She’s not imaginary—she’s just not real.
In Japan, technologists have created some kind of cutie-pie cartoonish virtual young woman who follows you around in real life. You won’t get any street cred for having this gal by your side, though, because you’re the only one who can see her. She’s not imaginary—just fake.
Before we go on, take a look. Start the video at about 1:00 since I’m assuming you can’t read Japanese. (And if you can read Japanese, tell me below about how my assumption made an ass out of me. Only do it in Japanese!)
Here’s the video:
However silly it might seem right now, it’s definitely a step forward in technology, having someone or something right there in your own “augmented reality” as they’re calling this. And not just to see her, but to be able to interact with her. It would take some pretty sophisticated computering to be able to have this virtual person respond to finer interactions, but we should be hopeful that one day this companion can play chess or even have a conversation.
Or how about this scenario off the top of my head: prisoners too dangerous to be left with other inmates could still be in solitary confinement—but without being alone. And a creative commenter on YouTube said, “wow that’s scary … imagine horror videogames in the future.”
Of course, like the Internet and television before it, technology has its inherent, dichotomous positives/negatives. It’ll allow those with isolatory tendencies an enabled way to avoid actual interaction. Plus, the gist of the video seemed to carry a “see what I can do to this girl” vibe.
Is this video just guys being guys: demonstrating a breakthrough technology via a sexy character? Or are we seeing a new realm for a population of men out there who lack confidence and will take this as a way to play out their fantasies with this passive, young code of 0s and 1s?
What do you make of this technology?
—Image credit: nikovideo.jp
Clearly attempting to discuss this issue from a moral standpoint is a waste of time. Images of teenagers being struck by adult fists do not concern the Blurpos, Mark Neills et al. I would like to consider the introduction of new tech from a purely pragmatic POV. In selling a product which has a potential wide appeal – why would an advertiser limit themselves to a small section of the consumer population? Why try to appeal to a few men who are into sexualised children and compound that with them being hit by adults? There is a massive market out… Read more »
Mark Neill 1. If you do have any close intimate relationships with women – you must spend a lot of time hiding your true self. 2. You do need to “man-up” as you are currently unable to admit that other people have different opinions to you without having a massive dummy spit. 3. You don’t know me either, yet have assumed a lot about me – touche. 4. You apparently lack the insight to understand that images of young girls being punched in the head by a male fist is a woeful way to introduce interactive technology. 5. No I… Read more »
1: I have no idea what this is attempting to say. You seem very sure about who I am and what my relationships are like outside of these forums. I personally feel this is getting well into the realm of personal attacks and I am annoyed the moderators are allowing this. The other thing about this statement that annoys me to no end, is the female chauvinism involved in this, not to mention the complete disconnect from feminist theory… So often, including in this comment section, we are told that women have been powerless and lacked any kind of influence… Read more »
Tell me do you call men who disagree with you misandrists? All I have done is disagree with you on your acceptance that a male fist hitting a young girl is an acceptable way to introduce new technology. You, as your most recent post above indicates, cannot handle this disagreement and go on at length trying to obfuscate the issue and accuse myself of being a man hater. Which is absurd. I don”t like images of innocents being hit for commercial gain, this has nothing to do with the majority of men. Just a persistent minority who are more concerned… Read more »
It is not the age of the anime female that is the crux of the problem here (although some are using this as a red-herring to avoid the primary issue). We have more than enough violence from the powerful over the weak and this particular piece of anime supports that violence. Yes, I was physically assaulted by someone I should’ve been able trust. Maybe if violence against females was never acceptable I would not have been abused, I really don’t know. The point remains a girl (of whatever age) is being struck over the head by a male fist. I,… Read more »
“It is not the age of the anime female that is the crux of the problem here (although some are using this as a red-herring to avoid the primary issue).” Somebody are claiming that is the primary issues, but some of them even claim she is 5y old. Then I say she’s a baby walking around 😉 . No seriously its just because of ignorance (everybody is ignorant, nobody is omniscent, so that should not be understod in the offensive sence) and then they make thir own explaination, that fits with their feelings. Like Erin, they are exploiting underage girls… Read more »
“…and then they make thir own explaination, that fits with their feelings. Like Erin, they are exploiting underage girls or you ‘ this condone violence against women’. But thise ideas are false because they dont match with the intention of the producers.” Oh please stop with the condsending “my opinion on this is better” rhetoric Blurpo. You have yet to prove that this isn’t just another way to exploit femininty. I am going by the evidence supported. It’s a big gigantic world out there where they could have picked absolutely anything to use. They could have used Pokeman. They didn’t.… Read more »
“You have yet to prove that this isn’t just another way to exploit femininty” And you have yet to prove that it is. You’re the one making hateful, sexist assumptions about all men based on nothing more than a short video where you don’t understand a word written or said, let alone know anything about the character, technology or industries involved, with all the blanks filled in with your own personal bias. Do you really feel you are entitled to make these assumptions and feel you are correct, without having to back them up in the slightest? “I am going… Read more »
Now you are going to tell me what video clips I do or don’t understand? Really?
