The following Essay was send to us, by an honourable man called Freshmilk. Freshmilk comes from Baden-Württemberg (South-West Germany) and works as an artist. He worked on the topic of fetishism very intensively. We really appreciate his contribution. Essay over the origin of fetishism by Freshmilk Red Highheel Women BootsWhy are we, as we are? To admit to oneself, that having a preference for women in high boots might be more than just a spleen, but eventually already falls under the term "fetishism", was probably a long process for the most of us. At some point you probably asked yourself: "Why am I like that?" Finally at the point, where you admitted to your partner, that you would really like it, if she would wear some high boots, you had to answer some questions. But it is not easy to find the right answer and handling this topic is different from person to person. The term "fetishism" is strongly connected with Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). The Austrian neurologist and founder of psycho-analyses, describes in "Three Essays on the theory of Sexuality" which was published in 1905. The theory, that men develop a childhood trauma caused by fear of castration Freud‘s theory got serious attention in those days, but today's psychologists don't think this theory is capable of explaining fetish behaviour. Unfortunately Freuds theory still pops up here and there and people's opinion are influenced by Freud. But widely accepted is the fact, that the effect of conditioning has a strong impact on human sexuality. The most famous example is undoubtedly "Pavlov‘s dog". In this example a dog is been fed over a certain period of time after ringing a bell. After a while the dogs starts to produce saliva, just when he hears a bell and without getting fed The same effect is proved on rats, which have been put into a specific cage for sexual activity. Soon they started producing endorphins in those cages, even when there was no sexual partner there. [Truitt W.A., Shipley M.T., Veening J.G, and Coolen L.M. (2003)Activation of a subset of lumbar spinothalamic neurons following copulatory behaviour in male but not female rats. J. Neuroscience. 23(1): 325-331]. Maybe „conditioning“ can be part of an explanation for fetishism. Bootfetishists know the tickle in the stomach very well, when Mrs. Sunshine passes by in high boots. It explains really well, why just the sight of a overknees or the smell of leather is enough to let endorphins flush into our bloodstream. Mrs. Sunshine in the evening Another aspect which fits the „Conditioning theory“, is the phenomenon named „early childhood imprint“. This phenomenon was discovered by Konrad Lorenz, who proved that geese get the first deep stimulus during the first 36 hours after hatching. The term „imprint“ describes the fast learning of stimulus in a specific time, which is independent from other compartments. This can mean a certain age or a life-phase. It‘s been proved, that the sexual behaviour of zebrafinches (birds) depends on this effect. This is called „sexual imprint“. The theory, that the effect of „sexual imprint“ causes fetishism is very popular nowadays. Some Scientist think that feet- and shoefetishism develops during the crawling stage of children. They crawl around the feet of their mother, while they are in a phase of „sexual imprint“. The problem with this theory, is to find the scientific evidence for humans. The proved theories, that have been made in the animal kingdom cannot be transmitted easily onto humans. My personal experiences cover the Imprint- and Conditioning theory, even when I doubt the Imprint period during the crawling stage. As far as I can remember, my first sexual experiences occurred when I was 13 or 14, even if my fetish was more focused on gloves than boots. In the early 90es overknees became „in“ and I started to get excited about boots for the first time. Overknees became a real super-stimulant for me, as it did for one of my schoolmates. That is why believe, that the period for imprint is localized in the puberty. After focusing on „Why?“, I would like to say something about society and fetish. Often in public fetish is considered „sick“, „disordered sexuality“ or „perversion“. In reality fetishism is just a orientation on to dead objects, a variant of sexuality where humans connect objects, action or situations with sexual arrousement Most bootfetishists experience their fetish as sex between partners in relationships. It is considered unusual, but not sick sexual behaviour. The problem lies in the determination of what is normal and what is not. Some people even say, that there is no sexual abnormality. Our sexual- and society-norms are different from culture to culture. A short skirt is normal in London, but a public offence in a small Bavarian village. The borders between fetish and spleen are diffused. I like black lingerie and overkneeboots. I would consider boots as a fetish, but not lingerie. Were women wearing overknees got funny looks 4 years ago and were considered fetish look, it has been accepted in the last 3 years because it has become more fashionable. It shows, how difficult it is to find a clear definition to this topic. Not in the 90s, but in the middle of the 00s We should remember, that our type of fetishism is neither sick nor means a threat to society. But for some fetishist there still exists a problem, that their sexual desires are not fulfilled. This is called „dissexuality“ and describes that some sexual desires can‘t be accomplished by one of the partners. Which woman has the idea ;without telling; of wearing high boots, while having sex or has the talent to create special sexual situation, which fit my fetish. At the same time, she expects that he finds her sexy and has orgasms, when she is not wearing boots. It becomes difficult, when dignity and integrity of the sexual partner are hurt by fetish sex. Often the dissexual person doesn‘t regard spiritual and physical desires of the partner and puts his desires in the front. Reservations are ignored („Actually I think boots look slutty,“) and the integrity is hurt („O.K., I put them on just for you.“). This can lead to a high problem potential. Fetishism can (Not will) develop to a serious, psychological malfunction. But as seen it is difficult to define, when there is a malfunction. Different definitions (e.g.: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) (Key F65.0) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) see the criteria for a psychological disorder in different manners. Fetishism seldom can (not will) substitute „normal“ sexual intercourse and substitute a interpersonal sexlife. In those cases a doctor can be consulted. In cases where the fetish causes social isolation, a doctor should be consulted.