Why do we Have Fetishes?

[Julianking93]

Something I've always wondered and no one's given me a good answer to. Its usually just, "People just like that stuff" but I want a serious psychological answer.

So, simple question, why do people prefer certain sexual things or find hands or feet sexy? I for one have a typical Asian fetish and my jaw usually drops at the sight of hot Japanese girls, but why? What answers might the Escapist have?

And, for discussion's sake, what fetishes do you have and do you know why? Its the internet so you can be honest.

 

[The_Chief]

i think its either genetic or something from when you were young.

and i have a foot fetish...probably cuz of cartoons and shiv

 

[NimbleJack3]

I have to say the sight of a pregnant woman is hot.

I'm not sure why we have fetishes. It's just a psychological quirk.

 

[Aesir23]

The Italian language usually reduces me to mush. I don't know why, it just does. Not exactly sexual but I don't exactly have experience in that area.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

Because the particular item/body part/look or whatever that a fetish entails somehow gets a persons bloodstream to act in a way causing sexual arousal. As far as telling you what my fetish would be you can forever wrap your mind in that mystery

 

[NeutralDrow]

Shoot. Why did you have to rigidly define it? I was all set to answer "well, when ancient peoples (or even modern peoples) believed that spirits took an active interest in the world, certain objects could take on spiritual value, and in some cases were believed to be a vessel for these spirits." Thanks for ruining my fun.

On this topic...I'm not a psychologist, so I can't answer the "why." On the other hand, I wonder if people tend to conflate two different concepts of "fetish." There are certain things I find more arousing (no, they're actually not that weird, but neither am I admitting them), but they're certainly not requirements for me to...er...get it up, so to speak, as I understand true fetishes to be. >_>

 

[sneakypenguin]

I have to say the sight of a pregnant woman is hot.

I'm not sure why we have fetishes. It's just a psychological quirk.

Likewise, lol. I find it creepy but can't help it I guess.

Hopefully this thread doesn't descend into insanity.

 

[Mookie_Magnus]

You know what they say. Different strokes for different folks... That saying can also be applied as to why there are so many different types of condoms.

 

[Frankydee]

Freud would possibly have an answer for that but well...

Anyway.

There's probably no real good explanation for why we're into certain things, just something we seem to be pre-programmed with.

 

[traceur_]

The sparky in your head got drunk when you were a kid and fucked up the wiring.

Pretty much it, I think.

 

[Mozared]

While I'm not interested in sharing my sexual preferences with you, as for why we have them, that's both simple and complicated. You're basically questioning why we are all unique, and while that fact is a given, it's hard to explain.

I personally think what we like is mostly based on either genes and/or experiences - I might've heard a lot of latin-american music while in the womb which ultimately leads to me getting into salsa and samba. In the same fashion, someone might've somehow developped a special interest in feet by having some kind of foot-related experience while young.

 

[The Hairminator]

Because we were abused as children?

[small]or maybe that's just me[/small]

 

[A random person]

To give the blandest explanation ever, a mixture of genetic and environmental influences. I don't know enough about psychology to say more, unfortunately.

As for me, I don't have any major fetishes, but I have a bit of a midriff thing going on, even moreso than most guys. I also have a thing for cuter, relatively petite women in loose casual clothes (i.e shorts and a tank top). And when I was just discovering sexuality I had a hypno fetish (yes, that's an actual thing), but I grew out of it.

 

[Boxinatorizore]

... the Devs are fucking with us...

 

[Biosophilogical]

Probably some by-product of your upbringing in terms of your fundamental brain workings.

Basically, it is probably something which happened during brain development, which is determined by outside influences and how your brain started off. (NOT nature vs nurture, but nature plus nurture)

 

[Mr. Grey]

Boredom is the only real answer I have. No seriously, people tend to get bored, monotony I believe the word is. Essentially tastes evolve, you may like them now, but you'll have your fill eventually and move on. It's what people do.

Then again they may be your cocaine, so... you never really know about these things. It depends on your personality such as are you easily bored? If so, expect a change in tastes.

I myself was called an enigma by my psychiatrist and he found my thought process fascinating. I assume that means: "How the hell is this guy not in an insane asylum?" How is that relevant? I have no clue, I just thought it should be mentioned.

 

[Christemo]

i dont know why people has fetishes, but thats a good question anyway.

and i think my fetish is for emos. just like myself (no im not in love with myself)...