Yes good point and I think that's totally legit considering the majority of Yaoi readers and artists are straight women. We write for our owns tastes after all.
I like seeing the dynamics in Bara for a more 'macho' kind of Uke, though teehee. All that muscle and hair! (￣∇￣")
I confess I don't care for the Bara style--though it's cool if other people like it. A large part of it may be that the sort of men drawn in yaoi are more in line with what I find attractive than the big bear type of guy (nothing against that type either, just a personal thing). But even in Bara, I've seen a lot of younger ukes who look like boys (or at least teens). I don't now if it has less stereotypes or a different focus. For some reason, I perceive Bara as closer to hentai, where I don't really look for a plot so much as an excuse for sex.
Oh yes, the plots are always awful! That's for sure!!! But it goes back to saying that (for me at least) I do not perceive Akihito to be feminine at all or Uke's (or Seme's for that matter) because the character happens to be in touch with their feelings or drawn in a certain way. Aesthetically too I love Asami and Akihito together, even if Asami the larger and 'manlier' of the two would be Uke one day, well, that'll be just fine :D
I read Bara purely for kicks, and sometimes for comedy value. I do like bears, I hate shota with a passion and think it is disgusting, this is one of the things I hated about living in Japan, seeing people openly reading and buying stories with young characters being sexualised. A big no thank you.
You'll certainly never get the same feeling from Bara as we would from a manga like viewfinder. It's both unique and irreplaceable <3
That's weird, is that because they're not as exposed to paedo-rings constantly being caught on the news, so it's far removed from reality for them? Not that I think makes it okay.
Anyone else a fan of Mentaiko here, it is very different from BL but very likeable. I usually stay far far away from these masculine feminine discussions. Some people love their characters balanced out in a 'traditional' dynamic and others are disgusted by characters too 'girly' or who cry, refusing to just accept them as characters from another reality, it's hypocritical, why can't a man be feminine or a woman be masculine. I think BL is definitely improving but just when you think ah the Yaoi world is changing along comes something completely ordinary and my addiction dictating I must shut of half my rationale to enjoy it.
It's all worth it though for when you find those gems that make it alllllllll right again.
No one can dictate why you enjoy what you enjoy--any more than they can tell you what to enjoy and what not to enjoy. They can, however, explain what they like or don't like, and it's okay to disagree. For example, I personally don't like "girlie" characters of any gender because (1) I don't find them entertaining, (2) I think they are based on unrealistic and restrictive gender stereotypes (which can be sometimes applied to ukes just because some see them as feminine), and (3) I think these roles somehow imply that being vapid and useless is sexy, and so love interests or "cute" characters need to fit this mold rather than be fully developed as unique and interesting people. But if you find them entertaining or empowering, good for you. Everyone likes different things. I probably wouldn't mind a "girlie" character who was fully developed and showed she had more to offer than being cute and being rescued.
I agree that finding those stories we like makes it all worth it. :)
It's sensei, not sensi, RB. :)
There are so many issues with young people being sexualised way too early, the age of consent in some areas of Japan is 13 - To me that is unbelievable!!! Is some areas though it's as old as 17. Phew. Also as you've probably heard getting groped on a train or elevator etc is shockingly common : ( - My friend was actually felt up on her way home from work when we lived there, she was very upset.
It doesn't help that the school uniforms for girls are always based on cute sailor outfits or something either!!!! Nope, I think in that regard Japan has to sort themselves out. (Not that the UK is perfect either! HA!)
Oh yes, it's nice when you have those stories you keep coming back to time and time again ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
Whoever thinks that being a bottom is effeminate or the "women's" role hasn't been around real gay men. Just like in hetero relationships, there are a variety of preferences. Some men are exclusive bottoms, but that doesn't mean they're feminine. Some bottoms take control, some are power bottoms. If Asami were a bottom, he would still look and act the same. In fact, he would be doing his best to make Akihito lose control because Asami is just a controlling guy in the bedroom.
Hi! Can you give me the link? I love to reaf finder fanfic.. <3
Thanks! XD
I think it's F-list locked on Sunflower1343's LJ profile. I'm reluctant to link something on her journal sorry, if it were on Ao3 or FF.net I would as that's on a public forum. But you can go ahead and add her on LJ - sorry again!
Is ok, you already told me the author.. I'll find it on AO3 or LJ. Thanks anyway ;)..
Is it only me or not..Asami looks like an uke lately....