ASK AMY

Dear Amy:

Touched off by a letter from a single father who was upset because his teenage daughter had taken to wearing thong underwear, several other readers responded, and the topic shifted to the pros and cons of thong underwear in general.

Apparently, many women prefer the thong because it eliminates the "dreaded" visible panty line.

Speaking as a reasonably normal heterosexual male, I'd be curious how the visible panty line has come to be dreaded in the first place. What has caused women to feel that way?

Throughout history, men have had a special fondness for the sight of the female derriere. And this visual appeal is actually enhanced by lingerie. Because totally nude is not as erotic as almost nude, companies such as Victoria's Secret have done very well.

The point is that men are NOT turned off by a VPL. I don't claim to speak for all men, but I'm sure I speak for many. The VPL has its own erotic visual appeal. It is a visible reminder of what you can't see but know is there. It is a tantalizing suggestion of what you would see if the outer garment were not there. And I want to stress that this is strictly visual -- and mental.

So, ladies, if you prefer thongs for comfort or for your own aesthetic standards, then wear them and enjoy them, by all means. But don't let any slick advertising sell you a snow job about what men like or don't like.

Visual Male

I asked men to respond on the scourge of the VPL and, fortunately, men have responded. Read on.

Dear Amy:

Hey, kid. I have some intelligence for you regarding the important issue of VPL. Brace yourself: Men have not remained silent on this issue. Men have spoken up volubly, and in statistically significant numbers, as have women.