Is your sex life normal?

Sexologist Yvonne. K. Fulbright (pictured left) blazes a trail of inquiry as to the sexual habits of Americans in an article entitled `Is your sex life normal?' Is there such a thing as normality within human sexual expressions given the fact that what may be considered freaky, kinky, bizarre, abnormal, weird and or downright disturbing to some may be entirely acceptable or dare I say it `normal' to some, whilst others could not even imagine such acts. It's really a question to the extent that an individual or couple will go to sexually gratify themselves. Personally I believe such extremes are only healthy as long as both individuals fully endorse and are in agreement with such actions and the other being that no physical and or mental harm arises because of such actions.

Throughout the ages humans have been torn by two forces, firstly their own internal natural drives and needs to express themselves fully and the external so called `social values' to be conformed to. External pressures then where usually forced upon us by religious doctrines through the ages. Out of these doctrines arose many accepted myths and beliefs which where perpetuated by the church and it's leaders to keep us in line.

There have been many individuals in history who have attempted to liberate us by setting the records straight. One such was the now legendary 18th century French aristocrat Donatien Alphonse-François de Sade, better known as the Marquis De Sade. Clearly in his day he was persecuted for many of his writings, which resulted in his enforced 32 year imprisonment. However if anyone (dares to) take the time and read say the classic `Justine' for example De Sade was merely holding the `mirror of contempt' to the established order of the day and revealing their so called outwardly displayed values as being nothing more than hypercritical and deceitful.

De Sade lived in a world wherein the nature of the deeds in his writings was indeed actuality not fiction and that various sexual vices were used by those in power to control and manipulate the less fortunate and poor within society, in particular younger persons of both genders, purely for their own gratification and sexual perversions. However despite all his efforts his works were systematically destroyed by the crushing religious dogma of his time and he was labeled as nothing more than a protagonist of pornography and filth.

However one more advocate for sexual liberation of the masses was non other than the more recent Alfred Kinsey who once again rocked the establishment, although this time far more successful in breaking down the barriers. Without such daring individuals we would still well an truly be gripped within the oppressive mindset of the those that seek to control our freedoms. Our needs to feel accepted `and know our place' within the scheme of things continues to this day as can be seen by the ongoing surveys published in women's magazines such as Cleo.

So in conclusion once again we must ask what is normal? Normality I believe is an illusion and non existent. Never was and never will be, thats the beauty of being individual, the continual striving for total personal expression. Being only true to oneself.