“Oh please stop with the condsending “my opinion on this is better” rhetoric Blurpo.” Erin, you are the one who make facts out of assumptions. You dont have posted any evidence. Only prejudges, like you belive only men are interested in this. ignoring that there million of young girl who are fanatically supporting this: fashion, music, cute looks. It appeal more to girls than to males. ” They picked an underaged female character. And denying that reality is denying the truth. ” See you are doing this again. Erin assumption = facts! “But since you consider yourself an expert on… Read more »
Where are the men who do not condone violence? Where are you?
This one here is wondering if you are taking a few hits that were clearly meant as a technical display and in no way condones violence against women (if you were talking about an actual anime series and not a single event then I think I’d see your point) and forcing them into the context of violence against women where nearly any instance of hitting a female is seen as supporting violence against women.
It what case would hitting a female not be seen as supporting violence against women?
Better yet, lets say it isn’t about “supporting” violence against women. Perhaps this isn’t about them “supporting” violence agianst women so much as having a neglectful approach to violence against women or being ambivilent to violent displays against women to the point that projecting a female being hit, even for “science”, is A-Okay.
It what case would hitting a female not be seen as supporting violence against women? Self defense, attacks clearly not meant to do harm (like the “wrestling” that some couples and friends do), and tech displays. This is a tech display. But if you want to go negligence rather than support/condone then let’s go there. At best you might be able to say that this could trigger some past treatment and some past experiences. Sure you may have a point there. But fact of the matter is while this might trigger some people that is a far stretch from saying… Read more »
Why is it okay to show someone hitting another person in tech displays? What makes a tech display acceptable to show abuse toward someone else? Would it be okay if the cartoon was a baby that was being hit? If all display of violence are okay because they are “tech displays”, then you should be able to hit anything without it meaning anything. Maybe they should have done something where they could kick a kitten, smack a baby, punch a girl…all these would be acceptable if they were just “tech displays” right? I think more then anything, the image of… Read more »
Danny, also, thanks for always being able to have respectful conversations with me even when I know we often disagree with each other! I greatly respect that about you.
Why is it okay to show someone hitting another person in tech displays? Because (at least in my estimate) it is a single instance, not part of larger context (which is why I said earlier if this were part of an actual series I might see your point). What makes a tech display acceptable to show abuse toward someone else? Mainly because it’s not actual people but again like I said above it’s a limited instance. We’re talking the different of this one display versus say, the constant stream of anti-damn near everything and everyone material on Family Guy/Clevland Show/American… Read more »
I disagree with the idea that because something is a cartoon, having discussion about the implications of what happens in cartoons and how people are depicted through them, isn’t important. “I’d wager as far as to say that if this had been a cat or something other than a girl this thread would not have gone on for as long as it has.” And what do you think would have happend if it was a group of women in a room hitting a male cartoon character? But I do agree with you. Doesn’t that tell us something important about how,… Read more »
some people simply see what they wants to see….
Too right, you don’t see a young girl being hit by a male fist. You just see advances in technology and don’t give a toss how it is presented.
“Too right, you don’t see a young girl being hit by a male fist. You just see advances in technology and don’t give a toss how it is presented.”
No I dont see that, I think you are exagerating far to much, and overfokusing on something that is marginal. This does not promote violence against women. And it doesent exploit young girls.
Blurpo: “This does not promote violence against women. And it doesent exploit young girls.”
You are claiming a video depicting violence against a young girl does not “depict violence against a young girl”.
Good one.
I guess, in Blurpo World, video of a rape scene isn’t about rape either.
Just go on fooling yourself – but please, don’t expect other people to agree.
Changing the words and pretending the sentences new meaning is a legitimate point to argue is not only dishonest, it’s silly.
