A question from the latest Desire Lab, our project on female desire : When I raised the topic of rape fantasies in my New York Times Magazine article, “What Do Women Want?” I did so with some hesitation-and with some uneasiness from the psychologists I had spoken with about the subject. Let’s state clearly what probably goes without saying: This discussion is not an endorsement of sexual assault. But it would be enlightening to hear your analysis about the appeal of such fantasies. And it would be illuminating to know whether there are lots of women out there whose imaginings don’t include the themes of violence and submission at all.
Please do feel free to comment on each other’s contributions, but remember to be respectful. This is a space that aims not for judgment but insight. Please send answers to desirelabxx@gmail.com .
