Sep 18 2008
Together, get it? Only ever together….
On one hand, so to speak, I am very pleased to see a large brand making a line of vibrators to appear in normal chain stores. Vibrators should not need to be such a big deal and they should be accessable to people offline in normal stores.
On the other hand I despair, I really do. It feels like one step forward and one giant leap back to the Victoria era.
The associated advertising makes me think of all those rather coy advertisements to do with ‘womens’ things. I mean the ‘Oh joy. We are having a baby’ pregnancy test advertisements, and that mysterious blue liquid always being poured onto sanitary pads. I mean I understand it. ‘Oh shit, I’m pregnant’ is not a good selling message and neither are big clots of menstrual blood and womb lining.
But why, why, oh why do vibrators have to be so insistently sold for couples? I mean look at this from their website describing what the product is for:
To stimulate more sensuality in relationships: We know that couples in happy relationships tend to have satisfying sex lives together. Our Intimate Massagers allow you both to experiment in exciting new ways enhancing your intimate pleasure as you explore your sensuality together.
and:
Created for Couples: Over the last few years, we have done a lot of research, asking hundreds of couples to share details on their sensual lives together. Our ambition was to create something new for them to enjoy together.
Did you get that? Couples, together. Definitely not single people, definitely not ever people alone. Oh no.
And why is this? What is it that is considered as unpalatable as unplanned pregnancy and leaking blood.
Masturbation. The horror of a single or otherwise solo person buying a toy to masturbate with. This is the sexual activity that Phillips dare not speak the name of, or even hint at.
How quaint.
You’re so right. We’ve come so far in so many areas, yet masturbation is still considered taboo. Screw it…I do it, and I’m in a relationship. I’ve used a vibrator more solo than I have with my partner.
A place where there are only planned pregnancies, women need pads for a few teaspoons of clear blue liquid, and only loving couples use vibrators. I believe we’re talking about the fabled land of “Perfect” from the Walgreens ads from a few years ago. “And the only thing sent back after Christmas is thank-you cards.” That was a great ad campaign. I wanted to live in “Perfect”. I’d also like to live in the romance novel I’m reading right now, but sexy vampires who worship the ground I walk on don’t exist, either.
That is really funny. I think, like the oh shit I’m pregnant idea, they don’t want to do the, we understand you are alone and need to use batteries to pleasure yourself so here buy this…instead they make it a couple thing. I also think there is a bit of a stigma attached to using them solo…like it’s pervy to do it alone, but it’s erotic together….
~Kelly
http://www.30somethingandsearching.today.com/
Again it is wonderful to hear someone put it bluntly. Maybe one day people will understand that women are just like the boys in the masturbation arena. After all aren’t we supposed to be equal in this day and age. It’s not like the products for men are listed as something for couples to enjoy. LOL. Anyhow, this is very refreshing, thank you for the honesty.