Fictosexuality: Difference between revisions
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| ⚫ | {{Short description|Attraction to fictional characters}}'''Fictosexuality''' is a term that defines [[sexual attraction]] towards [[fictional characters]]. Fictosexuality refers to “feeling sexual attraction to fictional characters but rarely having similar feelings to real humans”, or more generally “having sexual/romantic/marital desires for fictional characters”.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Liao |first=SH |year=2023 |title=Fictosexual Manifesto: Their Position, Political Possibility, and Critical Resistance |url=https://vocal.media/humans/fictosexual-manifesto |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=NTU-OTASTUDY GROUP}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Matsuura |first=Yuu |year=2021 |title=日常生活の自明性によるクレイム申し立ての「予めの排除／抹消」――「性的指向」概念に適合しないセクシュアリティの語られ方に注目して |trans-title=“Foreclosure/Erasure” of Claims-Making by the Everyday Life as Taken for Granted: Discourse Analysis about “Fictosexual” as Sexuality that does not Conform to “Sexual Orientation” |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/shabyo/36/0/36_67/_article/-char/en |journal=現代の社会病理 (Journal of Social Problems) |language=ja |volume=36 |pages=67-83 |doi=10.50885/shabyo.36.0_67}}</ref>Though not all fictosexuals identify themselves as [[Gray asexuality|gray asexuals]], fictosexual individuals who do not experience sexual attraction towards real people are considered to be on the [[Gray asexuality|asexual spectrum]]<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Yule |first=Morag A. |last2=Brotto |first2=Lori A. |last3=Gorzalka |first3=Boris B. |year=2017 |title=Sexual Fantasy and Masturbation Among Asexual Individuals: An In-Depth Exploration |url=https://med-fom-brotto.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2014/11/Yule-Gorzalka-Brotto-2017-Sexual-fantasy-masturbation-among-asexual-individuals-An-in-depth-exploration-4754.pdf |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |volume=46 |pages=311-328 |doi=10.1007/s10508-016-0870-8}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Karhulahti |first=Veli-Matti |last2=Välisalo |first2=Tanja |year=2021 |title=Fictosexuality, Fictoromance, and Fictophilia: A Qualitative Study of Love and Desire for Fictional Characters |url=https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.575427/full |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=11 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2020.575427}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Daigle-Orians |first=Cody |title=I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life |publisher=Jessica Kingsley Publishers |year=2023}}</ref>. |
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{{Short description|Attraction to fictional characters}} |
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Amidst fictosexual individuals, those who experience attraction towards [[manga]]/[[anime]] style characters possess a distinct sexuality in comparison to those who experience attraction towards actual human beings. As [[otaku]] studies have established, the inclination towards two-dimensional characters is not a yearning for real human beings, but for “an orientation of desire toward fiction”.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Galbraith |first=Patrick W. |title=Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan |publisher=Duke University Press |year=2019}}</ref> To be more specific, the attraction towards manga/anime style images is not a desire for flesh-and-blood humans, but for non-human artifacts in the form of two-dimensional characters.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Matsuura |first=Yuu |year=2022 |title=アニメーション的な誤配としての多重見当識：非対人性愛的な「二次元」へのセクシュアリティに関する理論的考察 |trans-title=Multiple Orientations as Animating Misdelivery: Theoretical Considerations on Sexuality Attracted to Nijigen (Two-Dimensional) Objects |url=https://researchmap.jp/mtwrmtwr/published_papers/37150884?lang=en |journal=ジェンダー研究 (Gender Studies) |language=ja |publisher=Institute for Gender Studies, Ochanomizu University |issue=25 |pages=139-157 |doi=10.24567/0002000551}}</ref> |
Amidst fictosexual individuals, those who experience attraction towards [[manga]]/[[anime]] style characters possess a distinct sexuality in comparison to those who experience attraction towards actual human beings. As [[otaku]] studies have established, the inclination towards two-dimensional characters is not a yearning for real human beings, but for “an orientation of desire toward fiction”.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Galbraith |first=Patrick W. |title=Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan |publisher=Duke University Press |year=2019}}</ref> To be more specific, the attraction towards manga/anime style images is not a desire for flesh-and-blood humans, but for non-human artifacts in the form of two-dimensional characters.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Matsuura |first=Yuu |year=2022 |title=アニメーション的な誤配としての多重見当識：非対人性愛的な「二次元」へのセクシュアリティに関する理論的考察 |trans-title=Multiple Orientations as Animating Misdelivery: Theoretical Considerations on Sexuality Attracted to Nijigen (Two-Dimensional) Objects |url=https://researchmap.jp/mtwrmtwr/published_papers/37150884?lang=en |journal=ジェンダー研究 (Gender Studies) |language=ja |publisher=Institute for Gender Studies, Ochanomizu University |issue=25 |pages=139-157 |doi=10.24567/0002000551}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 17:00, 16 May 2023
Fictosexuality is a term that defines sexual attraction towards fictional characters. Fictosexuality refers to “feeling sexual attraction to fictional characters but rarely having similar feelings to real humans”, or more generally “having sexual/romantic/marital desires for fictional characters”.[1][2]Though not all fictosexuals identify themselves as gray asexuals, fictosexual individuals who do not experience sexual attraction towards real people are considered to be on the asexual spectrum[2][3][4][5].
