Considering the Reports on Masahiro Nakai and Nagisa Watanabe
Recently, there has been a flurry of opinions regarding the reports on Masahiro Nakai and Nagisa Watanabe. One opinion that particularly surprised me was the assertion that “if it’s menstruation, one should be able to decline.” Is it really that simple? I decided to contemplate this issue from a legal perspective.
Misunderstanding Between “Going to Someone’s House” and “Physical Relation”
First, it is important to note that going to someone’s house does not necessarily indicate a willingness to engage in sexual activity. For instance, one might be invited to a friend’s house as part of a friendship or work-related activity. I remember being invited by a friend to watch a movie at their place, and I certainly didn’t think it carried any special meaning. We both enjoyed our time while being considerate of each other. Hence, interpreting a visit to someone’s home as an “OK sign” can be very dangerous.
Misunderstandings About Menstruation
When someone says, “I can’t because I’m on my period,” is that truly understood by the other person? A friend of mine once mentioned that it takes courage to talk about health issues, especially when the other person holds a higher position than oneself. If someone responds with, “You’ll be fine next time, right?” it becomes increasingly difficult to decline in the future. This can contribute to the pressure surrounding sexual activity.
The Influence of Hierarchies
In environments like the entertainment industry, where hierarchies are strictly enforced, it can be particularly challenging for women to express their own will. It’s hard to believe that an environment exists where one can confidently say “NO” to a superior or a celebrity. I sometimes feel scared to voice my opinions to my boss, so I can empathize with their positions. Thus, I find strong discomfort with opinions that underestimate such situations.
The Importance of Awareness Regarding Sexual Violence
The mindset of “going to someone’s house means consent” undoubtedly lays the groundwork for justifying predatory behavior. Personally, I sometimes push myself to comply because I believe that the other person respects my opinions. This highlights the need for understanding and consideration from those around us. Moving forward, many people will need to reflect on and engage in deeper discussions about this issue. I believe that contemplating this theme has helped me gain a bit more understanding. I encourage readers who have similar experiences or opinions to share them in the comments. By exchanging our thoughts, we can deepen our understanding together.
