Internet Ronin has an interesting take on the huge imbalance of men vs. women in China that I wrote about a few days ago.
All of this may lead to what must be the largest unintentional experiment in sexuality in history. It would appear that, with millions of males likely unable to find a female partner within their lifetime, we may gain some insight into whether circumstances and environment contribute to homosexuality.
Before anyone gets all huffy about this entry, don’t take this all that seriously because it isn’t really meant to be. The ramifications of forced family planning in the Peoples’ Republic are serious, however.
I’m skeptical, frankly, that they’ll become gay simply due to the lack of women. More likely adulterous affairs will blossom, as will pornography. It will be interesting to see. Sad, too. It did not have to be this way, and the butchery of baby girls will come at a very heavy price.
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By Adam Morris
It’s more likely that it will lead to something like polygamy. All my gay friends tell me that it’s not something that’s chosen or even develops. You either are or you aren’t.
However, sexual experimentation is a pretty vague term. I mean, maybe they will start finding guys instead of gals out of … errrrrr … necessity. But with the vast amounts of prostitutes available I seriously doubt it.
August 26, 2003 @ 4:09 am | Comment
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By richard
Ah yes, the “vast amount of prostitutes.” Just what we need — more VD and AIDS in China.
August 26, 2003 @ 4:28 am | Comment
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By water
Where are the women?
Another side of North Korea and China that is not as well known as it should be: North Korean female refugees bought and sold as wives in the Chinese countryside. Each year, thousands of North Korean women swim or sneak
August 26, 2003 @ 4:30 am | Comment
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By Internet Ronin
Like Adam and yourself, I’m very skeptical about what I wrote and tend to think prostitution will partially fill the bill. I can imagine dowries, in one form or another, making a big comeback in the near future.
I have absolutely no evidence to support this, but I tend to think this situation may ultimately prove liberating for gays in China. (Which reminds me, Richard: what happened in Singapore to change what was once one of the staunchest anti-gay governments in SE Asia?)
That said, I do find myself wondering how much this may increase the potential for experimentation, which, you have to agree, would be interesting.
All kidding aside, female infanticide is something no civilized nation ought tolerate.
August 26, 2003 @ 4:38 am | Comment
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By richard
IR, only one factor influenced Singapore’s decisions to hire gays: the fear that a policy perceived to be anti-gay might turn off some Western businesses and become a factor in their decision to locate their Asia Pacific offices in other countries and not Singapore. There was no altruism or love thy neighbor involved.
You have to live here to experience just how important foreign investment is — it is virtually all that S’pore has, and without it they are screwed. It was revealed a few weeks ago that it’s actually cheaper for local firms to hire foreigners than Singaporeans due to tax breaks, and the government responded honestly: Our economy hinges on foreign companies setting up shop here, and we will do all we can to encourage this. More foreign workers is good for the country, not bad.
Agree with you that the results of this unintended social experiment in China should be interesting to watch. It’s still a tragedy.
August 26, 2003 @ 10:17 am | Comment
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By Tassled Loafered Leech
Between no brides, rampant unemployment and underemployed college grads, I see major unrest in China. Border war with Vietnam, anyone? Especially if you get to bring home brides.
August 26, 2003 @ 11:37 pm | Comment