Amidst fictosexual individuals, those who experience attraction towards manga/anime style characters possess a distinct sexuality in comparison to those who experience attraction towards actual human beings. As otaku studies have established, the inclination towards two-dimensional characters is not a yearning for real human beings, but for “an orientation of desire toward fiction”.[6] To be more specific, the attraction towards manga/anime style images is not a desire for flesh-and-blood humans, but for non-human artifacts in the form of two-dimensional characters.[1][7]
Fictosexuals have formulated the concept of interpersonal sexuality centrism[a] as the prevailing normative sexuality centered around sexual attraction towards flesh-and-blood humans.[1][2] The concept of interpersonal sexuality centrism can be understood as a combination of the idea of compulsory sexuality[b] from asexual research and the notion of humanonormativity[c] from objectum sexuality research.[10] Due to these norms, fictosexual individuals are marginalized.[1][2]
In Japanese, the term フィクトセクシュアル (fikutosekushuaru) is a translation of fictosexual, which is typically used to describe a sexual attraction towards two-dimensional characters. Meanwhile, in Chinese, the term 紙性戀; Zhǐ-Xìng-Liàn; 'fictosexuality'[d] specifically refers to sexual attraction towards two-dimensional characters only.[11]
Research
Demographic research
There are currently a limited number of statistical studies on fictosexual individuals. A demographic survey carried out by the Japanese Association for Sex Education revealed that the proportions of participants who reported "having experienced romantic emotions towards characters in games or anime" were as follows: 13.1% for male junior high school students, 16.0% for female junior high school students, 13.6% for male high school students, 15.4% for female high school students, 14.4% for male college students, and 17.1% for female college students.[12]
Feminist and queer research
Several asexual studies refer to fictosexuality[3] and Elizabeth Miles argues that “as with current theorizations of asexuality, (…) desire for two-dimensional [nijigen] characters forces us to reconsider what sex is and how legal and social proscriptions deny sexual access and the rights of full sexual citizenship.”[13][1] Sociologist and queer theorist Yuu Matsuura criticizes the "asymmetry wherein hentai content is subject to unilateral problematizing, while interpersonal sexuality is presumed as self-evident" and presents an ethical question, "Why is the issue that hentai content purportedly causes not labeled as the 'interpersonal sexuality issues'?"[7]
Queer theoretical research has also been conducted. In her analysis of the notion of "animation" put forth by Teri Silvio and Hiroki Azuma's interpretation of Derrida, Yuu Matsuura argues that sexual attraction to two-dimensional characters subverts established norms in a different manner from Butler's performativity.[1][7] The subversion is “transforming the method of perception or the way of desire through animation constructing the beings of a category that did not exist before.”[14][1] Matsuura also posits a theory that interpersonal sexuality centrism is linked to heteronormativity and gender binarism.[7][15][1]
Through interviews conducted with fictosexual individuals, Matsuura discovered that they face the same forms of oppression due to compulsory sexuality as asexual individuals do.[16] Furthermore, it was also observed that sexual desire does not always entail a desire for sexual intercourse.[16] Interview surveys in Japan and Taiwan indicate that the practices of fictosexual individuals present some possibilities to challenge compulsory sexuality and interpersonal sexuality centrism.[16][11]
Relationship with fictional character
Fictosexual individuals "do not ‘confuse fiction and reality,’ but overtly address the parasocial nature of their relationship. However, their genuine emotions and feelings toward the characters may generate discomfort since they cannot interact with the characters in the same way as they do with their human peers."[4] This is called "Fictophilic paradox."[4] This paradox has been corroborated by research conducted in Taiwan.[11]
