In Search Of The Elusive Orgasm Analysis

Although the text, Women: Images and Realities a Multicultural Anthology, has done a wonderful job of showcasing the diversity of women’s experience; however, the most striking article we have read so far has been Lori Tharps “In Search of the Elusive Orgasm”. In the essay, Tharps traces her journey to finding an orgasms and begins by describing her love of Harlequin novels as a teenager. In which Tharps discusses how twisted these sex fueled novels are, in which she states “I basically gathered that true love and good sex were synonymous. The only other options were rape and chastity.” (158). Tharps proceeds to describe her marriage with Javier and how the sex was pleasant, but never brought her to the ‘Big O’. Tharps and Javier continue

The job can be well-served by a piece of machinery, one’s own hand, and a clear conscious.” (161). What I like about this quote and have learned from this quote is that I and other women have the agency to be in control of our sexual pleasure. No matter the outlet a women chooses to derive her sexual pleasure, whether that be ourselves, a machine or partner, a women should feel confident and in control of her pleasure without guilt. What I appreciate most about Tharps article, is her honesty and willingness to open up a dialog on a ‘condemned’ and ‘forbidden’ topic of female masturbation and orgasms. So often conversations about sex ignore women’s perspective on pleasure let alone masturbation. Tharps bravery inspires me to reexamine my sexual expectations, take control of my sexual pleasure and be willing to communicate my needs to my partner. Moreover, I should always question what messages media and pop culture are being expressed to me, especially when it is about