Mark Morford was telling me this morning all about something that he thinks is the most sex-positive thing to happen in simply ages.
The news is simple. Amazon sells sex toys. (Okay, that’s not exactly news. But I love his take on it.)
What a wonderful message this sends. What a desperately needed notion for a sex-starved and deeply misinformed, orgasmically uncertain nation. It is this: Sex and the heavenly toys that enhance and enliven it need not be some secret ugly thing, hidden, hesitant, embarrassing, separate from your “regular” life.
I have to agree. People’s shame about this is so patently ridiculous and backward and so not in the direction we need to go. Sex is normal. Masturbation is normal. Getting lubed up and trying a new buzzing sex toy is not only normal but wonderful and if you haven’t done it lately then why not? There are days when I feel we need billboards proclaiming this from sea to shining sea. Full-page ads in the NY Times. That sort of thing.
However, I will say that I’m also nervous. Nervous that the reason Amazon still carries this stuff isn’t because they’re committed to this concept but because no major right-wingers have freaked on their heads yet. Not to say that I don’t think that Amazon is a clever company – I do, and they have many, many of my dollars to prove it – but I also think they’re a company, a big one, and I’ve yet to see a big company stand up to the kind of right-wing close-your-knees sex-is-only-for-procreation (in the dark, with clothes still on) publicity wheel that can get grinding when someone who says they’re about family but clearly doesn’t believe in the act that CAUSES them decides to Protect Our Values and Our Children.
Time will tell, I suppose. I hope Amazon’s got the spine and the internal commitment to stand up to this kind of attack (because you know it will come. you know you do.).
In the meantime, go! Buy a new battery vibe (702 products) or lube (2941 products) already!
(2941 different species of lube? Really?)
I’ve got to say that I agree with having a positive response to Amazon’s products, but I have to also say that I somewhat disagree with the worry over right-wingers. I myself am a conservative right-wing Christian, but in no way to I feel that sex is an in the dark with the clothes on kind of experience. I happen to believe that sex is to be within the confines of marriage, but I’m not forcing that on anyone, but to think that sex toys and a variety of other pleasurable products and experiences are wrong is against my belief system to the very core. I do think procreation is a wonderful result of sex, but that’s not the only reason it exists. What two people do in their sexual relationship is up to them. Embrace a variety! Be open about your sexuality! Communicate with your partner and live out your fantasies! I think that is a message that right-wingers should be more open to. For this right-winger at least it’s been a liberating discovery that my sex life should be exciting and explorative and it in no way vilolates my faith or belief system. It actually enhances it. Great site, love enjoying your stories! Keep them coming we erotica readers enjoy the online experience.
I agree with your take on this subject, but I have to ask … 2941 different kinds of lube?!?
So how come is it the pharmacy only offers 3?? š
Kat