Yaoi is considered the art of deviance. An art as old as life itself, yet most cultures unwittingly condemn this as an act against nature. Those people walk with their eyes blinded and convince themselves that it is a perversion. Yet I wonder, can one be so proud to call another man a sinner, before reflecting on themselves and their own hypocritical beliefs?
The Christian Views
As a supporter of gay rights, I must constantly be able to support my beliefs. I know very well the hypocrisy and biased ways of the world, as well as the grip religion and 'morality' has on many. During my studies in the history of homosexuality, I've noticed that Christianity has played an important role in the condemnation of homosexuals. Certain verses in the Christian bible consider homosexuality an 'abomination.' The Biblical passages condemning homosexuality are:
Leviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
Romans 1:26-32: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; ... without natural affection, ... who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Neither ... effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ... shall inherit the kingdom of God."
These passages can all be easily argued. The book of the bible entitled Leviticus also condemns things that we do everyday such as getting haircuts, touching women during their monthly cycle, wearing fabrics made from two different fibers, etc. The list goes on and on. What makes these stupid, often sexist laws worthy of breaking, when homosexuality is still forbidden?
Many argue that these laws listed in Leviticus are 'purity' laws rather than 'moral' laws. Some Christians consider the law against homosexuality to be a 'purity' law and since Jesus Christ died for our sins, is no longer required. I believe in this. However, other Christians argue that homosexuality is a 'moral' sin and thus is still against the word of God. These Christians believe that other passages against sex outside of marriage, found in the New Testament, can be used to argue against homosexuality. I must also note that the Bible never mentions homosexuality between women. For more information concerning different views among Christians concerning homosexuality, please visit Wikipedia.com
The Social Views
Over the years, different societies have accepted and condemned homosexuality. Many cultures established on anti-homosexual religions believe homosexuality is a sin, or perversion and have made laws prohibiting homosexual activity. These cultures often have homosexual persecution or 'gay bashing'. Do you remember the Nazi's persecuting homosexuals in World War II, or Oscar Wilde's trial in 1895?
However, some cultures idealized these relationships between men. Such as Classical Greece, Ancient Rome, and even Ancient Japan. I wonder how many people know that Alexander the Great had quite a few male lovers? Or that the love between samurai was an ideal in Ancient Japan?
After the gay rights movement of the 20th century, Western culture has been more open to homosexuality. However, new issues have surfaced. Now homosexual men are stereotyped as being effemininate and prominscious men that flop their wrists and speak with a lisp. Lesbians are stereotyped to be strong haters of men that cut their hair short and practice martial arts. With such a lack of diverse homosexual characters portrayed in the media, homosexual youths lack role models. Now they worry about fitting in among the homosexuals, not to mention gay bashing, finding support from friends and family, religious conflicts, and the threat of HIV/AIDS. It is difficult enough as it is to find yourself, yet to actually live as that true self takes courage.
Homosexuality in Anime and Manga
Anime and manga provide a diverse portrayal of homosexual characters. From Nuriko in Fushigi Yuugi, to Muraki in Yami No Matsuei, anime and manga portray all kinds of homosexual desire. Utena and Anthy from Shoujo Kakumei Utena, and Haruka and Michiru from Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon, portray lesbian characters in different lights.
Yaoi and yuri are genres of anime and manga that portray sexual relationships between homosexual couples. Yaoi stories focus on gays, and yuri on lesbians. These are basically the equivalences of slash and femslash. In Japan, yaoi refers exclusively to doujinshi or fancomics. Shounen ai and shoujo ai are terms used to describe stories that focus on romantic relationships betweem homosexual characters usually without actual sexual content. Or very light sexual activity. These genres contain positive role models and views of homosexuality.
Believe To see the world with eyes unclouded by prejudice, hate, or favoritism is to be free from society's hypocrisy. Now you can ask yourself what is 'normal' and what is taboo, without falling victim to pride and the definition of morality.
Cheers Queers,
Hikari
