There is no more boring a debate than this one (its difficult for one to understand a sexual preference other than their own) but I want to clarify that I wasn't saying it had anything to do with men's preferences. I personally find it the saddest thing in the world that we don't find natural bodies attractive. I like pubic hair, but I also like underarm hair, which is generally not appreciated.
The history, as I know it, is as follows: Like many things, it was invented by the military and popularized by pornography (like, say, the internet). Soldiers on leave fucked prostitutes and enjoyed the shaved look, which was predominantly to done to mask crab lice. Porn actresses and models, always looking to distinguish themselves, began shaving in the 80s and when porn went truly mainstream (not with Deep Throat, but with net access) it soon became a fashion trend. Of course shrinking bathing suits helped it along. And I've never watched an episode, but I'd wager Sex and the City did a lot to bring the concept to older women.
Then it got tied in to hygiene (which any doctor will dispute) and the more young girls who see everyone else in the change room at school shaved, the more it will continue as the norm. Peer pressure is strong, but nowhere more so than with sexuality. Pubic hair once indicated adulthood, now shaving does. It's not unlike a boys moustache. For a while he wears his peach fuzz to show he's matured, but eventually he shaves it to illustrate his maturity. He may eventually grow it as a stylistic choice but the figures are still only 17% (up from 14 a few years ago) of men who have facial hair. We can expect similar numbers for women: those that don't give a fuck about societal norms or have other reasons for not wanting to shave. But the figures will be low.
Whereas the numbers for tattoos (half the population now, between ages 18 and 35 I think), piercings and even cosmetic surgery climb higher each year. Unaltered bodies are becoming rare (83% at least have their ears pierced).
Even enthusiasts here tend to balk at the truly unkept (read: natural) bushes occasionally on display.
Big bush is not returning and most men will celebrate that fact, for some reason. I imagine those that bemoan the lack of pubic hair tend to be older. Men who grew up on shaved vaginas in their porno tend to find hair repulsive.
Lastly, I should add that I am not taking a moralistic tone here. My sexual tastes certainly stray into some very unnatural territories.
|