What is it about the "P" word?

What is it about the "P" Word?

The human anatomy is an interesting body of work. Held together by muscles and tendons, we come in many shapes and sizes, varying colors and distinguishing facial features. Some of us have blond hair, some brunette and others auburn or raven tresses. Some of us even come by those colors naturally.

Our eyes are very often our most distinguishing feature, and the more vivid the color, the more likely someone will remember us. If we are tall, we stand out in the crowd. Short -- we take the chance of being trampled.

Full lips, perfect white teeth, tiny waist, long fingers, firm butt – these are all things people talk about without the slightest hesitation. Considering that conversations in which these topics arise are often sexist, it amazes me how little controversy they cause.

My husband is a retired doctor. I ran his office for over 25 years. Not one patient ever squirmed when hearing about hernias, ulcers, bladder infections, menstruation or childbirth. Body functions were discussed openly and without discomfort. Over lunches and dinners with friends in the medical field, every aspect of the human form was talked about and no one blushed.

We raised two kids – a son and a daughter – and when it came time to teach them about life and sex, we did so honestly. We never allowed cutesy words to substitute for the actual appendage we were discussing. Arms were arms. Legs were legs. Breasts were breasts. The male and female genitalia were named appropriately. As a result my children grew up without any embarrassment about their own bodies. That’s actually something that makes me quite proud.

Thanks to a “no holds barred” approach to television advertising, people have grown accustomed to hearing about stomach ailments, urinary incontinence, diarrhea and even erectile dysfunction.  Tell me why then the mere use of the word penis sends the media diving for cover.

Here we have a five letter word – doesn’t take up much space on the page or anywhere else for that matter – but if, as a writer, I dare to use it in my articles, I’m almost guaranteed my work will never be seen.  Conversely, if a writer wants to get attention, all he or she has to do is use the “F” word or the “N” word and it’s a national headline.

Until we better education society… until we can talk openly about human sexuality… rape survivors will continue to shiver in the shadows.  When it comes to rape and anatomy specific assault (sexual assault) – A penis is a weapon – nothing more!

Say it aloud! Repeat it over and over again! We must remove the stigma of shame associated with rape. Only then will rape take its rightful place as a violent crime – not a sex crime - and rapists finally be treated like the vicious predators they are.