Rape+Fantasies

=Introduction= toc Culture is defined in many ways. One way to define culture is that it is the learned behaviors and symbols of a group, the primary means by which humans adapt to their environments, and the way of life for a particular society (Nanda & Warms, 2011). Another way to define culture would be that is it the traditions of thought and behavior (i.e. language) that can be socially acquired, shared and passed onto following generations (Hays, 2008).

Rape, like culture, also has many different meanings. Love (1992) defined rape as coercing someone into non-consensual sex. Another definition of rape comes from Seidman, Fischer, and Meeks (2011) who stated that rape is the most severe form of coercion as sexual intercourse is obtained through the use of physical force or the threat of force. In some definitions, the indication of sex/gender still exists such as Yarber, Sayad, and Strong’s (2010) definition of rape as penile-vaginal penetration performed against the will of a woman through the use or threat of force; however a man can also be raped. Gregersen (1994) also mentions rape as “forced sexual contact with an unwilling partner, usually a woman” reflecting the more gendered description of rape as applying to many cultures” (p. 357).

Cross culturally, rape can be difficult to define. Scholars believe that there may be a wider or narrower definition of rape depending on the culture (Donnan & Magowan, 2010; Gregersen, 1994; Middleton, 2002). Rape can be defined legally, religiously, and socially in many different ways (Gregersen, 1994). Because of the various methods of defining rape, the method of dealing with rape can vary accordingly; rape may go acknowledged and unpunished, rape may be ignored, or rape may be acknowledged and punished. In some cases, societal distinction between rape and nonrape is not clear because women are supposed to feign reluctance to male advances (Gregersen, 1994). Cultural definitions of rape and the taboo nature of the subject, therefore, directly influence the content of an individual’s sexual fantasies (Wingood & DiClemente, 2002).

=Rape Fantasies in Other Cultures= Concerning rape fantasy, most of the current research comes from a Western, predominantly U.S. cultural viewpoint. Due to the fact that rape is culturally defined, data on rape fantasy from the social scientific viewpoint that many U.S. researchers choose to collect information may not be possible. Rape fantasy is looked at through contextual information present in fantasy media. Here, we look to address the taboo topic of rape fantasy within four different cultures: United States culture, BDSM culture, Japanese hentai culture, and video game culture.

United States
The United States culture concerning rape fantasy is largely dependent on the research done on the topic. While defining rape and rape fantasy within the cultural context, many United States scholars and individuals have a difficult time discussing the concept of rape fantasy. Over the years, the discussion has stemmed from basic beliefs about female submissiveness and morphed into a broader understanding of sexual fantasy of submission for females and males alike.

BDSM (U.S.)
In BDSM, individuals may consensually enact, create, or mimic rape in some manner, so that fantasy can become “reality” through role play. These scenarios vary in extent and detail, but all are consensual and require extensive trust, communication, and prior negotiation. Individuals participate in rape play scenarios (also known as consensual non-consent, edge play, or forced sex) for a variety of reasons including guilt avoidance, love of excitement and risk-taking, and to work through previous trauma.

Japanese Hentai
Within the cultural context of Japanese erotic illustrations, rape fantasy is very prevalent. The more hard-core erotic anime, referred to as heintai in the United States, often depicts young women or girls engaging in non consensual sexual behaviors with older men and sometimes nonhuman creatures. In these animated rape fantasies, female beauty is defined by Western standards and the women are portrayed as over-sexualized and powerless. While hentai is seen as popular among stereotypically socially awkward young men in the United States, erotic anime films, including those depicting rape fantasies, are more widely popular among both men and women in Japan.

Video Game Culture
In the video game culture, rape is taboo, but is accepted within gamespace. As video games are by nature a fantasy, rape content is supported by video gamers for many reasons. Video gamers also contend that rape content in video games should not be censored any differently than other taboos and mediums.

=Recommendations= Due to the dynamics of defining and understanding what rape means across various cultures, the topic of rape and rape fantasy can be a challenge for therapists, educators and researchers. When discussing rape fantasies in a cross-cultural setting, understanding and inquiring into these worlds and their patients’ or students’ experiences of them allows professionals to be more effective clinicians, researchers, and/or educators. Understanding and inquiry can be facilitated by the professional not only by doing independent research on the beliefs and practices of the culture, but also by inquiring directly of the individual. Direct inquiry can be very effective when valid literature is not available. Cultural concepts are not always interpreted by the individual in the same way that the culture may present these concepts, thus individual beliefs need to be considered. Additionally, it is important to take into account what is considered sexual and/or taboo in a culture. It is important to keep in mind personal and cultural biases when utilizing current research, as available research may not fit with or address a student or client’s culture.

=References= Nanda, S., & Warms, R.L. (2011). //Cultural anthropology// (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Hays, P.A. (2008). //Addressing cultural complexities in practice: Assessment, diagnosis and// //therapy// (2nd ed.). Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Love, B. (1992). //Encyclopedia of unusual sex practices.// Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade.

Seidman, S., Fischer, N., & Meeks, C. (Eds.). (2011). //Introducing the new sexuality studies// (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Yarber, W.L., Sayad, B.W., & Strong, B. (2010). //Human sexuality: Diversity in contemporary America// (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Gregersen, E. (1994). //The world of human sexuality: Behaviors, customs, and beliefs//. New York, NY: Irvington Publishers Inc.

Donnan, H., & Magowan, F. (2010). //The anthropology of sex//. New York, NY: Berg.

Middleton, D.R. (2002). //Exotics and erotics: Human cultural and sexual diversity.// Long Grove, IL: Waveland.

Wingood, G.M., & DiClemente, R.J. (Eds.). (2002). //Handbook of women's sexual and reproductive health.// New York, NY: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.