Good research in this field has yet to happen to my knowledge. This is not to mention that any of us would have a problem with the federal government using tax dollars to fund the end-all, be-all study on jerking off–it just proves that there isn’t really any good (I would say ‘hard’ but it’s too easy) research to refute her. I could segue into the Victorians and the topic of circumcision here, but maybe we should start another thread for that one!

So, I see two questions here. The first, is masturbation necessary for optimal human development? The second, are any of us open-minded enough to see through the prurient aspect of this man masturbating his son in order to respect or reject based solely on his handicapped son’s needs? I think a quite a few posters in this area let their own taboos show when they reject it instantly. I maybe didn’t read that carefully, but are we dean-on in assuming that the man and his son cannot communicate at all? We would perhaps be wrong in assuming that it is “rape” if that is the case. I’d like to see through the emotionally charged language of that member into what’s really eating away. We may never know if this act is necessary or if it is consensual if we reject it so easily and strongly. If it is any other aspect of the son’s care, we’d all say, “What a selfless man.” The instant it involves sexuality, it is considered wrong (by many–in all fairness).

As to those who claim they don’t masturbate or “now that they have a girlfriend” have changed… I guess I haven’t been in the situation where I couldn’t take care of my own needs when wanted. It’s easy to say something isn’t necessary if you have 24 hour access! I would hate to think that I could be unable to take care of my own business and that law and so-called morality forbade me asking a loved one to do it for me.

And then there has been one other member who commented on ladies who would be willing to take care of it for him. I read that this indicates that it is preferable to hire a stranger, than to have a close loved one deal with it as his caregiver. That makes about as much sense to me as holding the National Conference on Hand Jobs at taxpayers’ expense (see above).

So, in response to Baldrun’s comment that masturbation is socially acceptable, just ask Dr. Elders about that! She no longer has her job over it, but we are certainly no closer to knowing if it is helpful or harmful.

Moving from the bathroom to the bedroom to get dressed and the shild seeing the parents naked body, is entirely different

I believe that masturbation does relieve stress, and although it can’t be said to be true for ALL humans, I’m sure most of you can appreciate the lack of stress you experience after masturbating.

The morality of the issue can really go either way, depending on the individual. By definition, the act committed by Geek is without a doubt incest.

Incest is defined, by http://www.turnaroundinc.org

as “Any overtly sexual act between people who are closely related or who perceive themselves as being closely related (as in relationship between in-laws, stepsiblings and stepparents, and close family friends). In addition to physical sexual contact this can include voyeurism, masturbation in front of the child, suggestive talk, provocative photography, exposing oneself to the child, etc. …”

The question it raises, obviously, would be whether Geek is doing this out of true love for his son or if he is doing it at all for himself. It’s an extremely sensitive issue, and to go on your first impression of it being immoral simply because it’s unusual is not fair. There are exceptions to many laws with regard to handicap people. Why shouldn’t there be one on a more personal level?

My personal concern is that the “ew” factor will cloud my judgment. It’s possible what Greek is suggesting is perfectly acceptable.