However, the relationship between fictosexual individuals and fictional characters is not always a simple one-way relationship.[11] It has been observed that they experience emotional connection and sense the presence of these characters through various mediums, such as interfaces or character items, and also through practices like derivative work.[4][11] It has been suggested that the relationship between fictosexual individuals and fictional characters can be understood through the lens of "relational epistemology" or "dividual" in anthropology.[11]
On the other hand, just as not all heterosexuals desire sexual contact, some fictosexual individuals do not desire interactive relationships with fictional characters.[16] The amatonormative stereotype that all fictosexuals must desire sexual or romantic intimacy with a single fictional character renders these people invisible.[2]
Comics studies
Japanese manga researcher Gō Itō argues that "if they do not recognize the existence of readings other than the mapping of the “real flesh-and-blood body” or exaggerated stereotypes for the Kyara image, then they cannot see the level of the “things” itself that is the object of desire in Fictosexuals."[17][1]
Discrimination and stigmatization
Fictosexuals have been marginalized or concealed in societies that adhere to the norm of sexual attraction to human beings. They are occasionally stigmatized or pathologized.[1][2][4] Fictosexuals also face prejudice from the LGBT community.[1] Fictosexuality is often dismissed as a mere "preference"[2] and excluded from the LGBTQ+.[1][2]
Additionally, the sexual attraction towards two-dimensional characters can be misrepresented as a mere inclination towards a human depicted in a particular style, whereas the attraction is, in reality, directed towards a non-human entity.[1][2][7] Researchers and activists have pointed out that misrepresenting the desire for two-dimensional boy or girl characters as a desire for a human child is an example of interpersonal sexuality centric prejudice.[1][2][7]
Community and activism
In Japan, fictosexual individuals engage in online activism to critique interpersonal sexuality centrism. They have disapproved of compulsory sexuality and amatonormativity by introducing the term interpersonal sexuality as a concept to denote the sexual majority.[2] Criticism of interpersonal sexuality centrism rebuts the assumption that hentai pornography sexualizes real women and promotes pedophilia,[2][7] while simultaneously denouncing rape culture.[2] This critique is oriented towards solidarity with the feminist and LGBTQ movements.[1][15]
In Taiwan, Liao Xiwen (廖希文) has established the NTU-OtaStudy (臺大御宅研究讀書會) organization with the goal of promoting the recognition of fictosexuality and the relativization of interpersonal sexuality.[11] NTU-OtaStudy has conducted surveys on fictosexuality,[18] published fictosexual manifesto,[1][19] and translated Yuu Matsuura's articles.[1][19]
See also
Explanatory notes
- ^ The term interpersonal sexuality centrism (対人性愛中心主義, taijinseiai chūshin shugi) originated from online posts by fictosexual individuals in Japan.[1][2] The first character, "対," means "oriented." The second character, "人," means "person" or "human." When combined, they form the word "対人," which means "interpersonal." "性愛," means "sexuality" and "中心主義" means "centrism."
- ^ Compulsory sexuality is "the social expectation that sexuality is a universal norm, that everyone should be sexual and desire sex, and that to not be sexual or desire sex is inherently wrong and in need of fixing".[8]
- ^ Humanonormativity is "the belief that people normally and naturally engage in sexual practices and romantic relationships with other human beings. This is not a norm that constructs such sexualities as superior to just engaging in sexual acts with animals (zoophilia)."[9]
- ^ "Zhǐ" (紙) means paper and "Xìng-Liàn" (性戀) means sexuality.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Liao, SH (2023). "Fictosexual Manifesto: Their Position, Political Possibility, and Critical Resistance". NTU-OTASTUDY GROUP. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Matsuura, Yuu (2021). "日常生活の自明性によるクレイム申し立ての「予めの排除／抹消」――「性的指向」概念に適合しないセクシュアリティの語られ方に注目して" [“Foreclosure/Erasure” of Claims-Making by the Everyday Life as Taken for Granted: Discourse Analysis about “Fictosexual” as Sexuality that does not Conform to “Sexual Orientation”]. 現代の社会病理 (Journal of Social Problems) (in Japanese). 36: 67–83. doi:10.50885/shabyo.36.0_67.
- ^ a b Yule, Morag A.; Brotto, Lori A.; Gorzalka, Boris B. (2017). "Sexual Fantasy and Masturbation Among Asexual Individuals: An In-Depth Exploration" (PDF). Archives of Sexual Behavior. 46: 311–328. doi:10.1007/s10508-016-0870-8.
