Some weeks ago, I received the following letter from Julia:

Dear Susan:

I want to take this opportunity to tell you that I find your site most interesting and fantastic. Also wish to thank you for your quick
reply to my recent communications. I have had a chance to read most of your publications for the past year and they have been
most enlightening. Unbelievable to say the least, and I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't read it with my own eyes.
 
After reading many of the letters, various thoughts and questions have come to my mind. I will ask them, but I realise that it really
isn't  any of my business, so you need not answer them if you don't wish.

1.  I can't help but wonder how you got into this. Is it just an attempt on your part to provide a forum for others to express their
views? Or do you practice what you advocate?
 
2.  I notice in your answers you are usually most agreeable. Only on occasion have I noted that your reply stated that perhaps what was done was a bit excessive. Also I believe you and I agree on one point: that these techniques would work better if used as an
incentive, and not as a punishment.
 
3.  Do you note any particular patterns being developed by those corresponding with you? For example so many seem to claim that they were written by a mother with an older daughter or two, and one young son. Most frequently there is no father involved.
 
4.  Many times the letter is supposedly written by an older sister who seems to take great joy in using this technique to correct a
younger brother.
 
5.  Do you believe that this sort of discipline is more prevalent in England, than perhaps the United States?
 
I'm not taking or attempting to raise any doubts about what I have read. I truly believe it's fantastic and support you all the way.
But, I do wonder if some of the replies were actually written by a male who has an inherent wish to be subjected to this sort of
treatment.
 
It has made me examine my own thoughts, and, to be honest, I think petticoating would have been good for me. After reading your
publication I have probably been more honest with myself.
 
In my life time I have had only one experience with any act of feminisation, and that was some time ago. I sure wish I had had the benefit of your site at that time. I'm sure my life would have been much different. It's a rather long story and I will relate it for you sometime in the future.
 
In the meantime I am working on a theory, and when it is finished I will forward it to you for your consideration. Actually, what I am
saying is that I believe that what you do and support can solve some of the world's ills. Now that a big statement and will require some explanation, and in the hope of making myself clear, I will take my time and then pass it on.
 
Oh. yes, forgive me for asking but I get the impression that you have been a believer for some time. Is that true? You sound like a
fantastic person, and I would dearly love to get to know you better. Probably won't happen, because there are a lot of miles between
where you live and my home. When I was younger I visited Europe on several occasions in connection with my employment. I always stopped in England on my way home for a few days. Actually, as soon as the plane touched down in England I felt like I was home.
 
Once again thanks for your replies, and if you see fit in any way to use this, please let it be said that I welcome replies,
contradictions, and comments.
 
Julia

In answer to Julia's five questions:

1) No, I do not practise petticoat discipline, in fact I live alone.  I am simply providing a forum for others.
I did see it practised on a few occasions in Scotland when I was young.

2) I point out that the 'punishment' may become very pleasurable for the recipient, but that this tends to make it more effective, rather than less.

3) & 4) I have not consciously noted it, but no doubt that is true. It does not mean that the letters are not true, but only that I tend to receive letters from people who are much more likely than others to have been brought up in otherwise all - female homes, where petticoat discipline would  have a higher probability of being employed. Obviously the letters I receive do not represent a random cross-section of the population, but a very specialised sample.
Nevertheless, some of the letters may represent wishful thinking, but still have important things to say regarding petticoat discipline.

5) I believe so, although no figures exist to substantiate such a belief. The subject of petticoat discipline and nursery discipline in correspondence to magazines and newspapers was almost exclusively British for many decades, and it is commonly seen as an especially British practice.

Julia did later send in her essay, which is reproduced below: 

Life as we now know it is changing rapidly. What was normal a decade ago, is not so today. Not too many years ago 'labour' meant just that. Most males provided for their families by using their brawn and muscles. They worked in mines, factories, and on farms, and the work required considerable manual effort. The bigger and stronger the better, and maximum strength was essential. The female's place was in the home, providing nurturing and care: certainly a more sophisticated use of their talents. Now the development of more advanced technology is changing all that.

Today in most first world countries, manual labor is being replaced by computer controlled machines. It's happening in the mines and it's happening in the factories and it's even happening on the farms.  Of course, the computers require operators, but that’s not manual labor as we knew it in the past. Strength is not the required dominant factor, but instead intelligence and knowledgeable skills are more important. Furthermore, females can do it as well as the males, maybe even better. The hunters and gathers are being relegated to the third world countries for the time being. Even in the military, males are no longer the only participants.

The result being, if young men do not obtain higher levels of education, then their opportunities for employment are severely limited. Failure to do so results in a surplus of young males with much free time on their hands, and because of their inherent aggressiveness and arrogance, seems to suggest why there is an apparent increase in crime today. Particularly with regard to domestic issues, and violence toward females.

