A study of the relationship between eroticism and politics reveals that erotic exposure can be used to enforce social norms, punish transgressions, and manipulate public opinion.
In societies where sexuality is highly regulated, such as those in which homosexuality is illegal or considered immoral, exposing individuals to images or acts of an erotic nature can serve as a form of shaming or deterrent against violating cultural taboos.
When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Columbia University in 2007, he was met with protesters holding up signs reading "Sexual Freedom" and "Gay Power." The demonstrators were arrested for public lewdness and indecency.
During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump used his popularity among evangelical Christians to attack Hillary Clinton's husband Bill Clinton for alleged infidelities. This strategy played into conservative fears about sexual promiscuity and helped secure votes from religious voters who might have been swayed by her more progressive policies.
Erotic exposure can also function as a tool of political repression when it is used to create a sense of fear or unease around certain behaviors.
In Saudi Arabia, where public displays of affection are forbidden, officials recently arrested several young people for dancing at a wedding party. By presenting sexually suggestive behavior as dangerous and unacceptable, authorities are able to control citizens' behavior and maintain power over them.
Political leaders may use erotic imagery to manipulate the public. In China, the government has long censored media coverage of same-sex relationships, but recently released a movie called "Blossoms Bloom" that features two gay protagonists. While ostensibly meant to celebrate diversity, the film was widely interpreted as an attempt to normalize homosexuality while downplaying its potential dangers.
Erotic exposure can be both a means of social discipline and a method of political manipulation. Its use depends on the context in which it is deployed and the message being communicated.
It should not be underestimated as a powerful tool with far-reaching effects on society.
Can erotic exposure function as both a tool of social discipline and a method of political manipulation?
Yes, erotic exposure can be used both as a tool for social discipline and a method of political manipulation. It has been observed that erotic exposure can create feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, and self-doubt in people who are exposed to it. This can lead to them being more easily controlled by authority figures or those with power over them. Additionally, the political implications of erotic exposure cannot be ignored.