Saturday 14 March 2009

76 HUMANS/SEX/MONOGAMY

In the zoological sense most species are not monogamous. Ethologists claim that only 1 to 2 percent of all species are, and this is probably an over estimation. It was once believed that 90 per cent of all avian species were monogamous, but the harsh reality is that the female chooses a male to help build a nest and feed the chicks. While he is off collecting twigs, she is most likely off collecting sperm from other males. This is the full meaning of the expression ‘John, shut it! You are acting like a bird.’
None of the simian species are faithful. Orang-utans are fat and lazy so appear to be, but the truth is that they cannot be bothered to lift a finger. The Chimp, a close relative, practices a form of group marriage, the original Mormon. Our very closest relative, the bonobos, indulge in perpetual and indiscriminate orgy. So next time you get caught having a drunken snog at the Christmas party, point out to your other half that Great Uncle Bonobo would have gone through the entire HR department and persuaded Accounts to keep score.
Out of the 850 recognised human societies, 83 percent practice polygyny. Clearly, monogamy is not natural. But is it desirable? Some religions believe that only proper sexual relationship involves pairing inexperienced virgins, who then control and own each others sexual expression and needs until death do they part. This idea has caused such suffering, frustration, and broken hearts that it has to be considered the work of an evil genius. The best sex is the sex you have with the one you love. For most this is a post-polygamous monogamy, for some this is masturbation.

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