This may be a simple introduction, and much elaboration could, and probably should, be provided. However that is not the intent and purpose of this discussion.

Lets digress for now and comment on some observations from reading 'Petticoat Discipline Monthly', and in particular with regard to letters written by the readers. And I must say this publication has produced a most fantastic collection of unsolicited testimonials
It is noted that invariably two points are frequently made, and are pretty much a confirmation of the message that the publication promotes:

Firstly, the male is usually identified as being arrogant, aggressive, difficult, obstinate, unruly, naughty or unmanageable. There seems to be no end as to how they can be described, all indicating that their behavior is unacceptable, and detrimental to them and to all with whom they come into contact. Threats and punishment do not seem to be effective in most cases with regard to correction or rehabilitation.

The second point usually made is that if petticoat discipline is established, a major change in behavior is almost always brought about, and frequently rather quickly. And not only is a quick change forthcoming, it invariably is for the better. The individual so treated becomes docile, considerate, sometimes compassionate, and in general a more likeable and loveable person. While this may take some time, it almost always happens, and the individual involved becomes, shall we say, addicted to it. There may be a reluctance to cooperate at first but, eventually all reluctance disappears and the individual actually becomes a willing participant. Sometime he even displays an active eagerness to continue.  Now, with that in mind who would not want to be a part of this betterment or refinement? It certainly seems to be a win-win situation, if ever there was one.

For verification, look at the titles of the letters received. Words like corrected, changed, tamed, improved, and many more are used to indicate the success of the treatment imposed. Whether or not this is true is hard to ascertain, as very few, if any, cases are actually documented in a scientific way. However, it is difficult to doubt that it is as claimed, because the phenomenon of petticoat discipline has certainly withstood the test of time. The origin dating back years, possibly even centuries, gives reason to believe that there is some element of truth in what is claimed.

Conversations with transvestites and transsexuals will usually bear out that if you don't wish to become one, then don't experiment, because after a few episodes you most certainly will be addicted. (I don't like that word but it will have to do until something better is determined).

Now we have to ask, why does this happen? Surely, the wearing of clothes of a different cut or design or material, as pleasant as silks, satin, ruffles, bows, and lace may be; it would seem that they alone would not bring about the changes experienced.

Now another digression.

The writer was diagnosed as having cancer: a type of cancer experienced by males only. A cure seems to have been effected, but, in the course of bringing that about, certain medical facts were realised which entitle the writer to claim some creditability as to what is about to be suggested.

A drug known as Zoladex or Lupron was utilised to suppress the body's generation of the male hormone testosterone, as this type of cancer tends to thrive in the presence of this hormone: these drugs are known as luteinising hormone releasing hormones (LHRH). Now the key here is how this suppression is brought about.

They work in a rather unusual manner. These luteinising hormones first react with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to send a chemical signal to the glands where the majority of the hormone testosterone is developed. The end result, by a negative feedback mechanism, is a reduction in the generation of that particular hormone - it can almost be reduced to zero.  Now it's a fairly well established fact that variations of the level of this hormone can have significant effects on one's behavior, particularly one's level of aggressiveness, what may even be described as one's belligerent behavior.

The injection of outside agencies like drugs are not the only way that the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland can be caused to send signals to other organs like that which occurs in this instance. Excitement, stress, anticipation, and combinations thereof, as well as other events can cause the hypothalamus to react. Fear is an example as to how the body will increase the flow of adrenal fluids, and we all know how that comes about and how one reacts to it.

So what is suggested here is that the various emotional forces experienced by the application of petticoating are causing a reaction in the pituitary gland similar to that described when external medical procedures are taken. Again, from my experience, various perturbations in the production can indeed bring about the effects experienced.  Make no mistake about it, I am not suggesting any programs involving drugs in any way. I'm simply saying that emotional forces can cause the same results as a drug, albeit on a smaller scale.

It certainly would be interesting to see the results of a case history, where blood would be drawn prior to the petticoating and then again after, and checked for hormone levels.. However I can't imagine that happening. It would have to be planned, and so I don't believe it could be done without effecting the results. Another interesting data input would be if the person being petticoated would have a pulse oxmeter in place. .This is simple instrument that gives a quick indication of the saturated oxygen present in the blood. It also monitors the pulse or heart rate. I bet the heart rate increases significantly and the oxygen saturation also increases as well. Both would be an indication of psychological changes  that could be acting on the pituitary gland, causing the same effect as the drugs mentioned.

This is not to be construed as being bad. Actually, it would seem to be beneficial to the problems being experienced: if it results in a more docile, likeable, caring, compassionate individual, then many would suggest that the ideal goal has indeed been achieved. I know I would.

