I don’t know if everyone goes with everyone’s view and I’m not entirely accurate but I think when it comes to yaoi/some bl it is or was used to let people deal with trauma and/or live in a bad system but still have desires and live in a hypothetical that not everything has to be bad without ignoring the fact that it is as an escape from reality. For me, I like the escapism in media
Agreed, escapism is one way to think of it.
But on that note, if its truly "escaping" from reality--why must we write pain and hurt into it. Why do authors write homophobia into stories about gay people, if its about escaping. While it is reality, and exposure to the horrors of prejudice are valuable to spread awareness, wouldn't a world where one can love freely without homophobia, prejudice, and toxicity be a more valuable escape?
This circles back to my main question...where will we draw the line between escapism and pure unhealthy portrayals in media? When will we realize that even if something makes us FEEL good, its may not ACTUALLY BE GOOD for us.
As an avid reader and consumer of media, I often ponder on the complexities of the human mind...particularly when it comes to emotions. I've noticed that most people don't look past surface levels, missing out on the depth that has sustained humanity up until now.
We have dumb shit like fan service, racism, sexism, subtly imprinted or mentioned in a myriad of media. But its often left unquestioned. Even more popular medias like Love Island or Baddies is filled with emotionally immature and unevolved adults who seem to have no real concept of bettering themselves or their lives. ( this is ESPECIALLY prevalent in Yaoi and BL )
Too often do I see toxicity praised or unhealthy mindsets romanticized. And while I do believe these are natural parts of humanity, it gets to a point where I ask "How could someone enjoy something so blatantly harmful?". It feels like we as humans have gradually lost empathy and a desire for meaning. Feels like were all lost in a sea or rot and denial.
So my "question" is...where do we draw the line? Will we justify toxicity cause it makes our heart race? Will we allow harm as long as it pleases us? When would morality become more important that a quick fix? When does pleasure become less valuable then the grand scheme of "feeling good"
or...am I reading WAAAY too into things and needa chill? lol...