>Here, we're talking about lolicon, and Japans obsession with it that has become more and more normalized. Is "Japan" obsessed with it, or just a subculture na

>Here, we're talking about lolicon, and Japans obsession with it that has become more and more normalized. Is "Japan" obsessed with it, or just a subculture native to that country (i.e otaku)? >The argument usually is that its not real, which, is true, and I'd argue that if its not real, to leave it in a gray area. Why? Films/books/comics/stories/etc. depicting drug use, murder, rape etc. are indeed "not real", yet few would have a problem with this. It seems to me that we are returning to the age when violent video games are considered "gray area", which is how the stone starts rolling towards their unreasonable and evidence-lacking censorship. >But, when you normalize something that in reality is always illigal, there's a big problem. Is there any evidence that this is a big problem in this instance? And further, what of other instances such as the ones I have outlined? >making it seem romantic realtionships with middle schoolers and adults is 'cute' and normal. Many people do find them cute. Not I, but people do. This does not mean that they are persuaded to act upon that cuteness. Being portrayed as normal in fiction makes no reference to how normal it is considered in real life. I can assure you that most Japanese know that such relationships are not normal, just as I know that what happens in the Simpsons isn't normal. Where's your evidence for this? I watched this video a while ago. It mainly applies to TV and media which is widely circulated. However it is possible to have the material legal for purposes aside from distribution such as on TV. Currently in the UK and other countries, especially Canada, we are at the situation where mere possession is illegal. >nevitably leads to real-life action and lack of enforcement when said terrible actions happen. Does it? There is evidence I have seen that is contrary to this hypothesis, here's one: http://openjournals.maastrichtuniversity.nl/Marble/article/viewFile/374/317 http://openjournals.maastrichtuniversity.nl/Marble/article/v... There are others, but my current Google-fu is failing me, so my apologies.