Can you elaborate on "consent"?

Disclaimer: The topics discussed here are simply topics discussed in a class and do not completely represent my personal beliefs.

Here's the set up. I was in my Sex Ed class and the topic was "Atypical Sexual Behavior" covering the following topics.

• Sadomasochism
• Fetishism
• Exhibitionism
• Voyeurism
• Frotterism
  
• Necrophilia
• Zoophilia
• Pedophilia

We talked about what they each were and the class voted on what they felt was normal, acceptable, abnormal, and major psychosis. Leaving out pedophilia, which everyone was pretty unanimous about- it was an interesting conversation regarding what people considered normal and abnormal. The consenting behavior, sadomasochism and fetishism were generally considered acceptable and slightly abnormal- but as a class we didn't feel that there should be any laws against it. Exhibitionism and voyerurism was a bit different. It was more invasive, perhaps needed some laws and punishment attached to it. More Voyeurism than Exhibitionism. Exhibitionism, flashing- I think is frightening to children- but perhaps no more damaging on walking in on your parents having sex. To an adult, we just look the other way. I had someone(s) expose themselves to me twice. Once I was young, and walking home from school. I was sort of confused by it- and walked away, probably pretty fast. It's a hazy memory. The second time I think I was around 20 and he was doing his thing while driving down the street. In a Jeep- I kid you not!!! I pulled up next to him, exposed in all his glory- and I was kind of shocked- but I don't think I was horrified or feeling like I needed legal retribution. In all honesty, I'm trying to remember what he looked like and I smile every time I see one of those jeeps.

I think voyeurism is more dangerous really, cause maybe they start looking across the street, then they are outside your window, then in your bedroom. Yeah, creepy.

Frotteurism is just weird. Frotteur, a french word meaning "to rub." It's when someone without consent rubs thier genitals up against you, perhaps in a crowded subway or something. A friend once told me that in Hong Kong there are so many people and nobody has a sense of personal space so you are just right up against the person in front of you while waiting in line for food. So a 'frotteur' might enjoy living in a place like that. One of my classmates, Mike said "What? That's just dancing."

Necrophilia- ok, weird crazy person- has serious control issues. The class was split on what kind of punishment this guy needs. Life in prison? Counseling? Mental institution? He didn't HURT anyone, really. Of course, I am sure I'd be mad if it was one of my dead relatives this creepy guy was stickin it to. I'd probably be mad that they are still getting it while dead, and here I am not getting it while I'm alive!!

So on to zoophilia, beastiality. We are not talking about donkey shows, that's just entertainment. (KIDDING). But people who really need to screw old Bessie in the pasture, or whatever furry sheep is out there shakin it's tail at 'em. Weird. Not acceptable, definately abnormal. Some people thought it was psychotic. Banging an unconsenting helpless animal. Zack said he thought it was acceptable, not quite abnormal. I went for abnormal- and then I asked him, "Wouldn't you be mad if you found out the hot next door neighbor lady was having sex with YOUR DOG!???"
He changed his mind.

Then Mike, God love him, puts his hand up and says, "You know, a dog will come up to you and start humping your leg. THAT'S CONSENT!!!"