Neither I nor Erin are trying to call a spade a toothpick. Unlike the Blurpo brigade. The technology is of a young girl being hit in the head by a male fist. No amount sophistry or name calling will change the fact that someone thought it a good idea to demonstrate new technology by using the image of a young girl being hit in the head by a male fist. Don’t these techs realise that there is a market consisting of both men and women, not all of whom are into slapping young girls, even if it is simply a… Read more »
Erin is the one who’s been claiming this is about self gratification, and nobody is claiming you’re attempting to make a spade a toothpick, they are saying you’re attempting to make a toothpick into a backhoe. Furthermore, you have now, repeatedly, misconstrued others arguments. You are now lashing out because i called you on attempting to equate the words depict and promote as interchangeable, and they are not. And don’t you realize that this is technology depicting a fictional character, so equating it to someone I know getting hit is nowhere near the same. Furthermore, if I saw a family… Read more »
I have stated in previous posts (do you even read through before replying?) that I would find this image offensive no matter whether the subject was a girl, boy or any other creature being used for sexual gratification and violence. Also YOU are the people calling a spade a toothpick – again try reading my post before replying. The girl is sexualised and being hit – that you will not admit a simple fact is really sad. What hope do we have in creating a more peaceful society while a new tech presentation is only for a limited segment of… Read more »
“OK, I understand you do not have close relationships with women, this is unfortunate.” No conversation with a gynocentric feminist can ever progress without the obligatory accusation of a failure to have relations with women, as if a man can not be human unless he is capable of subverting himself to the all mighty vagina. Well, you don’t know me. You don’t know what kind of life I live outside these forums (nor in these forums, as I haven’t interacted with you in any other discussion here). “instead of spending ALL your hours online abusing a couple of women” And… Read more »
Ultimately, I do think this technology will come down to being about personal self gratification. You mentioned gaming and violence, Mark. The other element gaming often uses is sex. And usually it’s women that are exploited a lot in gaming to a degree higher then men. With lots of sexy little things with big bursting breasts stuffed in little shirts, showing their little belly buttons but they are “empowered” because they might have sword or some chinese stars. Empowerment is young women in barely there shirts holding fine weaponry. If you can’t see the sexualization in an underaged character in… Read more »
This is just not real. It’s huge in Japan – anime fanboys marrying fictional characters, sleeping with pillows of their favorite female characters… It’s simply just not real. It just gets me to thinking all the times couples fight with each other, just because humans can’t control each others’ emotions except their own. This is just not ideal, no matter how appealing it seems at first..
They make fun of this a lot in the cartoon Archer, which is a spy spoof. The technology agent has a digital bride. Archer has to be the funniest show I’ve seen in a long time. They also have an overweight woman and the interplay with her is very interesting. She is so affection and sex starved that she hits on everybody, and acts in many ways like a man (or the stereotypical man). It’s very interesting how troubling this is for women who don’t seem to have any empathy how affection-starved some men are for the opposite sex. Men… Read more »
Was I watching the same virtual girlfriend as everyone else?
I saw an anime sexualised 5 year old being hit by a male fist.
So many ways to introduce the technology and this was considered the most apt.
Dianna, I felt much the same way upon seeing that. I was really disturbed the how he hit her over the head as well. I can’t help but wonder how many guys saw that and said “Wow! That’s cool!” The technology certainly is interesting but there is something intrinsically off about the entire thing. Aren’t these Japanese anime characters usually mirrored after very young girls with hyper idolized and idealized body parts? That’s what is ‘sexy” now? Underaged girls with porn-star body parts? I am not quite sure what’s great about that. Nevermind the fact that she is a cartoon.… Read more »
“Even if it’s feeding into a lonely man’s life. This isn’t about men “taking back” whatever they fear they lose in relation to real women. By buying such a product and encouraging it, aren’t you encouraging your own isolation?” I dont think this is a replacement for a girlfriend or boyfriend, gender relations in general. I think this is just a game, with lots of possible applications. About the isolation factor. The guys/gals who choose this for a real partner, are already isolated and they have practically capitulated. And the isolation meme show up everytime a new multimedia technology hits… Read more »
First, lets not pretend that this is a gender equal issue. I don’t see anything in the article that indicates that they worked just as hard to make a male counterpart to the female one displayed. So yes, you would be right that this wouldn’t be a replacement for a boyfriend since there is no male counterpart that was even created. I think it’s very important to note that the tecnology was use to exploit the female form, not the male. Secondly, I actually do think that computers and techonlogy has isolated many of us. Does it make us stay… Read more »
” First, lets not pretend that this is a gender equal issue.” Never stated that. ” I don’t see anything in the article that indicates that they worked just as hard to make a male counterpart to the female one displayed. So yes, you would be right that this wouldn’t be a replacement for a boyfriend since there is no male counterpart that was even created. I think it’s very important to note that the tecnology was use to exploit the female form, not the male. ” That would be easy, just add a new skin and some masculine animation,… Read more »
I agree you didn’t outright say it was a gender equal issue but in your dialogue you said “guys/gals who choose this for a real partner…” At this point and time there doesn’t seem to be an avenue of choice for “gals” so I don’t think it makes much sense to pretend that this is a gender equal technology. If a male animation equivalent is easily done, why isn’t it already done? Even if there are women and men that are both attracted to woman (not that the cartoon depicted even looks like a real woman at all), there are… Read more »
” If a male animation equivalent is easily done, why isn’t it already done?” 1: because the technology is still being developed. So making multiple versions is a little wasteful on the resource front 2: There are currently no male virtual idols already established. If you consider how few male teenage idols we have here in North america vs the number of female ones, this fact isn’t really that surprising. “You haven’t really addressed the issue of the cartoon character’s seemingly strange age.” I have. Several times now. The blurpo did too, though more subtly. It is a pre-established character,… Read more »
If the technology is still being developed then it isn’t easily done Mark. It seemed to me that Blurpo was making the argument that because the technology is so easy, they could have a male counterpart very quickly. Great. Then why don’t they? If it’s that easy, why not just create it that too? Then you come in and say that the technology is still being developed and that it wastes resources. Okay, then it’s not easy. Then they specifically decided to commodify feminmity for male entertainment first. (And I specifically say “femininity” and not “women” because the cartoon image… Read more »
“” At this point and time there doesn’t seem to be an avenue of choice for “gals” so I don’t think it makes much sense to pretend that this is a gender equal technology. If a male animation equivalent is easily done, why isn’t it already done?” Because its a prototype, its not the finish product. And as I already explained Hatsume is a cyber celebrity, so it makes perfect sence they are using her, as test character to this technology. They could have used sailor moons or Jinx’s to test this, but they are cartoon characters, not cyber celebrities.… Read more »
“japanese anime culture to exploti underage girls for male plust, that borders with xenophobia. ”
wow spelling is really not my forte. I meant, exploit, not exploti and lust not plust.
