All of my personal shenanigans aside, I'd like to get back to the more of the art of anthropology than the process. Job offers, relocations, and conferences all impact me as an anthropologist but aren't my passion when I think about my discipline. In the last week, I've run into a couple of stories that touch on the intersection of sexuality and social justice. In my own work, I approach sexuality as an individual or collective practice that is used to cement or create identities and relationships. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that sex is densely connected with larger economic and environmental forces. So here is what I've been thinking about.
In a recent article on toxins in sex toys, Emily Gertz discusses how harmful substances are used to make a variety of sex toys. Many use polyvinyl chlorides and are softened with phthalates. Studies in rats suggest this class of chemicals are linked to cancer and damage the reproductive system. It's difficult to be a conscious consumer of sex toys, since they are unregulated as "novelty" products not intended to be used near or in mucous membranes. It's hard to pin down exactly how a product is made. Aside from the health risks posed to the consumer, one has to wonder about the working conditions of the people making these questionable products. How does their exposure to these chemicals affect them? Are they being paid a fair wage? Compounding the problem is the shame around buying sex toys. Many people feel at least awkward in adult shops, although some of the women and couple friendly chains go out of their way to put people at ease. When a person struggles with the basics of communicating desire (perhaps because the person just doesn't know what type of vibrator would be best suited for their individual taste), it is difficult to follow up with questions about the conditions of production. Also, as consumers, Americans like to believe an object's history begins at point of purchase. Finally, most people don't purchase enough sex toys to require deep consideration. You find a rabbit that works for you, then banish that slightly uncomfortable Megaplexxx experience from your thoughts. Manufacturers and retail shops know that most people will not agitate for better sex toys. We are being held hostage by low-quality, over-priced sex toys. There are a few solutions to some of the problems. First, you can use a condom with your sex toys. The extra step is a hassle if it's just you and your toy playing, but this is a particularly neat trick for toys that will be shared (new condom for each person!) that has the double protection of cutting back on chemical exposure and preventing the spread of potential disease. Second, you can go the organic route. Zucchinis and melons can be re-purposed to serve sexual desires. It is important to make sure these items are pesticide-free. No sense trading phthalate exposure for pesticide exposure. The downside of this option is that each fruit or vegetable can only be used once and your produce drawer has to be continuously stocked, depending on your libido. Also, no battery power, so vibration is out. But, no batteries to throw out, either. Third, you can shell out the extra money for a toy with a pedigree. Babeland, Smitten Kitten, and Good Vibrations offer a line of green products. If you are lucky enough to live in New York, Minneapolis, or San Francisco, you can visit the store in person to see the toys in action (although on the shelf or in your hand, not the business end of the experience). Otherwise, you can order online. As a further permutation on high-end toys, consider hardened glass or metal dildos. Most can be washed in the dishwasher and gently warmed or chilled for varied experiences.
Sex toys are the intersection of sexuality and consumerism. We should consider how these products are made and what effect they have on our persons and the environment. The internet has freed consumers from reliance on the one or two brick and mortar stores in their immediate area, although it is also a way to take advantage of naive buyers. For most people, a few toys will probably be enough to satisfy most of their desires. Try to think of that pricey tickler as an investment rather than a novelty. Unless you only bought that anal plug as a joke for a friend (seriously?), we all know that these toys will be used in intimate ways. We demand high quality from medical devices that are inserted in the same vicinity. We expect that children's toys will be safe, in large part because kids put them in their mouths. If you won't put something in your mouth for fear that it will poison you, you probably shouldn't insert it elsewhere. The silence around sex toys allows manufacturers to profit from shame by selling poorly designed, over priced, health risking devices to consumers who don't feel entitled to better products.
Stand up for better sex toys. Being a consumer can be a political act. Use that dildo to support the ideals you believe in.
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