A year ago, I read an article online about how a big portion of the Japanese population isn't interested in having intimite relationships or sex. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/20/young-people-japan-stopped-having-sex) This surprised me, since the number of people not interested was pretty high. Almost half of Japans population seems to have little or no interest in sex.
When people decide not to have sex or not to get engaged in relationships, I respect that choice. What startles me tho is the enormous amount of mostly young Japanese people who aren't bothered with sex. It's weird to hear that in 2012, 'more incontinence pants were sold compared to baby nappies'.
Not only can this trend have a huge impact on Japans economics, it also brings a lot of questions. Why would young people don't want to have a relationship? This article already gives us some explanations. People don't see the reason for love anymore, stating that relationships are hard and only cost pain. Women are more ambitious and less interested in marriage. Working mothers are often demonised or have to stop working after having their first child. As you can see, the reasons and explanations for this trend, which isn't limited to Japan, are legion.
Of course, I still have to present to you another important and obvious other trend that could be held responsible for the relationship-trouble Japan is in these days. I'm talking about the mass media, online porn (and hentai) and the efforts some businesses make to help people get off without any form of human contact.
Mass media makes us more alienated from each other. Online porn can create false ideas and even obsessions about what men and women should like and how they should behave. This seems to be quite the problem in Japan. More and more people visit therapists with concerns about their sexual ideas. This is sad, since sex should be something that comes natural when you are with someone you love and trust. But as always with social phenomenons, the real explanation is a bit harder then combining some factors.
What disturbs me very deeply on the other hand, is the fact that companies jump on the wagon and start producing sex toys that look even more human than me. Check it out: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2722779/Japans-sex-doll-industry-reaches-level-creation-perfect-artificial-1-000-Dutch-Wife-comes-realistic-feeling-skin.html?ito=social-facebook
In short, these extremely realistic dolls have the feeling of real skin, realistic eyes and they even come with a lingerie set. On top of that, costumers can pick breast size, appearance, and other features.
Why are people promoting this? Whatever happened to having a relationship with a real human being? I do understand this isn't possible for some people, but whatever happened to masturbation? I really can't see why you don't want to have a significant other, but you spend thousands of dollars on some doll you can satisfy all your needs with.
And is it me, or do some of these dolls in the video included in the article look really young? I wonder if they are all used as sex toys... If so, the dolls resembling children should be banished. No excuses. There is no excuse for child abuse, and making sex dolls shaped like children will only lower the barriers for child abusers to put this horrific fantasy into action.
I think this article sadly states how far humanity has sunk. We are being told that everything is for sale, that money will buy you everything. But this is a lie, one of the most flagrant lies in this world. Sure, I know sex can be purchased on almost every street corner and in every bar. But your money won't buy you intimacy or friendschip. Most people who pay for sex know this, and if both parties are aware of the conditions, and respect one another, I see no harm in prostitution.
Selling dolls that can be completely made the way you want it on the other hand, is a disturbing trend. Not only do they try to sell us the idea that we can buy intimacy. Also, and even more disturbing, the dolls look so perfect and have so many options you can choose from, so why would you ever want anything else? Japanese media boosts this idea, by stating that 'anybody who buys one, will never want a real girlfriend again'. It's almost like the Japanese government doesn't want their people to have children anymore.
I do believe some people will be better of with these dolls. But why do they have to be so realistic? It automatically makes you think that in real life, women can be bought too.
Honestly, I'm curious where this new trend will lead Japan, and if the dolls will take over other parts of the world, too. And who can tell what will happen if technology takes over and gives these dolls the ability to communicate? Only time will tell I guess...
Mary Jane
pissedofpenguin@gmail.com
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