Sex and Psychology Podcast Episode 344: The Surprising History of Kink, Porn, and Fetishes
Nov 12, 2024
Esmé Louise James, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne and author of Kinky History, dives into the fascinating evolution of kink and sexuality. She discusses how leather and nylon became iconic fetish materials and the cultural significance behind foot fetishes. The conversation also covers the origins of pornography, including its political uses and the rise of animated porn. Esmé reveals how sexual desire persists even through societal restrictions, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about our sexual history.
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Leather and Sexuality
- Leather's erotic association traces back to ancient Rome, where sex workers wore it.
- Post-World War II, returning soldiers and biker gangs adopted leather, linking it to macho manhood and queer communities.
Nylon's Rise and Fetishization
- Nylon stockings, popularized pre-WWII, became scarce as nylon was diverted for military use.
- A black market emerged, and nylons became a symbol of liberty, gifted by soldiers and fetishized post-war.
Foot Fetish Origins
- Foot fetishism has ancient roots, appearing in Greek literature and art.
- Theories suggest a neurological link between foot and genital stimulation, or a rise during STD epidemics.