DUH!
“Because its a prototype, its not the finish product. And as I already explained Hatsume is a cyber celebrity, so it makes perfect sence they are using her, as test character to this technology. They could have used sailor moons or Jinx’s to test this, but they are cartoon characters, not cyber celebrities.” Who is she a celebrity with? What age group of males? I just do not understand the popularity of anime and the protrayl of cartoon characters that look like underaged girls. i think they could have used anything to develop this technology. They purposely chose her because… Read more »
“So yes, you would be right that this wouldn’t be a replacement for a boyfriend since there is no male counterpart that was even created.” There is curently no existing virtual idol on which to develope the technology for. “I think it’s very important to note that the technology was use to exploit the female form, not the male.” Again, this character is based on an existing virtual idol that has existed for years, even to the point of doing “live” concerts and having online campaigns to include her in the Olympics. The technology was created to exploit the celebrity… Read more »
And perhaps the character isn’t 5 years old, but she doesn’t exactly look like a full grown mature woman either. Again, from my understanding of anime, they are usually protrayed as young underage girls with hyper idolized body parts. Is this what men want? That portrayal does exist. However just with about anything that comes along there will be people who actively try to paint up the most negative subsets as the sole representations of the whole. If you look at anime titles that actually develop strong followings and old titles that reach classic status you will see that those… Read more »
I think a big portion of anime is infact big eyed underaged girl cartoon porn Danny. This is exactly what I think it is. I don’t think that basis is very far off. Good story or not.
We’ll just have to disagree. It does exist but it’s not the majority that it is made out to be and its certainly not all that it’s about like people make it out to be.
You’re welcome to continue believing that, but it says far more about you than anything else. Especially given you have been told repeatedly that this was a pre-established virtual idol and you continue to pretend this was built for the express purpose of being a male sex toy.
I am not disputing it being a pre-established virtual idol. How does it being a pre-established virtual idol negate the fact that it was designed as a male sex toy anyway? I fail to see the logic your using. Again, I ask, what age group of guys is this cartoon chacarter that looks to be about 14/15 in a mini skirt and thigh highs an idol for?
I hope my thoughts do say something about me Mark. I see a lot of sexualization of underaged girls in this Japanese cartoon popularity.
Thank you Erin.
Imagine a role reversal here. An attractive anime boy being hit over the head by an adult female fist – Oooh the outcry from a particular subset of men.
Dianna, actually lot of anime has scene where the female charcter hit males, blast them off, elettrocute them ect. Is that really so hard investigate on the topik before replying???
You are trying to justify your own enjoyment at being entertained by watching a young female being hit by a male.
BTW I do watch a lot of anime – and enjoy some loathe some. I an trying to stick to the main issue which is the particular video being discussed in this article.
“You are trying to justify your own enjoyment at being entertained by watching a young female being hit by a male.” No you are emotively reacting on a false assumption, and you are attacking me, who is showing a more rational position. Nowhere I stated that I condone violence ( that is pure delusion) so please stop making B.S. up. Thank you. “BTW I do watch a lot of anime – and enjoy some loathe some. I an trying to stick to the main issue which is the particular video being discussed in this article.” The main issue is the… Read more »
The only outcry from a subset of men would be to point out the utter lack of people like you objecting to it. If the roles were reversed, there would likely be no response, or worst, support for it, such as this guy raped to death, and us being told in the comments that he deserved it. It is not sane to believe all violence can be purged from the world. The best we can do is deter as much as we can, punish those who continue to commit it, and support those who are victimized by it. The virtual… Read more »
“I saw an anime sexualised 5 year old being hit by a male fist.”
