Hmmm.

[vr_trakowski]

If you read Löyli, would you be willing to give me an opinion on a possibly touchy issue? 


It has been brought to my attention that the scenario I created in Löyli could be considered sexual assault. 

I am not in possession of details, so I'm not sure to which part the objection refers--Tony hugging Pepper during their argument, or the encounter afterwards.  It could be both, I suppose, though I thought I was making it clear that Pepper was entirely willing for at least the latter part. 

In my head, Tony's hug, while unwelcome, isn't sexual in nature; it's a product of his epiphany, and he doesn't let her go at first because he's too caught up in that to pay attention to her anger.  But I may not have made that clear enough.  It could also be that some definitions of sexual assault are more stringent than mine. 

Opinions?  I'd really like to know what you think; you are, after all, the people for whom these stories are written.  Did I go too far?  Did I break character?  Am I doing the characters, or the fandom, a disservice? 

Thank you. 

ETA: Wow.  I wasn't anticipating quite this response, but I'm glad to see it!  Thank you all for your honesty, and for your courtesy.  And if you came from somewhere outside the fandom, welcome, feel free to join in. 

I fully intend to respond to the new replies, but if I don't get some sleep I'm going to start hallucinating, so I'll be back tomorrow.  Please, carry on meanwhile if you are so moved; just stay courteous. 

Comments

[chauchi.livejournal.com]

It was very consensual IMO. I viewed the hug as sheer amazement at the realization they were both sitting in the same damn boat. I don't see how it could have been clearer they were *both* attracted to each other. Not to mention, technically Pepper jumped him. If anyone was assaulted, it just *might* have been Tony. ;p

Maybe someone just has a problem with... *ahem* how shall I put this? vigorous sex? *smirk* Like it's supposed to be moopy all the flippin' time? I don't think so. Heh.

It was great. Totally in character. I loved it. *nods*

Real review to come. ;)

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Heh, I think it was a pretty mutual jumping--he did make the first physical move if not the first verbal one. But that is how I intended the hug to go. And thank you!

As for the other viewpoints, I'm sure they are valid, but I do want to understand if I can. Which is why I posted, at least in part.

[oddmonster.livejournal.com]

Wait a minute, stop. I have a problem here. Your statement: Maybe someone just has a problem with... *ahem* how shall I put this? vigorous sex? *smirk* Like it's supposed to be moopy all the flippin' time? I don't think so.

is problematic for me.

I see three issues:

1. If you object to the sexual set-up in this story, you object to aggressive sex, regardless of who initiates it.

2. Let's keep the parameters of the sex scene itself separate from the reactions of the readers. I'm seeing issues with the consent and power issues in the scene as being both separate from and entwined with the reader's response to the text.

3. What I'm hearing from this comment is that if the reader objects to a sexual scene with dubious consent, you, the commenter, are saying that the reader is uncomfortable with vigorous, aggressive sex. Now, considering that all the commenters objecting are women, you're disempowering women as a whole. Are you meaning to imply that women can't initiate and/or enjoy aggressive sex if they don't enjoy this vignette?

I am curious. Am I reading your comment incorrectly?

Btw, thank you for this comment. This is an invigorating and fascinating discussion! :)