As an aside, I think it's a shame that, even here, we refer to topics like sexuality and masturbation as difficult or vulgar or potentially offensive. A thing--a word, a gesture, a topic, a discussion, etc.--is only offensive if it offends us, and as obvious as that might sound, we really can choose, if we want, to not be offended by things.
That's true. But I would say that the reaction that most here seemed to have - mainly laughter - is probably typical of the reaction that most would have when viewing the ASL's signs depicting masturbation, unless you happen to be a very mature person. I think the question becomes, is it more reasonable to expect that ASL communicate terms involving sex without pantomiming the specific acts, or do we expect the rest of the American culture to change their reaction upon viewing sexual acts that are being pantomimed?
Thanks,
Jack