It does indeed. My hypothetical scenario too closely resembled that of a sexual harrassment case for comfort, and it came across as though I were actually encouraging the hypothetical post-boys unashamedness. A few of the other ladies also mistook it as such, so perhaps I should have been more emphatic.

But now the example is clarified, let's go back to it; If western society developed, in a few decades, to the stage where rape, or derision for expressing/acting on sexual desire, was never a possibility - as unrealistically utopian as that first appears - would the women who lived in a society and worked in that office NOT joyously/sympathetically applaud that postboys display of enthusiasm?

What I'm saying here is that one of the most grievous shortcomings of our so-called 'advanced' society is that the sexes are at an impasse which seems to be deadlocked. Women can't put out as much as they themselves would like for fear of being labelled 'sluts' or worse, for fear of being raped by a would-be date. Men, for their part, tread on eggshells trying to appear as unthreatening, cultivated and as decent as possible. Noble aims in and of themselves, but we shouldn't NEED to do it to reassure. But we men do need to reassure, however. Because of the strength differential. Women don't rape men, as a rule. Sorry if I seem to be hitting you all over the head with the same blunt points, but I want to make sure they're sinking in. Sex may no longer be a taboo subject of conversation, but it is still a heavily restricted, constrained activity.

So, we have two genders who both want more sex. One would LOVE to give more, the other would love to be given more. The people here at Pixies are very much proof of that. This is why, in a generation or so with monitoring technology recording every ray of light and every sound made by ants farting, and biotech having eradicated VD/Aids etc, my (future) son ought to feel perfectly entitled to stroll up to an unfamiliar girl at a barbecue whose smile he finds irrestistible, casually but politely ask, "Would you like to have sex?", feeling no more sheepish than if he were asking her for a light, and not get a slap/white wine on his face. And she should feel perfectly free to accept his request and do it right there and then, with no more shame than if she were sluttishly and disgracefully whipping out her Zippo and publicly lighting his Marlboro in front of all those strangers!!

But neither side can break this deadlock. We men and women are stuck dancing this ridiculous dance with each other. Ironic that, as a species, we are the only one that uses contraception, so we should be screwing like crazy, yet our females STILL fear involuntary insemination. I look forward to a day when NOBODY is going without, for any reason. I look forward to the day when one of the gals in that office pulls that poor boy into broom cupboard with no more hesitance than if she were buying him a beer in O'Malleys.

Anyway...as the popular phrase round here goes, "Rant over". I've talked enough.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get off. I suggest you all do the same...




J.