Erotica is literature or art that deals substantively with subject matter that is erotic, sexually stimulating or sexually arousing. Some critics regard pornography as a type of erotica, although others consider it different.
Many authors who write erotic fiction use pseudonyms to protect their privacy. Others may choose pseudonyms for the sake of artistic freedom or because they think that using their real names will make them less serious as writers.
Definition
Eroticism is a concept that can be hard to pin down, particularly since it is often culturally specific. However, it appears that most of the time it refers to a state of sexual excitement and/or feelings (an insistent sexual impulse, desire or pattern of thoughts) and anticipation of such.
As such, erotic art is any form of artistic work that is capable of arousing sexual desire and/or feelings. This can include painting, sculpture, photography, drama, film, music and literature, as well as advertising.
For instance, according to the philosopher Mag Uidhir, erotic art can be distinguished from pornography by a difference in their central aims: “Erotic art consists of images centrally aimed at a certain sort of reception (R1); pornography, on the other hand, is a form of visual entertainment that does not seek to rouse such reaction” (2002).
The philosopher Nehamas goes further, saying that all great works are erotic because they provoke desire in spectators. In this way, they are able to “remove the viewer from the egocentric isolation of his or her own petty interests by transforming the object of desire into something that is the object of all desires” (2007: 165). In short, it is what makes a piece of art good if it can make the spectator feel “intoxicated and alive”. For example, if a nude photograph inspires sexual longing, it can be considered erotic.
Examples
The adjective erotic describes anything that is sexually arousing or pleasurable. It can be used to describe a person’s body language, a sensual dance or even a racy movie. The related noun erotica refers to works of art like movies and literature that are primarily erotic or have sexual content.
Most commonly, erotic behavior involves the exploration of one’s own sexuality with another person. This can be achieved through intimate conversations or activities such as massage. It can also include masturbation or autoerotic sexual activity, which may include the use of dildos, vibrators and butt plugs. The erotic inclinations of a person may vary widely and be dependent on their culture and time.
Some people may find certain types of erotic behavior pleasurable while others may find them repulsive or offensive. While there are dangers associated with exploring sexual desires, it is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Some examples of erotic behavior include foreplay, flirting and other forms of seduction. Alternatively, some people might enjoy the arousal and pleasure they get from fetish or BDSM practices, which involve bondage, dominance and submission and sadomasochism. Others, such as those who identify as non-normative, may participate in erotic activities to explore their gender identity and expression. They might engage in erotic roleplaying with others or alone. In addition, some people may find sexual arousal and satisfaction from eating a delicious meal.
Origin
The word erotic is derived from the Greek eros, meaning sexual love. It can also be used to describe anything that is sexually arousing or stimulating. This can include sexy movies, a hot dancer or even an image on the cover of a book.
The ancient fig tree (Phelandra ficus) is thought to have inspired sex symbolism because its open shape resembles the female genital organs. It is believed to have been a favorite fruit of Cleopatra and has long been associated with fertility, including in a tradition still practiced in some southern European countries where figs are thrown over newlywed couples’ heads at wedding receptions.
Historically, the Abrahamic religions have endorsed a patriarchal and heteronormative approach to human sexuality, favoring penetrative vaginal sex between a man and woman within marriage over all other forms of intercourse. Non-penetrative sexual activity, such as masturbation or autoerotic sex, has been discouraged and often criminalized, as has homosexual sex.
In men, the erotic project is commonly understood as a means of building male kinship and creating an effective brotherhood. This goal is often accomplished by demeaning women. The erotic project is especially potent in children, whose lack of mature self-awareness allows them to be highly responsive to erotic stimuli. This sensitivity to erotic input can lead to erectile dysfunction, formerly called impotence or ED. The opposite of ED in women is frigidity, an absence of arousal feelings and a general unresponsiveness to sex stimulation.
Usage
The adjective erotic is often used to describe things that are sexually arousing, such as the racy movies at a certain movie theater or the erotic dancer in the club. It can also refer to a certain type of sexual activity or anything that inspires or arouses love, such as an erotic poem or song.
The most common erotic behavior is sexual, such as foreplay or intimate kissing, but it can also include other activities that stimulate arousal, such as massage, sensual dancing and even using dildos and vibrators. It is also possible to feel erotic pleasure without any physical penetration, such as from sexual fantasies or masturbation. Some people also find erotic pleasure from observing erotic behavior, such as a fetish activity or BDSM.
Eroticism is the experience of sexual desire, and it can be experienced alone or with others. It may take the form of sexual fantasy, masturbation or exploring arousal with other people or on one’s own (sometimes called autoerotic sex). Some people also find erotic pleasure from watching or reading about erotic activities or art. This includes pornography and other works that depict explicit sexual content. The same can be said for any work of art that contains sexual imagery or themes.
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