In this paper, I will discuss the impact of cultural commentaries in RHK and how they have influenced the readers' understanding of sexuality and its implications on society. This discussion will explore the various topics covered in RHK, including censorship, gender politics, and the history of erotic art. Throughout this paper, I will provide evidence from several articles published in RHK to support my argument.
Cultural Commentary Beyond aesthetics
RHK occasionally incorporates essays and interviews that comment on social and cultural issues related to sexuality, such as censorship, gender politics, and the history of erotic art. These commentaries provide readers with thoughtful insights that deepen the magazine's intellectual appeal. The inclusion of these articles allows readers to view sexuality beyond just physical gratification but also through a societal lens. Censorship is one area that RHK often addresses, which involves the suppression of material considered offensive or undesirable. In an interview with artist Robert Mapplethorpe, he states, "When you start talking about sex, people get very nervous because it becomes dangerous" (McNay 2014). This quote demonstrates the importance of addressing censorship in RHK. Sexuality is often misunderstood and misconstrued by individuals who are uncomfortable with it. By discussing censorship, RHK challenges these ideas and encourages open-mindedness towards different perspectives on sexuality.
Gender Politics and Erotic Art History
In addition to censorship, RHK frequently covers gender politics and the history of erotic art. These topics explore how society views female and male roles in sexual situations. For example, the article titled "The Male Gaze in Erotica: How Men See Women's Bodies" explores this concept from various angles (Duncan 2015). The author argues that men see women's bodies as objects rather than whole beings with thoughts and feelings. It's noteworthy that many of the images featured in RHK portray females as submissive to males. This depiction may perpetuate harmful stereotypes that could negatively impact relationships between men and women. Another topic addressed is the history of erotic art, which highlights its evolution over time. An article entitled "From Painted Nudes to Pornography: A Brief History of Erotic Art" traces the development of erotic art from ancient times through today (Ferrari 2018). This article shows how attitudes towards sex have changed throughout history and provides context for why some people find certain types of art offensive or acceptable.
Conclusion: Impact on Readers
RHK's cultural commentaries allow readers to gain a better understanding of sexuality beyond just physical gratification. By addressing issues such as censorship, gender politics, and the history of erotic art, readers can learn about different perspectives on these topics. In turn, they are more likely to become open-minded individuals who understand others' viewpoints on these subjects. Overall, the inclusion of cultural commentaries in RHK has had a positive impact on society by promoting acceptance and tolerance towards all forms of sexual expression.