Fetishism

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Fetishism

Fetishism

    Fetishism is a perversion that is found, primarily in men, in which
genital discharge is impossible without the presence of their fetish. A fetish,
however can be a variety of things, yet there are three basic types of fetishes:
an inanimate object (e.g. women's clothing, shoes, gloves, underwear), a part of
the human body (e.g. foot, hand, hair, legs, breasts), or something odd such as,
leather, rubber, the touch of velvet. Some fetishes, as observed by Freud, may
not even be visible to the other person at all. In one case a patient of Freud
was obsessed with the shine on the noses of the women he was attracted to. With
regards to specific fetishes such as that the fetishist usually needs to look at,
touch, or smell during or preparing for the sexual act. In some cases just the
sight of the fetish could result in an orgasm.
    The Freudian view of fetishes changed over the years. His early view
stated that fetishism was a result of some childhood fantasy or exposure that
resulted in the fetish but he later changed the view. Freud later theorized
that the fetish was a fear of castration on the part of the male. He believed
that the association with the penis to the female reproductive organ was a
reminder to men that castration is possible. This anxiety would cause the
fetishist to associate his or her sexual desire with another body part or object.
By doing this he or she can link sexual experience with another part and
forget about infertility, humiliation, or anxiety. Usually the desire is linked
closely to the genitals, it could be something seen when the genitals were first
viewed, such as, underwear, or something associatively linkable to the
experience (e.g. fur, which could be symbolic of pubic hair).
    In some cases kleptomania has been considered a fetish. Many fetishists
develop a compulsive urge to obtain their cherished articles by any means
possible. They may become sexually aroused when then "peep" on women changing
or steal women's undergarments from their homes. The risk involved while
stealing usually increases the sexual excitation. Pyromania has been given
similar interpretation. Since fire is associated with passion the arsonist, if
fire is his fetish, may reach orgasm by watching the fire that he has started.
In one case the fear of being caught was best summed up by a patient of Dr.
Grant who discussed his findings in a psychology journal in 1953. "I have
suffered a great deal of anxiety during my vi

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