The eroticization of the "outsider" is a term used to describe the way in which people who are considered to be different from the norm are portrayed as desirable objects of sexual desire. This can manifest in various ways, such as fetishizing non-Western cultures, exoticizing ethnic minorities, or objectifying people based on their physical appearance. In this article, we will explore how these phenomena reflect broader political anxieties about cultural change, infiltration, and difference.
One way that the eroticization of the outsider mirrors political anxieties is through the fear of foreign influence. In many cases, there is a belief that contact with outside groups or ideas can corrupt traditional values and customs. This can lead to an obsession with preserving cultural purity, often resulting in discrimination and oppression against those who do not fit into these norms.
Many Western countries have historically viewed Asian cultures as mysterious and exotic, leading to the development of a "yellow fever" fetish where white men were attracted to East Asian women for their supposed submissiveness and femininity. Similarly, the popularity of Brazilian waxing among American women has been linked to fears that hairless genitals represent a return to more "natural" sexual practices.
Another way that the eroticization of the outsider reflects political anxiety is through the fear of immigration. When newcomers arrive in a country, they bring with them different customs, languages, and beliefs. This can cause disruption and uncertainty, which leads some people to seek comfort in familiar relationships and activities, including sex.
The rise of online dating apps like Tinder and Bumble has coincided with increased globalization and migration, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to connect with each other in previously unimaginable ways.
This has also led to concerns that these platforms are being used by predators to target vulnerable individuals, further stoking fears about outsiders.
The eroticization of the outsider can be seen as a reflection of broader anxieties about social change. As society evolves and becomes more open-minded towards diversity, there may be a backlash against progress, resulting in attempts to hold onto traditional gender roles and power dynamics. This can manifest in the objectification of women's bodies or the dehumanization of LGBTQ+ individuals, who are often presented as threats to heteronormative values. By framing these groups as deviant or dangerous, those in power can maintain control over society and preserve their own status.
The eroticization of the outsider reflects deep-seated political anxieties about cultural difference and infiltration. It provides an outlet for individuals to express their fears and desires while remaining within socially acceptable boundaries. While this phenomenon is not inherently harmful on its own, it can lead to negative consequences when it reinforces existing systems of oppression and marginalization.
How does the eroticization of the “outsider” mirror political anxieties about infiltration, difference, and cultural change?
To begin with, it is important to understand that eroticization refers to the act of making something sexually appealing or arousing. The "outsider" can be defined as someone who belongs to a group or community that differs from the norm, and they may face discrimination or exclusion because of their differences. On the other hand, political anxiety involves fear or uncertainty about changes in society's power structure, which may lead to attempts to preserve traditional values and beliefs.