So, FMH is having another of their infamous sex talks. One anonymous commenter asked about how to react when a small child explores his/her own body during bath time. (The only advice to be found from the church says to neither encourage nor discourage such explorations. The child will explore and come to the conclusion that the genitals are, like the rest of the body, good.)  I mentioned in a response to this commenter that there is a pamphlet put out by the church that encourages parents to use proper names when discussing body parts. I also mentioned in my comment that the use of proper names for body parts is something about which I feel very strongly.

More and more frequently I see meaningful symbolism in the body being associated with the feminine, and the spirit being associated with the masculine. The creation story is rich with this sort symbolism. We all know that there were first spirits, and then bodies were created for the spirits to dwell in in just as Adam was first and then Eve was created to be with Adam. Adam was created from the dust (male = spirit), and Eve was created from (Adam's) flesh (female = body).  Even in the motherhood/priesthood equivalency (which I'm not completely sold on) the idea that creating and nurturing a body is a moral duty comparable to the Priesthood duty of nurturing spirits places women in the realm of flesh and men in the realm of spirits.

This sort of symbolism, and division of duties makes me very sensitive to the ways bodies are spoken of and referred to. My belief in the independent and equal value of women has made me rethink the way I view my body.  I firmly reject the pervasive protestant notion that the body is inherently base, I think that belief in a corporeal God mandates this. I also reject the more subtle notion that that makes 'me' into my spirit, and turns my body into nothing more than a tool that my spirit uses.  I have come to believe that my body is not a clumsy tool that my spirit must subdue, but is part of who I am.

Related to the puritanical shame about the body the wider US and western culture discourages physical enjoyment of one's own body for men and women (but especially women). Things like eating, sex, and recreational activity are layered with shame, guilt, and arbitrary self-regulations. All of this shame (even some that comes from the medical community) has little or nothing to do with actual health, and everything to do with fear of the body.

So what does all of this have to with avoiding euphemisms? Fear of the name of a thing increases fear of the thing itself. (Hooray for Dumbledore!) When you refer to your, your spouse's, or your child's genitals  as 'you know who what' you communicate shame, fear, and embarrassment. Every time you use a euphemism you reinforce to yourself and those around you the negative feelings that are already there.

For all the reasons I outlined above I feel that use of proper names, and candid discussion (preferably without embarrassed pauses) confirms to children that the body is magnificent. Use of proper names removes the shroud of secrecy and embarrassment. This clears the way for good self esteem, and allows for the development of healthy relationships with food, and sex. I feel that this is good for everyone, especially for women because it is clear to me that shame about the body is pervasive among women in a way it is not among men. I also believe that proper respect for the body, what it is capable of, it's purpose and importance, will translate into improved respect for women's abilities and duties.