5y old? she doesent looks like a five y old girl to me, not even by a long shot. The touching and hit, to me seems for testing the reactions with the user. But what do I know, im not in the developers mind, and neither are you.
I just rewatched that video and I have been reading the recent comment and I’m starting to wonder.
Was I watching the same virtual girlfriend as everyone else?
How did people manage to jump straight to the conclusion that this was meant to be a girlfriend.
I saw an anime sexualised 5 year old being hit by a male fist.
I’d say she’s about 10 but where are you getting the sexualization from?
So many ways to introduce the technology and this was considered the most apt.
What makes this so inapt (or however the opposite of apt goes)?
“How did people manage to jump straight to the conclusion that this was meant to be a girlfriend.” Misandry. It’s easier for some people to believe that a man doing something involving images of a girl are doing so for sexual self gratification. It’s an example of the presumption of negative male motives to explain any unknown behavior. “How did people manage to jump straight to the conclusion that this was meant to be a girlfriend.” The character is supposed to be 16 actually. Hatsune Miku Birthday August 31 Age 16 years Height 158 cm / 5.2 ft Weight 42… Read more »
Mark, then maybe you can explain what grown men like about images of young girls even in cartoon form that are protrayed wearing mini skirts and thigh highs if I am mistaken that it appears to be sexual. If it is not somewhat sexual, I am open to hearing what it is about then. What do grown adult men get enjoyment from, from a protrayl of a 16 year old female cartoon characters?
Maybe you can explain where the assumption comes from that it’s grown men these characters are appealing to? You’ve latched onto the assumption that this technology is for the purpose of being a male sex toy, yet not a single word in that video suggests that’s what it is, especially given the article writer even acknowledged she didn’t understand a word of it. Now you’re expecting others to disprove your assumption. Well, I say no. Prove your assumptions correct. I won’t jump through your hoops.
Well I have asked two times now what age group this character appeals to Mark. It doesn’t appear that anyone can answer that question for me. Perhaps it’s cynical of me but I do not thing this kind of technology being used for male sexual entertainment is that far off. Since in general, people find ways to turn most technologically availble material toward sexual entertainment. Further, I am simply baffled by your deflection to answer questions I clearly don’t know the answer to. Usually within a discussion, if someone asks a question and someone else knows the answer, they answer… Read more »
“Well I have asked two times now what age group this character appeals to Mark” Actually, you have asked why this character appeals to grown men, or why grown men would find this “oversexualized” girl in a miniskirt and thigh highs appealing. That is an entirely different question that relies on us to accept a premise that isn’t necessarily true and that you have not yet supported with anything more than hateful assumptions of men. Who this character appeals to is very likely the same group that girls like Gomez and spears appealed to, plus those who are inclined towards… Read more »
That’s right! I did say that. Because I would like to know why grown men find a underaged teenager in a mini skirt and thigh highs appealing. I am confused why this is a bad question to ask. But guess what? I also asked these questions that went unanswered: Response to Blurpo on July 27 at 8:10 am: “Again, from my understanding of anime, they are usually protrayed as young underage girls with hyper idolized body parts. Is this what men want?” Response to Blurpo: on July 28 at 4:51 pm: “Who is she a celebrity with? What age group… Read more »
“Response to Blurpo: on July 28 at 4:51 pm: “Who is she a celebrity with? What age group of males?””
Actually I answered in my last reply, as soon it jumps out of moderation. But its funny you assume only males are her fan base.
” Because I would like to know why grown men find a underaged teenager in a mini skirt and thigh highs appealing.” First demonstrate the premise upon which this question is based is in fact true. Prove that grown men do, in fact, find an underage teenager in a miniskirt and thigh highs appealing? Why should I be expected to answer the “why” of something I don’t actually believe occurs to any significant degree? “I am confused why this is a bad question to ask. ” It’s a bad question because it’s based on a misandric assumption of men that… Read more »
Mark, how about you demonstrate how the premise isn’t true since you are the one that finds the premise so offensive to begin with. Instead of dictating me to “demonstrate” to *you* anything. If you don’t want to answer my question Mark, don’t. But don’t tell me I need to “prove” something to you to simply have a normal conversation. I asked a question, you can either answer it or not. Normal conversations require a give and a take, an exchange of dialogue. Not one person belligerently putting down another one as you do further down in this conversation and… Read more »
” But don’t tell me I need to “prove” something to you to simply have a normal conversation.” But isn’t this precisely what you have been demanding of others? To prove this isn’t some sex toy, that men don’t want to have little girl imagery combined with technology for their own personal fulfilment? And for the record, a normal conversation doesn’t begin with a premise about all (or even most) men that paints them in a negative, pedophile like light, based on little more than assumptions and bigotry. ” I asked a question, you can either answer it or not.… Read more »
Btw? Traditionally the first use of new communication technology is to allow nerds to play Dungeons and Dragons.
