What is a Rape-Hug?
A rape-hug (also written as a compound word or as two separate words), is exactly what it sounds like - an unsolicited, unwanted or unexpected hug. Here is a selection of definitions from Urban Dictionary.
What is a "Dorama"?
"Dorama" is the anglicisation of the Japanese loanword of the English word "drama" which refers to Asian, but specifically Japanese, television Dramas.
What Does the Typical Rape Hug Consist Of?
The typical rape-hug comes at climax in the storyline, where one party is compelled to force themself in a violent but misguided expression of passion. The hug-rapist (also known as the "rape-huggist"), will then envelop their victim (also known as the "hug-rapee" or the "rape-huggee"). The rape-huggee will be shocked, surprised or scared and their body will turn as limp as a wet noodle. Then there will be an awkward moment awaiting the response from the victim. Usually there will be sappy music playing in a failed attempt to make the moment less awkward. Sometimes this is combined with a rape-kiss, crazy talk, crying - the options are endless. Then comes the moment when the rape-huggee decides whether he or she is pleased with the sudden intrusion of their personal space.
Most disturbing to me, however, is the apparent success-rate of the rape hug, which I would think would encourage this behaviour to the impressionable Japanese population. Having never been a Japanese person myself - and not likely to become one in the near future - I am blissfully unaware if this is actually happening, but I would be surprised if it wasn't.
Note: Usually the male rape-hugs the female, but this is often reversed. I guess this shows that at least in the field of rape-hugs, Japan is quite progressive in terms of gender equality. Also, there are instances of same-gender rape-hugs, as well as the rare group rape-hugs.
Note II: Not included as a rape-hug are when the huggee is crying and in obvious need of a hug.
Why Start an Entire Website About Rape-Hugs in Japanese Doramas?
When I began watching doramas, rape-hugs became increasingly difficult to ignore. It seems over half of all series have at least one incidence of a rape-hug, and the series that do have them often have several. The problem is that the doramas seem to think that these are romantic moments, and they seem unaware that rape hugs are nearly always awkward, immoral, and possibly illegal. I want to bring awareness to this disturbing phenomena and encourage all people to gain reasonable grounds of probable consent before commiting to a hug.
Isn't Devoting an Entire Weblog to Rape-Hugs In Japanese Doramas a Bit Too Specific? Won't You Soon Run Out of Material To Post?
No.
Are You Absolutely Sure?
Look, I watch a lot of Japanese Doramas and sometimes I don't know if I'm watching a dorama with a lot of rape-hugging in it, or if I'm watching a series of rape-hugs held together by a flimsy storyline.
Why Are Rape-Hugs so Common In Japanese Doramas?
Obviously, there is no easy answer to this. Some may point to the general psychology of the Japanese people, who generally never touch each other, and will almost anything to avoid saying the word "no". It may also have to do with what has been called "the Japanese lack of romantic intelligence" (*by me, just now). It may also have to do with the still very traditional gender roles in Japan (in this sense "traditional" is not used affectionately).
If You Hate Japanese Doramas So Much Why Don't You Stop Watching Them?
Honestly, when I began watching doramas I was expecting them to be rubbish, and I was very surprised that they were not only watchable, but many were exceptionally good. Overall, a greater awareness and reduction of rape-hugs would undoubtedly improve the overall quality of Japanese doramas. However, while I suspect there is some correlation between bad doramas and rape-hugs, rape-hugs often appear in good doramas too. You are never safe.
Don't You Think it is Wrong to Joke About Rape?
Let me be perfectly serious for this one paragraph, and this one paragraph only. I firmly believe that:
A) Rape is completely wrong, reprehensible and unacceptable in any form -
B) Hugs are one of the best things in the world. This expressly does not include rape-hugs. Why tarnish the good name of hugs?
I don't understand what is so great about hugging someone that has gone limp. You may as well be hugging a pillow, the advantage of which would be that you wouldn't be raping anyone!
But mostly, I will challenge anyone who says that mocking rape-hugs is encouraging rape or belittling real victims. On the contrary, isn't it possible that for some people rape-hugs are a gateway rape? And while there may be a few situations where it is acceptable to joke about rape, most of those situations are when you are George Carlin.
What Do You Hope To Achieve With This Website?
I'm on a crusade to raise awareness of this phenomena through the power of mockery and laughter. And once people are aware of it, they will surely see it for what it is as I would love Japan to become a little less rapey. Right now, many people simply aren't aware of how wide-spread the Japanese Dorama rape-hug epidemic is, and it's like when studying a language when you learn a new word you will suddenly start hearing that word everywhere.
I will aim to post a new rape-hug each week with video, screencaps and animated gifs, with some detailed analysis where appropriate.
Submissions or tips can be made to rapehug@gmail.com.
Stay safe, and remember: It takes at least two to hug.
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