Why are women ashamed of their vagina?

[DeistPaladin]

But I'm beginning to wonder, (if you have no Religious convictions), if the real issue is shame.

There's a fundamental difference, I think, between gender behavior on this issue. Some men may be eager to show off their stuff like a peacock strutting while fanning out its plumage to get the attention of the ladies (Ala "Hey baby, look what I got"). This reminds me of streakers back during the 70s who were invariably men. And like the peacock strutting its plumage, it does so in order to get the attention of females. The cheering and flirting from the women on the threads in question were reward enough.

I think it's fair to speculate that women are just by their biology not so eager to show their stuff. This is not just a matter of religious or societal programming but of biology. First of all, women are more vulnerable than men, not just because of the differences in physical strength but their sexual vulnerability as well. Women can be raped, for one thing. Apparently it is a possible danger for men as well but the odds of it happening to us are so remote whereas the odds for women, if crime statistics are any indication, is 1 in 4 over the course of their lifetimes. Some believe this number is actually a low estimate, as rape is one of the most under-reported crimes in our society. Such vulnerability is bound to lead instinctively to more "modesty" and a reluctance to be an exhibitionist regardless of how sexually liberal a social setting may be.

This is also why there was such a gender-divide on "elevator-gate". Most men would never feel threatened by being hit on in an enclosed area, even if it was an unattractive or creepy person we had no interest in. Women saw it differently.

Another great example, and a personal one, was the stalker I once attracted. My wife had to remind me of it when we were discussing the topic with some friends of hers because I'd completely forgotten all about it. I never felt fearful or threatened. Could she have become dangerous? Perhaps but the odds are so remote. Were I a woman and my stalker a man, I would have definitely felt differently.

Women also may be more inclined toward "modesty" by instinct to attract a stable mate. Men don't quite have the same need for a stable partner, as it's actually biologically advantageous for us to be promiscuous, or at least not so choosy about who we bed. Women might instinctively prefer to maintain the mystery, only revealing once they've netted that commitment.

All of this is just my speculation. Women on this forum can tell me if I got anything wrong.