The human anatomy is an interesting body of work. Held together by muscles and tendons, we come in many shapes and sizes, varying colors and distinguishing facial features. Some of us have blond hair, some brunette and others auburn or raven tresses. Some of us even come by those colors naturally.

Our eyes are very often our most distinguishing feature, and the more vivid the color, the more likely someone will remember us. If we are tall, we stand out in the crowd. Short -- we take the chance of being trampled.

Women gawk at well-built men and men return the favor. Biceps are squeezed to test their “hardness” and six-pack abs are displayed like Michelangelo’s David.

Full lips, straight white teeth, tiny waist, long fingers, firm butt – these are all things people talk about without the slightest hesitation. Considering that conversations in which these topics arise are often sexist, it amazes me how little controversy they cause.

My husband is a retired doctor. I ran his office for over 25 years. Not one patient ever squirmed when hearing about hernias, ulcers, bladder infections, menstruation or childbirth. Body functions were discussed openly and without discomfort. Over lunches and dinners with friends in the medical field, every aspect of the human form was talked about and no one blushed.

We raised two kids – a son and a daughter – and when it came time to teach them about life and sex, we did so honestly. We never allowed cutesy words to substitute for the actual appendage we were discussing. Arms were arms. Legs were legs. Breasts were breasts. Even male and female genitalia were named appropriately. As a result my children grew up without any embarrassment about their own bodies. That’s actually something that makes me quite proud.

Coming back to the original purpose of this piece, thanks to a “no holds barred” approach to television advertising, people have grown accustomed to hearing about stomach ailments, urinary incontinence, diarrhea and even erectile dysfunction.  Tell me why then that the mere mention of a penis (the actual word) sends the media diving for cover. In discussions on sexual assault, it’s a weapon – nothing more.

As many of you know, my daughter was sexually assaulted five years ago. I’ve become a very vocal advocate supporting women who have known the terror and pain of rape. My writing focuses extensively on the need to treat rape as a crime no different from any other crime. It’s violent. It’s devastating and life changing, but the one thing it isn’t… it isn’t about sex.

Here we have a little five letter word – doesn’t take up much space on the page or anywhere else for that matter – but if, as a writer, I dare to use it in my articles, I can guarantee my work will never be seen.  Conversely, if a writer wants to get attention, all he or she has to do is use the “F” word or the “N” word – especially the “N” word. The “F” word just rolls off people’s tongues like honey on a hot summer day.

I’ve used the word penis twice (counting this one) in this post. If I were to submit this article anywhere but on the internet, do you know what would happen?

NOTHING!

Yup, nothing! You would never see this article. And nothing is what you will hear, as well. The “P” word makes everyone instantly blind, deaf, mute and stupid!