Big Ed's Place

In Dawn on the Third Day, Jen comments on Spider Robinson’s book Callahan’s Lady, and the concept of sex as Art. I happen to like the idea, though ultimately I think there’s a better analogy.

The main thing I like about the concept is that it captures what sex can be. Often, sex is a performance, yet because it is something that has been demonized in the Western cultural traditions (I can’t speak for the Eastern cultures), we don’t recognize or pay homage to the greatness that can be attained. Tantra, as adapted for the West (and possibly perverted, but more on that in another post sometime), does see the greatness, but tends to wrap it up in the mystical or religious. I don’t think greatness requires those overtones.

And of course, by greatness, I mean not just the ability to emotionally connect the participants, but the ability for sex to be something that connects period. We laugh at a good dirty joke. We roll our eyes, but often secretly admiring, the tales of sexual feats we hear about. Phil Foglio even managed a great cartoon about when sex is an Olympic event.

In essence, sex can do many or all the things that Art can do.

But I think the analogy has some major limits, and one of those is simply stroke porn. Let’s face it, a lot of sexual material is poor quality crap, but it still finds an audience. A lot of the times sex between two people can be pretty unconnecting, uninspiring, and not particularly fulfilling. There really isn’t a good “Art” equivalent.

Instead, I think the better analogy is that Sex is like Cuisine. A lot of the time, you just want something that’s reasonably good and can sustain you. At the same time, really great sex, like a really great meal, can go someplace deeper, into the realm of Art. Heck there are even aficionados of both, though there is no positive equivalent term to “foodie.”

And at the opposite end, there are times where you just want the greasiest, nastiest, most unhealthy fast food you can find and slide across your tongue (what, you don’t?  I certainly have those cravings from time to time).  It’s not good food.  It’s not particularly good for you food.  But it’s easy on the tongue, it pleases the senses, and it’s quick to get.  Just like good old Penthouse Letters and other stroke porn.

I like to think that I’m wiser and enough in control of my cravings to not stoop to a fast food equivalent sex diet.  Or a fast food equivalent porn diet.  But I gotta admit that I don’t want Art all the time.