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Oprah & Dr. Laura Berman Embrace Masturbation

Sat, 04/25/2009 - 15:11
Submitted by Betty Dodson

Finally, Oprah has the courage to discuss masturbation, the most prevalent sexual activity today among teens, young adults, married couples and seniors.

In 1987 when my book "Sex for One" came out, my publicist wanted to get me on Oprah. On her third try, she was told that she could stop calling because Oprah didn't approve of masturbation as a legitimate sexual activity. Not long ago masturbation was talked about on her show by referring to it as "Self Cultivation." Still, I was not impressed, but recently Laura Berman came right out with the word and even supported the use of vibrators for young girls.

Three Cheers for Oprah and Laura!!!

I'm told pioneers rarely get credit for breaking new ground so I'm somewhat resigned. Still, I've been supporting this humble and much maligned sexual activity since I started teaching my girl friends in the late sixties and finally going public with an exhibition of masturbating nudes in 1970. That was followed by a Ms. Magazine article and my book "Liberating Masturbation" self-published in 1974. Looks like it's time to make those two ground breaking pieces available on our website.

In my private practice I still see women in their twenties to their seventies struggling with HOW to masturbate to orgasm even when using a vibrator. Like dancing or cooking or decorating your home, there are skills involved that we need to learn. I wonder if Oprah will embrace Dodson and Ross present their NEW Sexual Skills Series that will show detailed information on the best way to stimulate a clitoris and a penis. First we say the word, then we learn how to execute the activity. We still have a long way to go.

Dr .Betty

Liberating women one orgasm at a time

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Oprah & Dr. Laura Berman Embrace Masturbation

Sat, 04/25/2009 - 18:41
Steven Otero (not verified)

A prophet hath no honour in her own country

Oprah and Masturbation

Sun, 04/26/2009 - 01:44
Heidi Anderson (not verified)

I am glad to see Oprah put this on her show, but she is not exactly what I would call comfortable about her sexuality. She calls her vagina a vajayjay, and she interrupted a woman's story about her husband not wanting to perform oral sex on her by saying "But everyone takes a shower before sex, right??"

Seriously, a shower before sex ALL the time?? I am glad I am not screwing her.

Laura Berman

Mon, 04/27/2009 - 03:25
Alexa (not verified)

I agree that Oprah still has some reservations about her sexuality (well, about sexuality in general. Not to mention that uptight friend of hers! WTF?), but I am very glad to see her have Dr. Berman on her show and allowing her to speak openly about the subject. I am especially impressed that they discussed the subject of teaching your daughters about the joy and pleasure sex can bring and getting her a vibrator when she's about 16 or so. Berman is a personal hero of mine.

in case anyone wants to see

Joelface's picture
Mon, 04/27/2009 - 06:03
Joelface

in case anyone wants to see the video where oprah and laura Bernman discuss parents considering teaching their children about masturbation and even buying them a vibrator, in combination with full sex education, the video is viewable on this website:

http://jezebel.com/5207055/oprah-moms-should-buy-vibrators-for-teen-girls

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23 - M - Critical Relativist and Feminist (Equalist) - Canada

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