag and a fleeting one at that. This is not to say that most media in which penises are seen are written by straight women and gay men. Rather, as the examples on the main page show, the penis is rarely depicted as an object of sexual desire outside of pornography.
Finally, it may simply be that when one is shown a penis, one cannot help but think of sexual activity. Most media depict the penis in its natural state i.e. limp. But it is all too easy to imagine it as erect and that automatically carries with it a sexual connotation.
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Why is the image of the penis so taboo in most cultures? After all, half the world's population has one. The ancient Greeks certainly had no problems with it, given that their art is filled with examples and the Olympics were originally played in the nude. Part of the reason is that many of the world's major religions require some level of modesty. To show one's genitalia in public is considered at best immodest and at worst sinful. This is no doubt because genitals are sexual organs and most religions teach that sex is a private matter that must not be discussed publicly. Of course, simply having genitalia is not inherently sexual but this basic biological fact tends to get overlooked when it comes to discussions of what constitutes immodesty.
Another reason is that, as noted on the main page, most writers have historically been male (as well as straight) and therefore have little interest in depicting something that they view as just another body part. That is, unless NakedPeopleAreFunny is thrown into the mix, in which case the penis is often used as a gag and a fleeting one at that. This is not to say that most media in which penises are seen are written by straight women and gay men. Rather, as the examples on the main page show, the penis is rarely depicted as an object of sexual desire outside of pornography.
Finally, it may simply be that when one is shown a penis, one cannot help but think of sexual activity. Most media depict the penis in its natural state i.e. limp. But it is all too easy to imagine it as erect and that automatically carries with it a sexual connotation. And so, it must be kept out of sight because the human imagination cannot help itself when it comes to sexual matters.
As media becomes more diverse, it will be interesting to see if the penis will remain a largely taboo image or if the stigma will slowly fade away with time. If there ever comes a time when the MaleGaze is no longer seen as the default, will people feel more comfortable with the depiction of penises in both sexual and non-sexual contexts? As with most things in life, only time will tell.
Another reason is that, as noted on the main page, most writers have historically been male (as well as straight) and therefore have little interest in depicting something that they view as just another body part. That is, unless NakedPeopleAreFunny is thrown into the mix, in which case the penis is often used as a gag and a fleeting one at that. This is not to say that most media in which penises are seen are written by straight women and gay men. Rather, as the examples on the main page show, the penis is rarely depicted as an object of sexual desire outside of pornography.
Finally, it may simply be that when one is shown a penis, one cannot help but think of sexual activity. Most media depict the penis in its natural state i.e. limp. But it is all too easy to imagine it as erect and that automatically carries with it a sexual connotation. And so, it must be kept out of sight because the human imagination cannot help itself when it comes to sexual matters.
As media becomes more diverse, it will be interesting to see if the penis will remain a largely taboo image or if the stigma will slowly fade away with time. If there ever comes a time when the MaleGaze is no longer seen as the default, will people feel more comfortable with the depiction of penises in both sexual and non-sexual contexts? As with most things in life, only time will tell.
