To: jpmac who wrote (29143 ) 6/17/1999 10:35:00 AM From: nihil Respond to
I think that many people rationalize circumcision as prevention of masturbation. Marilyn French in The War Against describes how until recently many American physicians cauterized, excised, or (watch it now) pulled clitorises out with pliers to prevent girls from masturbating. Many parents threaten to cut off their sons' pensises if they continue to play with them causing castration anxiety according to Freud. My young sons played with themselves at every opportunity (and probably still do). But we told them that it bothered some other people, so they should try to do it in privacy. Diapers are a real obstacle to masturbation, and keeping boys clad in them helps prevent masturbation (Depends work too on older guys). I think pants or trousers have the same purpose. No underwear and a hole in your pocket facilitates the activity. I was amazed at how many boys masturbated under the desks. (Always too shy myself).