Followed quickly by porn (possibly these user groups overlap?)
This would make LARPing a whole new experience, complete with real monsters that can be killed.
If a technology like this gains some amount of popularity – even if it’s only in Japan – it’s only a matter of time before someone makes a pair of glasses like this that network together to form a virtual-meets-real-life MMO video game where all players can see the avatars of all other players in real space and interact with them accordingly. With the Google Glass project gaining some popularity – assuming they can make that technology available to the average mobile gadgets user within the next few years – it’s not a crazy stretch of the imagination to see… Read more »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdh4TqWFfX4
Oh, I hope so. Imagine playing chasing (tag for the yanks) with lasers and forcefields.
Well said. Anyone that doesn’t see this as a significant part of the future of “relationships”, sexuality and sex is just behind the times. But I also see society evolving beyond the simple pleasures of age-old sex. At some point physical sex will be seen as barbaric, animalistic, dangerous, and unnecessary.
Sprouts tentacles in 3… 2… 1
Isn’t that Hatsune Miku? Matsune Miko in live hologram concert Matsune Miku wikipedia entry</a. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kM3n64WJmo&feature=related So she’s about five years old I guess. She’s an established character not some random girl image. Is this video just guys being guys: demonstrating a breakthrough technology via a sexy character? Or are we seeing a new realm for a population of men out there who lack confidence and will take this as a way to play out their fantasies with this passive, young code of 0s and 1s? The technology has been there for a little while too but it was an obvious… Read more »
“The other aspect of the question seems sexist. We were told that, “a woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle“. In other words it was considered “liberating” for women to say they didn’t need a man. When men say they don’t need a woman however they are seen as perverts or losers.”
The fish-bicycle thing wasn’t about replacing men with virtual partners though. This is considerably creepier.
I think a better analogy would be to the jokes I’ve seen that men’s contribution to women’s lives can be replaced by a dildo and a step-ladder.
The fact that you think it is “creepier” (especially given the deeply sexist and offensive nature of that taunt and what it means to subjugating men) reveals your own prejudices. Nothing in this video was related to sex while as you say women have their plastic facsimile of a man’s penis which they literally have sex with — but THAT isn’t “creepy” to you. That is just a sex “toy”. I’m not blaming you since all your life you’ve been told men’s sexuality is dirty and violent whereas women’s is innocent and virginal. This is just women controlling men through… Read more »
Ok, firstly, it is sexual. The woman is described as a “virtual girlfriend” and she’s dressed in a pretty sexual manner. If you saw an actual woman wearing that dress would you not think so? Secondly, it’s creepy because it follows a trend of neotanous depictions of women in manga. It’s not restricted to women but it’s more common from what I’ve seen. I brought up dildos because I thought the idea that a piece of plastic being an adequate replacement for a man is insulting and similar to calling a 3D projection a “girlfriend.” It takes a human role… Read more »
“I don’t have an issue with either porn or sex toys (I have both). The issue for me is when someone suggests that they equal or replace a person.”
you go and tell that to someone who has no friends, has trouble socialicing and at 35 has never been close to a woman, not even a mercenary.
But your right its not a replacement for another human bein. But nobody claims it should be.
“you go and tell that to someone who has no friends, has trouble socialicing and at 35 has never been close to a woman, not even a mercenary.” Like I said, I’ve no issue with anyone (eternally single or not) using porn or sex toys. I’d still say to them that they can’t get from them what they’d get from another human being though. Also I’d probably tell them to keep trying, I’m sure it’ll work out eventually 🙂 “But your right its not a replacement for another human being. But nobody claims it should be.” If that’s the case… Read more »
“Like I said, I’ve no issue with anyone (eternally single or not) using porn or sex toys. I’d still say to them that they can’t get from them what they’d get from another human being though. Also I’d probably tell them to keep trying, I’m sure it’ll work out eventually ” overly optimistick, the big enemy number one, they have to defeat is themselves. Its like the brain goes in loop mode when they are dating or approaching a woman. Dont do this, dont say that, and all the flashbacks that follows. And then they prefer to retire to something… Read more »
In english “girlfriend” implies a sexual relationship.
ah ok, im Italian, and english is not my forte. As you also can see through my spelling 🙂
but thanks…
“If that’s the case then the term “girlfriend” shouldn’t really be used to describe it.”
That’s the author of this article’s bias. One you choose to accept and promote. There is nothing provided by the author to suggest this is intended as a virtual girlfriend except the tendency to think if a man makes something that looks like a girl, it’s for the purpose of fucking it.