- ^ a b c d e Karhulahti, Veli-Matti; Välisalo, Tanja (2021). "Fictosexuality, Fictoromance, and Fictophilia: A Qualitative Study of Love and Desire for Fictional Characters". Frontiers in Psychology. 11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.575427.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ Daigle-Orians, Cody (2023). I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- ^ Galbraith, Patrick W. (2019). Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan. Duke University Press.
- ^ a b c d e f g Matsuura, Yuu (2022). "アニメーション的な誤配としての多重見当識：非対人性愛的な「二次元」へのセクシュアリティに関する理論的考察" [Multiple Orientations as Animating Misdelivery: Theoretical Considerations on Sexuality Attracted to Nijigen (Two-Dimensional) Objects]. ジェンダー研究 (Gender Studies) (in Japanese) (25). Institute for Gender Studies, Ochanomizu University: 139–157. doi:10.24567/0002000551.
- ^ Pryzybylo, Era (2022). "Unthinking compulsory sexuality: Introducing asexuality". In Fischer, Nancy L.; Westbrook, Laurel; Seidman, Steven (eds.). Introducing the New Sexuality Studies (4th ed.). Routledge.
- ^ Motschenbacher, Heiko (2018). "Language and Sexual Normativity". In Hall, Kira; Barrett, Rusty (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Language and Sexuality. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190212926.013.14.
- ^ Matsuura, Yuu (2023). "対人性愛中心主義批判の射程に関する検討――フェミニズム・クィアスタディーズにおける対物性愛研究を踏まえて" [Humanonormativity and Interpersonal Sexuality Centrism: A Discussion Based on Objectum Sexuality Studies from a Feminist and Queer Perspective]. 人間科学共生社会学 (Human Science Sociology and Anthropology) (in Japanese) (13). Faculty of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University.
- ^ a b c d e f g 廖, 希文 (2023). "紙性戀處境及其悖論: 情動、想像與賦生關係" [On Fictosexual Position and its Paradox: Affacts, Imaginary, and Animating Relationships]. 動漫遊台灣2023：台灣 ACG 的過去、現在與未來 (研討會論文) (in Chinese).
- ^ Japanese Association for Sex Education, ed. (2019). 「若者の性」白書 第8回 青少年の性行動全国調査報告 [White Paper on Youth Sex: Report on the 8th National Survey on Sexual Behavior of Youth] (in Japanese). Shogakukan. ISBN 9784098402007.
- ^ Miles, Elizabeth (2020). "Porn as Practice, Porn as Access: Pornography Consumption and a ʻThird Sexual Orientationʼ in Japan". Porn Studies. 7 (3): 269–278. doi:10.1080/23268743.2020.1726205.
- ^ Matsuura, Yuu (2022). "メタファーとしての美少女：アニメーション的な誤配によるジェンダー・トラブル" [Bishōjo as Metaphor: Gender Trouble by Animating Misdelivery]. 現代思想 = La revue de la pensée d'aujourd'hui (in Japanese). 50 (11): 63–75. ISBN 9784791714353.
- ^ a b Matsuura, Yuu (2022). "対人性愛中心主義とシスジェンダー中心主義の共通点：「萌え絵広告問題」と「トランスジェンダーのトイレ使用問題」から" [The Common Point between Interpersonal Sexuality Centrism and Cisgender-Centrism] (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ a b c d Matsuura, Yuu (2021). "二次元の性的表現による「現実性愛」の相対化の可能性――現実の他者へ性的に惹かれない「オタク」「腐女子」の語りを事例として" [The Possibility of Relativization of Compulsory Sexuality by Nonrealistic Sexual Fantasy: Based on the Narration of “Otaku” and “Fujoshi” Who Do Not Experience Sexual or Romantic Attraction to Real People]. 新社会学研究 (Japan sociologist) (in Japanese) (5): 116–136. ISBN 9784788517073.
- ^ Itō, Gō (2022). Suzuki, Masao; Nakata, Kentaro (eds.). "生きてしまうキャラ：マンガのおばけ再考" [Characters that live: Ghost of Manga Revisited]. マンガメディア文化論：フレームを越えて生きる方法 (in Japanese). Suiseisha: 415–451. ISBN 9784801006195.
- ^ "紙性戀的定義與測量．建構篇：紙性戀量表的設計與檢驗". Rhizome｜球根 (in Chinese). NTU-OtaStudy. 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ a b Liao, SH (2023). "紙性戀宣言： 其置身處境、政治可能性及批判性抵抗" [Fictosexual Manifesto: Their Position, Political Possibility, and Critical Resistance]. 球根｜Rhizome (in Chinese). NTU-OTASTUDY GROUP. Retrieved 2023-05-09.