Let's talk about sex, readers say

In the third installment of our America Unzipped series we wrote about ladies-only sex-toy parties and asked readers if they thought society should be more open about sexuality so that women — and men — would be less inhibited in their love lives.

Most readers wrote in to say that when it comes to sex, it's time for society to loosen up.

"It is not something shameful to know your body and what brings you pleasure," wrote one reader.

"Once America comes to terms with sexuality, and the importance of being honest with their children, teen pregnancies will go down, as will sexually transmitted diseases," said another.

But one reader called discussions of sex "the devil's work."

Read on for more responses:

It's about time that the United States cast off its Puritanical attitude toward sex and relationships. Once the taboo aspect is eliminated, we'll see fewer sexual assaults and more equality among the sexes.
Lee, Kissimmee, Fla.

Too often women, whether they come from a big city or a small town, are taught ... to be subdued, submissive and conservative. It's time to break out of that vicious cycle and educate, experiment and enjoy!
Mellissa, St. Louis, Mo.

Yes, we absolutely need to loosen up when it comes to sexuality. And not so much to facilitate inhibition in just women and men, but to get things out on the table in the family sense. My parents never sat me down and talked to me about sex or sexuality in general — it was a very uncomfortable subject, so it wasn't discussed. I'd rather have openness with my kids so I can know that what they learn (and they'll learn it one way or another) is the right thing. It's time we were more comfortable with our sexuality.
Rob, Cleveland, Ohio

Absolutely! We no longer live in a society that is ruled by men and their likes and dislikes. We, as women, are equals in the boardroom so why not in the bedroom! It is our job to teach our partners what we like too. After all, if we don't know what feels good, how can we expect them to know?
Becky, Rosharon, Texas

America Unzipped     |   FULL COVERAGE L. Kleinhenz/Docuvitae A sizzling sex life is no sin MSNBC.com Adult superstores seduce a new crowd MSNBC.com Sex and the suburbs Bob Croslin All dressed up – in latex and dog collars Getty Images file The thrill of putting it all out there  MSNBC.com Are we satisfied yet?

I think Americans maintain a very juvenile attitude about sex; it's either "locker room bawdy" or "private." All nudity must have a sexual overtone in advertising, which is our primary source of sexual stimuli ... We fear differences (defined as "perversions") and deny their existence as if only a small segment of society engages in sexual behavior other than Victorian.
Christine, Sacramento

Once America comes to terms with sexuality, and the importance of being honest with their children, teen pregnancies will go down, as will sexually transmitted diseases. If women feel comfortable discussing sex, they will feel comfortable demanding a condom and birth control.
Jessica, Wyoming

The United States, is, sadly, still a man's world. While it is perfectly acceptable for men to buy porno mags and blow-up dolls, it's still considered so very taboo (and shocking!) for a woman to explore what "gets her off." Desire, stimulation, the need to feel good — these are all natural, normal things. Whether you act on these with a significant other or spouse doesn't matter; we should never feel ashamed to try out something new and exciting ... Go GIRL!
Tracy, Nashville, Tenn.

Society should be more open about sexuality ... men and women should experiment with each other's bodies and women should experiment with there own bodies as well. I was married for 13 years and thought that toys were awful. After my divorce though I decided to buy a toy and now that I am married for the second time it has brought more pleasure to myself and my husband. It is not something shameful to know your body and what brings you pleasure.
Anonymous, Georgia

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