Me, I`m a slasher ever since I started watching Stargate SG-1, and after I discovered the wonderfull world of www, both was years ago.
but, since my english is anything but good enough to express how I got into reading slash (since I don´t write), and why I always go back to slash in general in all fandoms I read fanfiction for, I either have to leave it with this comment of mine, or pre write a real answere in word (spell check included).
I think you could view it as a way for women to take power in their sexuality when they write slash, or any pairing, for that matter, but specifically with male slash. I think it could be argued especially in that case, b/c a woman is in control of two men AND a sexual situation. it's also a good way for women to communicate to the world what kinds of actions and emotions they like to see in men. even in a society that is very emotionally driven like ours is, we (as women) are often still not allowed to come right out & ask for what we want--sexually & romantically. the double standard is still very much active re: strong sexual women (aka promiscuity). I think this is a safe way for women to get what they want w/out being labeled as such.
I agree, it is a safe way to express ourselves. At least on the internet, I know in the real world many people find it bizarre at best, reactions can be strong. Again the double standard of guys can want to see two girls, but girls can't want to see two guys together.
I regard slash fanfic the same way I do fantasies or regular daydreams people have. you're in any given situation & your brain goes to work at making it better/more enjoyable for you. the same thing applies here: you're given a set of characters, & while you might already enjoy that a lot, you still find ways to make it better. but overall, I think it's simply a way for women to wield power.
might I link a friend here? this kind of topic is right up her alley, & I think she'll have some interesting things to say.
In a hurry so I can't write much, but women enjoy slash the same way men enjoy 2 women making out. It's a turn on. I think part of what makes slash more 'taboo' to the mainstream is that it's in many ways objectification of men, whereas in our society it's usually women who are being objectified. I mean, just look at music videos. Even the female singers are dressed sexily b/c they are supposed to be seen as desirable, while the men can wear whatever they want--while having scantily clad female backup dancers/singers in the background.
I see slash as a way for women to express their desires openly, something that as a poster above said, isn't always viewed well by society.
Clearly, yes, slash is an expression of female communication. I was lucky enough to get to go to wincon one year, and it was like an overflowing fountain of squee. Slash seems to channel women's responses to source material (through our passionate reaction to the slashy interactions we perceive between the men), upping the squee factor significantly
( ... )
Given that one intends to make the leap from Gen into porn, why slash instead of het? It's my conviction that het involves power dynamics that are more naturalized and trickier to navigate. If sex is predicated on penetration (which of course it need not be), the act of being penetrated can be equated with being less powerful -- hence the linkage between "bottoming" and "submission." No one, that I know, ever wanted Scully to SUBMIT to Mulder (OH HELL NO!) so slashgirls are not going to go there. Het runs the risk of naturalizing women's submission. Of course, a skilled writer can always turn that around, but that's the risk. With slash, power dynamics are fluid and always explicit. Both men stand equal chance of being on top or on bottom -- neither position is naturalized -- so the writer has to build the story (even if it's a pwp) justifying what happens in the scene. Readers get annoyed and bored if writers fall back on cliche justifications.... moving to spn, if Castiel is portrayed in too many stories as wimpy, clingy
( ... )
Comments 14
Me, I`m a slasher ever since I started watching Stargate SG-1, and after I discovered the wonderfull world of www, both was years ago.
but, since my english is anything but good enough to express how I got into reading slash (since I don´t write), and why I always go back to slash in general in all fandoms I read fanfiction for, I either have to leave it with this comment of mine, or pre write a real answere in word (spell check included).
hmmm ...
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
might I link a friend here? this kind of topic is right up her alley, & I think she'll have some interesting things to say.
Reply
Reply
I see slash as a way for women to express their desires openly, something that as a poster above said, isn't always viewed well by society.
I could say more but alas I must go.
Reply
I think in some ways fandom is one of the few places woman CAN objectify men without being silenced in some way.
Reply
Reply
Given that one intends to make the leap from Gen into porn, why slash instead of het? It's my conviction that het involves power dynamics that are more naturalized and trickier to navigate. If sex is predicated on penetration (which of course it need not be), the act of being penetrated can be equated with being less powerful -- hence the linkage between "bottoming" and "submission." No one, that I know, ever wanted Scully to SUBMIT to Mulder (OH HELL NO!) so slashgirls are not going to go there. Het runs the risk of naturalizing women's submission. Of course, a skilled writer can always turn that around, but that's the risk. With slash, power dynamics are fluid and always explicit. Both men stand equal chance of being on top or on bottom -- neither position is naturalized -- so the writer has to build the story (even if it's a pwp) justifying what happens in the scene. Readers get annoyed and bored if writers fall back on cliche justifications.... moving to spn, if Castiel is portrayed in too many stories as wimpy, clingy ( ... )
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment