Beast Fetishism: Exploring the Unusual Sexual Preference
Introduction
Beast fetishism, also known as zoophilia or zoosexuality, is a sexual attraction towards animals. This phenomenon is not widely discussed or accepted in today’s society, but it is believed to be one of the most ancient forms of sexual behavior. This paper will discuss the history of beast fetishism, its psychological implications, and its current legal status.
History
Ancient Greek and Roman literature often includes references to bestiality. In Homer’s Odyssey, for example, the swineherd Eumaeus is said to have had intercourse with a goat. The Greek philosopher Plato even wrote a dialogue, named “Timaeus,” in which he argued that the soul and body of a man could be transformed into that of an animal.
In the 17th century, a Swiss doctor named Johann Jakob Bachofen wrote a book called Myth, Religion, and Mother Right. In this book, he argued that bestiality was a religious practice in ancient cultures, and that it was a form of fertility worship.
In the 19th century, the German psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing wrote a book called Psychopathia Sexualis, in which he described various sexual behaviors, including bestiality. He argued that beast fetishism was an extreme form of sexual perversion.
Psychological Implications
Psychologists have long debated the causes of beast fetishism. Some believe it is caused by a psychological disorder, while others argue that it is a normal variation of human sexuality.
Most experts agree that beast fetishists may be seeking an emotional connection with animals that they cannot find in human relationships. They may also be seeking a sense of power or control that they cannot find in human relationships.
Legal Status
In most countries, beast fetishism is illegal and punishable by law. In the United States, for example, it is considered a felony in some states. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to engage in sexual acts with animals, and offenders can be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Conclusion
Beast fetishism is a controversial and often misunderstood phenomenon. It is not widely accepted in today’s society, but it has been around for centuries. It has a variety of psychological implications, and it is illegal in many countries.
References
Bachofen, J. J. (1861). Myth, Religion, and Mother Right. Translated by R. Mannheim. Princeton University Press.
Krafft-Ebing, R. V. (1886). Psychopathia Sexualis. F. A. Davis.
Plato. (360 BC). Timaeus. Translated by B. Jowett. Oxford University Press.
U.S. Department of Justice. (2018). Animal Cruelty and Bestiality. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/animal-cruelty-and-bestiality
UK Government. (2020). Bestiality. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/bestiality