Non-consensual aphrodisiacs in SF

From Feminist SF Wiki
Revision as of 20:09, 16 February 2007 by Lquilter (talk | contribs) (cats)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Non-consensual aphrodisiacs are a staple of SF, often paired with the "aliens made them do it" cliché.

They are a method of contriving sexual activity between characters who would not otherwise be having sex together, and therefore a rape-enabling plot device. However, science-fiction stories which address the rapes committed by means of non-consensual aphrodisiacs are rare, and this plot device is used for the reader's titillation. Usually within a very sexist framework.

They are different from consensual aphrodisiacs in that they do not merely enhance sexual desire or performance, but interfere with a character's ability to give consent to sex, and/or by provoking uncontrollable sexual behaviour.

They are the SFnal equivalent of what are called "date-rape" drugs, or roofies, in modern mundane parlance, and have a variety of names.

A common example is having a character who exudes overpowering pheromones, affecting all those around them, although this effect is often sex-linked, and/or limited by sexual orientation. These "natural" sources of non-consensual aphrodisiacs also exist in synthetised or technological forms: sprays, beverages, pills, etc...

Telepathic and other forms of mind control also overlap with this category.

Pornography makes a lot of use of this plot device, and some real-life advertising campaigns (ex: the Lynx/Axe body spray) depict the effects of their products as such.

Examples

On Television

In Literature

Related Topics

This article is a SEED, meaning it is tiny and needs lots of work. Help it grow.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.feministsf.net/index.php?title=Non-consensual_aphrodisiacs_in_SF&oldid=9268"