The video is in Japanese (I assume). Do you know Japanese and are you saying it says she is a “virtual girlfriend”? Because that phrase was supplied by the author of the article (or else possibly by Lisa or one of the editors if they come up with the titles of the pieces as well as the photos — I think they do but I am not sure). I would think you’d know that. Aren’t you a moderator? Do you consider any female image at all to be sexual? Another commentator seemed to think any female image at all constitutes… Read more »
“The woman is described as a “virtual girlfriend” and she’s dressed in a pretty sexual manner.” Really? where is this defined as a “virtual girlfriend”? Because I’m familiar with the character as a Japanese Virtual IDOL (not girlfriend) named Hatsune Miku (you seemed to have skipped over that fact of the very post you replied to) that does a great many things, including holographic concerts. So where does it say it’s a virtual girlfriend? “The issue for me is when someone suggests that they equal or replace a person.” Even if that person is you, not anyone related to this… Read more »
To ride your coat-tails David, I have another point. What’s interesting is this: If men really wholesale objectified women, then all single men who don’t ooze the charm and confidence to easily pickup women should have a fleshlight in their sock drawer. But, they don’t. For me personally (and I think I can safely hypothesize for most other men as well) I find the fleshlight thing wholely dissatisfying. I think what most men crave is female affection (i.e. if they just wanted access to body parts, then those men could easily replicate that). But, because the male role is so… Read more »
“This is considerably creepier.”
Why? Granted this whole “vitual girlfriend” thing isn’t for me by a long shot, but what exactly is “creepy” about it? Who is being harmed by the use of this technology in this way? The girls aren’t real, and therefore can’t be harmed (they aren’t even using the image of a real person)
what’s the objective difference between this and a dildo?
It’s creepy in that the character is quite childlike and also that it’s being used in a public place. If it’s a sex toy then it belongs in a bedroom, not in a public park or a kid’s playground. If it isn’t a sex toy and it’s some kind of “companionship” deelie, then that’s slightly worse, you can’t (currently) replace a human relationship with a computer program.
I don’t think anyone’s being harmed by it I just think it’s suggestive of a screwed up mental process.
David already provided you with the characters name, which is more than this articles writer provided regarding her. He also provided some links. Why is it you haven’t taken a look? A little research would show she has allegedly been nominated to perform at the London Olympics. and this is what you are calling a sex toy because someone wrote an article calling it such based on a video written and spoken in a language they admittedly can understand? Do you not see the sexism in all of this jumping to conclusions of male sexuality?
You beat me to it. Yes, she is a virtual idol developed to work alongside a virtual voice synthesizer that can sing. She is, as you said, very well established win Japan. What I find funny is that she is as much a manufactured idol as Brittany Spears ever was, but I doubt she will ever be accepted as anything but a male sex fantasy in Anglo-western feminist territory.
The fish-without-a-bicycle thing was to encourage women not to define themselves by their success, or lack thereof, in “catching a man.” It wasn’t about rejecting relationships with men, except I suppose for a small minority of lesbian separatist types. The phrase actually seems a little dated now because no one (or almost no one) doubts that women can be whole, valuable, functional human beings and individuals totally on their own, with or without men. I agree men should see themselves the same way. Your success as a human being should not be judged based on whether you have a wife/girlfriend… Read more »
One problem I see is that while people say that a man’s success as a human should not be judged on having a girlfriend/wife they will still turn around and shame a man for not engaging in attempts at meeting women. Regardless of a man’s confidence levels they go straight to presuming worst faith in such guys. And that’s when the virgin shaming comes in.
Fish and Bicycle aside, folks can’t both say that guys shouldn’t feel obligated to find a girlfriend/wife but then turn around and shame ones who aren’t looking for a wife/girlfriend.
@Sarah Radford: Very well said.
@Danny: I agree, if someone doesn’t want a relationship or even doesn’t want to interact with humans at all (say a person with autism) then that’s their call and I hope they’ll be very happy.
But if someone buys a “virtual girlfriend” for reassurance and emotional support that suggests to me that they do want/need human interaction on some level.
I’m not sure if what you were saying extended to such a situation but I was trying to place it into the context of the above article.
But if someone buys a “virtual girlfriend” for reassurance and emotional support that suggests to me that they do want/need human interaction on some level. I can agree with that. However since this emotional support would be coming from people that want to be there there is always the possibility that there are people that want that interaction and emotional support but simply will not get it. I’m not accusing you of saying it, but there seems to be this vibe that says that if you’re nice and confident and all that then you are sure to find someone (to… Read more »
Ok, there’s all kinds of reasons why someone might want a relationship and not be able to have one. But if it’s emotional support they want (rather than sexual stimulation) then I really think they’d be better off getting it from a friend than a program. Even if they don’t go as far as spooning, most people know someone who’ll come over for a movie and pizza.
