Deck 16: Varieties of Sexual Expression

Question 1

How do you decide whether a sexual behavior is "normal"? What is your definition of "typical" sexual activity, and where do you draw the line for yourself?

Answer 1

Sexual behavior can be considered normal if it occurs with mutual consent from the individuals involved. Also, normal sexual behavior does not induce discomfort or undue pain to the individuals involved.
Abnormal sexual behaviors include paraphilias which can lead to harmful or destructive acts. Such abnormal sexual behavior reflects an altered psychological state in persons indulging in such activities.

Question 2

Do you think people should be allowed to engage in any sexual behaviors they choose, as long as they don't hurt anyone? Explain.

Answer 2

Normal sexual behavior occurs with mutual consent from the individuals involved and also one which does not induce discomfort or undue pain to the individuals involved.
Hence, sexual behaviors that are safe and also those which have the mutual consent of individuals involved can be allowed. However, sexual activities without mutual consent even though they cause no apparent harm should be discouraged.

Question 3

If the majority of people feel that Kiki's behavior (described in the chapter opening story) is distasteful, perverted, or abnormal, should we as a society make her stop doing it? Do you think she is sick? Should she stop engaging in such behaviors? Why or why not?

Answer 3

Kiki's condition is a rare phenomenon and very few individuals are prone to the type of affliction as described. Majority of people consider Kiki's condition as abnormal due to the extremes of practices involved.
Kiki, however, is comfortable with her behavior and in fact obtains intense pleasure from the activities as described. She is aware of her limits and also ensures that individuals participating in her sexual acts are aware of the limits as well. Hence, she should not be stopped from her behavior as it is normal and safe for her.

Question 4

Which theory do you think best explains why a paraphilia might develop? What aspects of this theory make the most sense to you? Why?

Question 5

Suppose that tonight when you are walking by yourself, you are approached by a middleaged man who flashes you and begins stroking his erect penis. What do you think you would be thinking as he stands in front of you stroking his penis? What do you do? Whom do you tell?

Question 6

Do you think a pedophile's address and photograph should be made public so that neighbors can be aware of his or her crimes against young children? How long should this information be listed? For 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? The rest of the person's life? Explain.