So I've noticed when it comes to fiction, particularly the romance genre, certain actions are often perceived favorably whereas irl, they really mess with the line of consent.
I'm trying to come up with a system to sort stories so I can recommend them to larger audiences and offer them warnings on sexual assault, etc.. But this line is so, SO, blurred in fiction though.
There's been so many times where I'm upset at the main character after they're abused and call it love, y'know? I know in those cases it's really the authors values I'm frustrated with but it's really difficult when you're trying to definitively say something's assault.
Let's say, for example, something I read once. The main character was cooking a meal, and the love interest comes over and gropes their ass. The relationship between them has had some mild romantic tension, but the main character feels only platonic towards them. This is the furthest they've gone beyond hugging.
In the story, the main character was confused. (Oblivious trope)
I personally felt angry. If someone grabbed my ass without warning, I'd likely clock them, mostly due to negative experiences of my own.
The author obviously intended this to be like "how saucy and scandlous!"
Who's opinion do I put weight on when it comes to judging whether something's consensual?
I feel like mines too objective and personal, and the characters reactions reflect the values of the author too strongly.
Should I just cop out and make another category? Or is there a logical approach to this I'm not seeing?
Or, lastly, should I just poll people for their ideas on consent and base it off of the majority?
Or hell, just count the example I gave as assault to be on the safe side?
I'm at a loss honestly
I'm trying to come up with a system to sort stories so I can recommend them to larger audiences and offer them warnings on sexual assault, etc.. But this line is so, SO, blurred in fiction though.
There's been so many times where I'm upset at the main character after they're abused and call it love, y'know? I know in those cases it's really the authors values I'm frustrated with but it's really difficult when you're trying to definitively say something's assault.
Let's say, for example, something I read once. The main character was cooking a meal, and the love interest comes over and gropes their ass. The relationship between them has had some mild romantic tension, but the main character feels only platonic towards them. This is the furthest they've gone beyond hugging.
In the story, the main character was confused. (Oblivious trope)
I personally felt angry. If someone grabbed my ass without warning, I'd likely clock them, mostly due to negative experiences of my own.
The author obviously intended this to be like "how saucy and scandlous!"
Who's opinion do I put weight on when it comes to judging whether something's consensual?
I feel like mines too objective and personal, and the characters reactions reflect the values of the author too strongly.
Should I just cop out and make another category? Or is there a logical approach to this I'm not seeing?
Or, lastly, should I just poll people for their ideas on consent and base it off of the majority?
Or hell, just count the example I gave as assault to be on the safe side?
I'm at a loss honestly
