Erotic fear is the anxiety associated with sexually charged situations that may result in harm or loss of power for an individual. States have used this fear to control and dominate their citizens for centuries. One example of such state control can be seen in the laws governing prostitution. Prostitution is often linked to ideas about impurity, which creates an atmosphere of threat and danger around it. This has been used as a tool for states to regulate prostitutes' behavior and limit their rights.
In ancient Rome, prostitution was highly regulated due to its perceived negative impact on society. The fear of violation led the government to criminalize certain aspects of prostitution while also controlling those who engaged in it.
Brothels were required to register with the state and keep records of their clients.
Pimps had to pay taxes on their earnings from prostitutes. These measures served as a way for the state to monitor and control the sexual activity of its people, thereby creating a sense of erotic fear among them.
During medieval times, the Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping attitudes towards sex and eroticism. They viewed sex as sinful and dangerous if not practiced within marriage. This created a culture of shame and guilt around sex, leading many to seek relief through prostitution.
The church responded by condemning prostitution and punishing offenders harshly. By making prostitution illegal and punishable by death or imprisonment, they instilled fear into those engaging in the act. This allowed the state to exert more control over its citizens' sexuality, thus promoting moral values that aligned with their beliefs.
Modern-day states have continued this trend by using fear as a means to discipline their population's sexual behavior. One example is the United States, where laws such as the Communications Decency Act (CDA) have been used to regulate online speech related to sex. The CDA prohibits anyone under 18 from accessing material deemed harmful to minors or obscene. While this may seem like a noble cause, it has been criticized for stifling free expression and limiting access to information about sex education. As a result, some argue that the government is manipulating the public's fear of sex to create a false narrative that only certain types of sex are acceptable.
States have long used erotic fear to manipulate and control their populations' sexual behaviors. From ancient Rome to modern-day America, governments have used fear tactics to influence societal norms and promote moral values that align with their interests. It is essential to understand how these strategies have shaped our attitudes towards sex and intimacy, so we can work toward creating a world where everyone feels safe and empowered in their sexual relationships.
How do states use erotic fear—fear of violation, invasion, or impurity—to discipline the population?
Erotic fear is often used by states as a means of social control and disciplining the populace. This can be done through the implementation of laws and policies that criminalize certain sexual behaviors and activities, such as homosexuality, prostitution, and adultery. The threat of punishment for breaking these laws instills a sense of fear and shame in those who engage in them, leading to self-censorship and compliance with societal norms.