Depression and Adult Video


丁嘉怡

           「According to clinical observations, the percentage of females who suffer from depression is three times to that of males,」 announced The Department of Health.  Nobody has yet pointed out the definite reason for this phenomenon; some attribute it to the female endocrine and constitution; others refer to the different roles for women to play in society, which enhances the pressure.  I believe there is one important reason that has not been considered.

           The ways for males and females to vent their depression are very different; and our society seems to have drawn a clear line between them.  Men mostly release their depression through sports, and as sweat streams down their faces, their stress is let off from their spirits.  Nowadays, men find another (or better!) way to release themselves; that is, through watching adult videos.  Adult videos allow men to easily vent their sexual desire on an unknown woman anytime and anywhere, and through this process, they also release their depression or frustration by seemingly conquering the woman. 

           Compared with men, women are very restricted and discriminated in their ways to release depression.  Take sports for instance, women are traditionally less encouraged or active in this area.  Physically, women』s bodies contain more fat than men』s and the extensibility and traction of women』s muscles are less sinewy than men by nature; not to mention the disadvantages the busts make.  Even the Olympics were originally designed for men, and women were not allowed to join the competitions.  Moreover, women who stink of sweat or compete with males can become the subjects of ridicule in our society.  As to adult video, women have sexual desires as well; however, they find it difficult to seek release from adult videos.  All the adult videos are programmed by men and meant for men. The camera is always focused on the actress』 facial expressions and her naked body, and most of the time, the actress has to shout in high glee even if she is being raped.  All the plots and emotions are made for men, satisfying their chauvinism and dominating desire.  What woman would enjoy this kind of adult videos?  None. 

           As far as I am concerned, the ways for releasing depression in our society involve sexual discrimination.  Women have a higher rate of depression not just because of their natural design, but because of several reasons.  To begin with, the high divorce rate pushes women to face the reality that they have to stand on their own two feet; yet, being too capable easily brings women criticism.   If a woman cannot be a good home-maker, she tends to be labeled as unwomanly.  She is likewise degraded in the adult videos.  We have to create more equality in this society.  We cannot stop at promoting the right to watch adult videos for women; we have to encourage women to produce their own adult videos at the same time.  Otherwise, women』s liberation will never be complete. 

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