The Importance of Consent and the Differences in Perception
Recently, while observing the discussions surrounding the matter involving Nakai Masahiro, I found myself pondering why so many people attempt to assess whether “consent was given” solely from the perspective of the perpetrator. Honestly, I was a bit concerned to see how many individuals seemed to think, “Wasn’t the woman initially
in agreement?” or “Did she only change her mind later?” In our daily lives, when issues of bullying or power harassment arise, if the perpetrator claims, “I didn’t do that,” we typically don’t take their word at face value. Yet, for some reason, when it comes to this particular issue, many prioritize the perpetrator’s “intent” or “perspective,” which is perplexing.
What is True Consent?
What particularly concerns me is the point highlighted by the third-party committee, which emphasizes that the issue at hand is whether it was “free will.” Indeed, when there is a power imbalance or external pressure, it becomes extremely challenging to determine if someone can genuinely give their consent freely. I, too, have found myself in situations where I couldn’t say “no” due to excessive consideration for my friends, so I understand that sentiment well. Moreover, it is noteworthy that Nakai himself has not claimed, “Nothing happened.” He merely states, “It was a misunderstanding” or “That wasn’t my intent,” which does not deny the core aspects of the situation. This makes it frustrating. Therefore, I believe we should consider not just whether consent was given, but whether that consent was genuinely free.
Changing Social Consciousness
As a parent, I often reflect on how these issues will evolve. I want to teach my children the importance of considering others’ feelings and holding firm to their opinions, but I believe the overall societal perception of these matters will influence their values as well. In recent years, movements like Me Too have undoubtedly shifted awareness around sexual matters. Concepts that once deemed “a woman going to a man’s room as consent” are now being reconsidered. In that sense, I feel the times are indeed changing. I think it’s wonderful that everyone has their own opinions on this matter, but it’s essential to better understand the “perception of the victim.” What do you think? If you have any thoughts or experiences regarding this issue, please feel free to share them in the comments.
