Ever wondered how our ancestors got their groove on when it came to self-pleasure? Well, cave paintings may not show ancient explicit scenes of "me time," but our distant relatives, the chimpanzees, have been rocking that solo act for eons (5). With 98% shared DNA, it's safe to say that our primal urges have been around since the beginning of time, and they're here to stay (2)!
As we step back in time, let's explore the fascinating world of ancient self-stimulation. The Egyptians, known for their remarkable contributions to civilization, had a unique take on self-pleasure. They believed that the sun god, Atum, kick-started creation by indulging in a divine round of solo play. Yes, you heard it right! Atum's mighty hand brought forth the first pair of souls, Shu and Tefnut (9). Talk about a heavenly hand!
Meanwhile, the Sumerians weren't shy about celebrating self-pleasure either. The Mesopotamian god Enki had no qualms about giving himself a little love. Legend has it that his powerful ejaculation filled the Tigris River with flowing water (7). Now that's what I call making a splash!
But as we venture further into history, we stumble upon the darker side of self-pleasure—the condemnation that has haunted pleasure-seekers for ages. In the 19th century, self-pleasure became the scapegoat for both physical and mental ailments. In the minds of prominent figures in the medical, scientific, philosophical, and religious communities, masturbation was to blame for everything from insanity to vision problems (3). What a guilt trip!
The fear of self-pleasure reached such heights that people went to extreme lengths to prevent it. Mechanical restraints and physical discipline were all part of the anti-masturbation crusade (1). It seemed like society was more obsessed with stopping the solo symphony than encouraging a healthy exploration of oneself. Ah, the lengths people went to suppress their urges. Thankfully, we've come a long way since then, and society now recognizes the importance of a little self-love and sexual exploration.
As we entered the 20th century, attitudes towards masturbation started to shift. People within the medical community began questioning the long-held beliefs linking masturbation to various psychiatric and medical issues. The Kinsey Report played a significant role in demystifying masturbation. It revealed that the act was prevalent across all demographics in North America—no one was exempt, regardless of age, gender, race, or social class (4). Suddenly, it became clear that self-love wasn't just reserved for a select few; it was a universal phenomenon.
In 1966, Masters & Johnson added to the liberation movement by confirming that masturbation was the most common form of sexual activity among humans. They shattered the barriers of taboo, showing that exploring one's own body was not only natural but also essential for sexual well-being (8). With increased discussions about sex and a more progressive social outlook, the notion that self-stimulation was harmful started to fade away faster than a foregasm.
Fast forward to today, and it's widely accepted in the medical community that masturbation is a normal and healthy practice that transcends age groups. Masturbation is recognized as an integral part of human sexuality. Yet despite this growing acceptance, discussing and openly embracing masturbation remains a social taboo in many societies. Former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elder, for instance, found herself dismissed by President Clinton in 1994 for suggesting that masturbation should be a topic of conversation and education (6). It seems we still have a way to go before we fully embrace and celebrate the positive aspects of self-pleasure.
But fear not, fellow self-lovers! The tides are turning, and with each passing day, we're inching closer to a world where masturbation is met with openness and understanding. So, let's continue to break down the walls of stigma, one pleasurable moment at a time! Masturbation is finally seen as a natural and healthy part of human sexuality, so let's celebrate the freedom to indulge in a little self-pleasure, without the need for cages or spiky contraptions…unless you’re into that sort of thing ;) Give yourself a hand, folks!
Sources:
- Charleston, LJ. “You Won’t Believe What This Device Is For.” NZ Herald, 23 Sept. 2020, www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/the-brutal-anti-masturbation-devices-of-the-victorian-era/BA3ABBTE2RP3LBY7BOEKHYKVMI/.
- “Comparing Chimp, Bonobo and Human DNA: AMNH.” American Museum of Natural History, www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/human-origins/understanding-our-past/dna-comparing-humans-and-chimps#:~:text=But%20for%20a%20clear%20understanding,%2D%2Dand%20yet%20so%20different%3F. Accessed 9 June 2023.
- Jodie. “Why Was Masturbation Such a Medical Concern in the 19th Century? .” Jode Bloggs, 24 Apr. 2015, jodebloggs.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/why-was-masturbation-such-a-medical-concern-in-the-19th-century/.
- “Kinsey: Teaching and Research.” PBS, www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/kinsey-teaching-and-research/. Accessed 9 June 2023.
- Klein, Landon. “Masturbation.” Masturbation | Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), carta.anthropogeny.org/moca/topics/masturbation. Accessed 9 June 2023.
- Schonfeld, Zach. “The Surgeon General Fired for Defending Masturbation.” Newsweek, 20 May 2016, www.newsweek.com/remember-time-bill-clinton-fired-his-surgeon-general-encouraging-masturbation-423302.
- “Semen.” Gugology Wiki, hecta-octaksys.fandom.com/wiki/Semen. Accessed 9 June 2023.
- Spector, Dina. “11 Groundbreaking Findings That Changed How WE Think about Sex.” Business Insider, 15 Oct. 2013, www.businessinsider.com/11-findings-that-revolutionized-our-understanding-of-sex-2013-10.
- “The Ancient Egyptian Myth Where the God Atum Created the Universe by Masturbating to Ejaculation: Hadithi Africa.” Hadithi Africa | A Platform for the African Narrative, 31 May 2019, hadithi.africa/the-ancient-egyptian-myth-where-the-god-atum-created-the-universe-by-masturbating-to-ejaculation/.