Now we get to the real nitty-gritty. Since we no longer need a lot of individuals to perform manual labour, many would argue that the need for males is greatly reduced. Some would say they are necessary for procreation and entertainment only. The medical community would argue that with regard to procreation that is not necessarily true. Women can, and in the future will, probably be able to be induced to produce offsprings without the help of a male, but that's another topic for discussion.

As regards entertainment value, well that could also provoke considerable amount of discussion. We will pass on that for the time being. Now, in the meantime we have this increase in the numbers of aggressive, gregarious, young males who are causing much distress and concern. What can, and should, be done about that?

Would not a well organised, systematised program of petticoating not be the answer? It could very well be introduced just after puberty, and might be properly introduced at the secondary school level. It could well be capable of producing a much more acceptable breed of males, who could be more desirable members of society. It may even solve many other problems, because of the changing needs in the workplace. It's hard to prognosticate about the potential, but it does appear that the world would be the better for petticoat discipline becoming the accepted mode of living, growing, and development with regard to our young males. It would certainly be an inexpensive way of coping with some today's problems.

If petticoating is the answer, how can we maximise its chances for success?

Well, planning is probably one area where some improvement can be expected. Remember that anticipation sometime presents more emotional excitement then the actual event itself. Which further suggests that when the decision is made to petticoat an individual, some careful planning can be appropriate.

Let me offer at least one example for readers to consider. First, realising that most young males, and older males as well, have been trained to believe that 'macho' is the only way. If they are abruptly  presented with the situation of being petticoated it is not surprising that they would resist, and perhaps react in a very defensive way. Don't forget that their manhood is being threatened, and they have been trained to fight for that to the end. This is true for boys as well as older males. Also, we must remember every individual is different, and this should be taken into consideration.

Here is a suggested example as to how one might go about introducing this process to one of our younger members of society. To a degree it may also be appropriate for older members, with slight variations.

When shopping, take your son or brother, whatever the relationship, with you. Steer him to the clothing section for young girls and when passing the section displaying panties and other appropriate items, stop and exclaim how pretty they are. Your son will probably be very embarrassed to be in the unfamiliar girls' section, and express a desire to throw up. Ignore that, and continue to express your feelings about how nice they are. Urge him to touch them, and feel how soft and smooth the material is.

The next time you shop, stop by a rack of pretty dresses. Take one from the rack and hold it in front of the youngster, and say, 'Oh my, you would look just darling wearing this! Then put your arm around him and assure him that you love him very much. I'm sure he won't agree with you, but I will guarantee you that he will start wondering what it would be like to wear such items. Later you could offer, 'Wouldn't you like a dress like that for your birthday, or perhaps for Christmas?' Now you have introduced an expected event in his life. He will start to think about it a lot more than you think, and that's when he becomes hooked. Always talk about it in a loving way and emphasise how nice it will be. He won't admit it, but more and more he will wonder what it would be like being a girl.

Eventually, you will have to establish that it really is going to happen, and he will be wearing these items. Establish a date and assure him that he is going to love it. He still won't admit it, but the anticipation as the date grows nearer will slowly bring about unbelievable expectations.

You have developed an unconscious desire, and hopefully, a pleasant one. And, that's the key. What has been suggested is not the only way - it's just an example regarding how this effort can become a pleasure for the recipient. There are many ways in which it can be brought about. As soon as the recipient begins to enjoy his new lifestyle, then the goal is being achieved. As I have said, the idea is to plan ahead, giving due consideration to the special needs of the individual involved.
 
Hopefully, this will bring about a reduction in the number of males who have no purpose in life, other than existence and self
pleasure. Until the males of the world begin to see petticoating  as an acceptable way of life, then those of us who do believe will have to work to convince those who don't. And who knows, we may make the the world a better place for everybody through this effort.
 
It's certainly worth a try.
Julia

Julia has written a very thought-provoking and well-composed essay, and one definitely worth printing in 'Petticoat Discipline Monthly'. I do not entirely agree with Julia's proposed methodology: if it is to be part of a government plan, then we can say two things with a high degree of certainty: it will not be inexpensive, and it will fail. That is why I always encourage petticoating as a private matter, as something taking place within the close bonds of family life, from which the state is excluded (in a reasonably free society anyway; unfortunately many of Mr Blair's ministers would like to change that).

I do agree that the pleasant, relaxing, and submissive feelings that accompany successful petticoat discipline are chemically related. I do not know what the exact pathways are, but Julia has given us some interesting theories. I also agree with Julia that for the state to be become involved in the modification of people's hormones by direct chemical means strikes me as frightening. The government exists to provide a framework for people's peaceful co-existence by protecting life and property. To imagine that it has any further role is extremely dangerous, and a threat to life itself, as the sorry history of the twentieth century has shown.