@Peter I agree, but I think to truly understand we need to be in the situation. A situation who is alien probably to me as it is to you. We can only sympathize….but not truly understand.
Fair enough.
But I think that there may be more to wanting a girlfriend/wife than sexual stimulation. From what I’ve seen the emotional support from that type of relationship is of a different type than other relationships.
Now maybe you are saying that in light of not being in a relationship it’s better to have other friends than to go for the program? I can agree with that. But there seems to be some holes that those other friends simply cannot fill.
Considering that over a third of young men in Japan have sworn off women and relationships because of the cost, humiliation and criminal liability such relationships carry these days, don’t you think that comment is condescending and sexist?
Again the double standard. A woman who cries off men we call “independent” and “strong” but a man must have mental problems.
I was wondering when this would show up here at the GMP. Im totally fond of this technology. The applications are huge. It could revolutionize what we consider gaming; imagine playing Left4dead with tech? or some well known retro games like Doom halflife or Quake? wow is the wow is the word. But it may also lead to some unforseen conseguences like PTSD from gaming? Anyways gaming and pornography aside, the more practical applications could be a virtual teacher? a cybernetic nanny? a companion for lonely people? a turist guide? a tech assistant? maybe even a virtual psychologist? maybe it… Read more »
Yeah, I’ve been waiting for this kind of technology for a while (personally I see the concept of the monitor disappearing entirely) but jeebus if this isn’t a really bad/scary way to demo it.
There must be dozens of ways this technology could have been brought to the public and they chose to make a digital blowup doll?
This is hardly a coincidence. Virtually all new technologies that can be used for pornography will be used for pornography. You can’t digitize food, water, air or shelter. But thanks to a few quirks of the human mind (that same ones that make watching sports enjoyable), it’s fairly easy to provide a somewhat satisfactory sexual experience in a digital format.
They led with their best move. Not exactly a shocker. None of the other applications you can think up would be even half as profitable.
“They led with their best move. Not exactly a shocker. None of the other applications you can think up would be even half as profitable.” yes right now, but the same thing was said about personal computers or the internet. And look the present world now. All new technology are always recived with skepticism; In the 80’s people usually said, why buying a computer? I have all I need, and they are so complicated, I mean to interact with them I should learn some totally new languages like, Basic or Pascal? no thanks. In the 90’s why should I connect… Read more »
But with the way companies are now they don’t want to wait for that slow development even if in the long run slow penetration is better than pump and dump.
Most of the time now if it’s not a mega hit in 30sec or less it gets dropped for greener pastures.
It may not be the best for the long haul but for getting their name and product out there fast and in a hurry (and then work on becoming viable for the long haul) porn is a sure fire hit. Look at how popular GoDaddy has gotten so quickly.
there are only certain sectors where the pump and dump is in use, like music or android/Iphone, fashion and games in other words, light technology. Others like, fornitures, computers, cars, airplanes, ships, space ect are more subject to the long programming. If they dont do the investment now, on few years they may leave the market.
And this is not new, VR googles (as opposed to the 90’s vr mask) and 3d googles have been in the market for a long time. Maybe this application will make them go boom?
Going boom is the key and sexy is a good way to get that boom.
I never said that porn and gaming wont work on this, at the contrary. Im only claiming that it has also other possible application than porn and gaming.
Just like internet. Pornography was also one of the main engines behind its diffusion, but not the only one.
Look at this other piece of tech. Now apply the new gen of superadvanced 3d vr googles, apply the virtual cyber girl tech and there you go. You have a hand free controller withouth clumsy glowes or josysticks/joypads. And fancy girls doing what you want. Beside that you can even surf the net and even work without a comp screen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zapK5wvYU84
Controll the comp screen with you eyes.
How is that video pornographic? Is any image of a female pornography to you — even one that is fully clothed and not in any sexual context?
as I understand it, this is a homemade tech by a dude unyfing kinetic with vr googles, or what?
Endless possibilities, yes, but also endless ways to get it wrong and become very, very annoying. Remember the “helpful” MS Office guide, Clippy? The #1 question he was asked was “How do I shut you up?”
And think of what marketers and advertisers would do with this technology, forcibly injecting themselves into your every online experience. You thought popup ads were bad….
“Remember the “helpful” MS Office guide, Clippy? The #1 question he was asked was “How do I shut you up?”
And think of what marketers and advertisers would do with this technology, forcibly injecting themselves into your every online experience. You thought popup ads were bad….”
Lol wery true, or the old ‘Bonzo Buddy’!
I think a ‘doom’ style shotgun to blow off all thise cyber add caracters would be a necessity pretty fast.
God, memories! “bonzi buddy” was scarily emotionally manipulative.