Masturbation & acceptance

In the past the activity and person doing it where condemned today it is acknowledged and much more aware of as a sexual pleasure. Is that because over the years publicity of sex has come a long way and passed new boundaries?
The term 'masturbation' is enough to make us laugh. Some people agree to it some disagree. Every one has a personal opinion but society at large would feel uncomfortable with discussing it.

The website below gives a few stats about masturbation and an brief explanation on American History and it's influence on the shame and guilt of masturbation today. http://www.coolnurse.com/masturbation.htm

However views vary from religious points of view (see website below). Whereas a majority believe masturbation is acceptable, it is still condemned as a sin in some religions. Respecting every one's religious believes and or acceptance of masturbation, it is still however a sensitive or shall we say remotely 'embarrassing' topic to discuss openly. Why is this? Could it be due to the lack of knowledge on the issue? People take a more humorous approach to talking about 'masturbation' as it is a way of keeping in the safety zone of being serious about the topic or avoid the humiliation of discussing it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_masturbation