Sexual victimization frequently is carried out by males with feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness, a "macho man mentality," an obsession with sexual performance, and experiences of rejection. Sociocultural conditioning is shown to contribute to sexual victimization. Historically, through phallus worship, the penis has been viewed as a major symbol of power. One of the results for this conditioning is that men who feel powerless and inadequate use this symbol of power in an attempt to experience or regain a feeling of control and power in their lives. This same historical conditioning has given rise to the macho man mentality, which is reinforced by pornography. Pornography further contributes to sexual victimization by portraying women as submissive sexual objects. Pornography can fuel the sex offender's tendencies to victimize women and children. An understanding of the historical and sociocultural influences which contribute to sexual victimization, combined with an awareness of current attitudes and practices that reinforce such activity, is a necessary first step in the long road to reducing and preventing sexual victimization. Bibliography