Hmmm... I can certainly agree with some of this, especially the need for con-specific policies and procedures for dealing with complaints. However, some of it goes too far IMO.
There was mention that consensual spanking in private is OK, but is sexual harassment in public. Huh? While I would agree that there should be attention to who is in the public space, I have a real problem with a statement that it is always harassment in public. If someone in the area says they have a problem with it and it continues, then there might be a problem.
Also, what about consensual collars? All PDA's? Costumes that emphasize, um, assets while still covering all bits that need covering? Who gets the authority to say where the line is? This just seems like it has a big potential to go too far.
Which is why CAHP emphasises that cons should tailor the policy to their specific environment.
Spanking (of adults) in public places is banned in a couple of anime cons because within the contexts of those cons it is viewed as a sexual activity, and thus one that requires the consent of observers as well as participants. Otherwise, it's a sexual display to which others, including underage others, might be non-consensually exposed, which can be acted upon as harassment.
Underage others should be a consideration. I have some objection however to the presumption that I cannot take responsibility for my own, adult sensibilities and remove myself from a situation if I become uncomfortable with it. While the site does encourage cons to write their own policies, there is also an overtone of "this should be the way it is" that I find objectionable.
As an example, I enjoy going to WisCon and fairly specific harassment policies have been defined there as an attempt to create safe space. However, I enjoy going to other conventions as well (for other reasons) and the implication that these other cons should do the same thing *when they are not the same convention* is troubling.
The question remains as to who decides where the line is.
The con decides. CAHP is not suggesting a boilerplate policy, but that there *be* one, specific to the con.
Spanking in public places *may be seen* as harassment, depending on the con environment. It is is included in the possible situation lists because several cons have banned it, not because it is universally considered to be so.
Comments 4
There was mention that consensual spanking in private is OK, but is sexual harassment in public. Huh? While I would agree that there should be attention to who is in the public space, I have a real problem with a statement that it is always harassment in public. If someone in the area says they have a problem with it and it continues, then there might be a problem.
Also, what about consensual collars? All PDA's? Costumes that emphasize, um, assets while still covering all bits that need covering? Who gets the authority to say where the line is? This just seems like it has a big potential to go too far.
Reply
Spanking (of adults) in public places is banned in a couple of anime cons because within the contexts of those cons it is viewed as a sexual activity, and thus one that requires the consent of observers as well as participants. Otherwise, it's a sexual display to which others, including underage others, might be non-consensually exposed, which can be acted upon as harassment.
Reply
As an example, I enjoy going to WisCon and fairly specific harassment policies have been defined there as an attempt to create safe space. However, I enjoy going to other conventions as well (for other reasons) and the implication that these other cons should do the same thing *when they are not the same convention* is troubling.
The question remains as to who decides where the line is.
Reply
Spanking in public places *may be seen* as harassment, depending on the con environment. It is is included in the possible situation lists because several cons have banned it, not because it is universally considered to be so.
Reply
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