Recently, an anonymous comment caught the attention of several forums and social networks, generating an intense debate about Public perception of erotic manga (hentai) versus other forms of adult content. The opinion, which has gained popularity online, suggests that erotic manga is more criticized than other forms of adult entertainment, such as adult videos and the adult entertainment servicesdue to the lack of female participation in the sector.

The anonymous user expresses his point of view saying:

• «I feel like erotic manga or hentai are attacked more than adult entertainment services or adult videos. I thought about the reasons behind this. Women derive several benefits, not just economic ones, from sexuality. So I wonder if the innate discomfort towards erotic manga, where there is no female participation, could be the cause.
• In the case of adult entertainment and video services, if managed properly, women can earn high incomes. On the other hand, in hentai manga, the authors are usually men and the content is consumed primarily by men, without generating direct remuneration for women. Perhaps this is where a sense of legitimacy crisis arises.».

This comment sparked a wide debate about the differences in public perception between different forms of adult content. Some users agree that the lack of female participation in erotic manga can contribute to a negative perception.arguing that the lack of direct compensation for women could make this type of content seen as less legitimate or problematic.

On the other hand, critics of the commentary argue that this opinion simplifies the complexity of the issue, and that criticism of erotic manga should not be reduced solely to the issue of female participation or remuneration. Some suggest that criticism may be based on ethical concerns or the nature of the content itself.

The debate intensified with contributions from several forums that discussed not only the legitimacy of erotic manga, but also the social perception of how different forms of adult content are valued:

• «Could there be an aversion to men drawing female representations without consent?».
• «But men understand better what turns us on.».
• «It's okay if women want to enter the erotic manga market. It's their freedom.».
• «Female cartoonists are already present in the market. They often use pseudonyms that do not reveal their gender, so critics may not notice this.».
• «Maybe they are jealous because the girls in erotic manga are so cute.».
• «I'm not thinking about that. It just bothers me that otakus, who consider themselves inferior, like erotic manga while I get frustrated.».
• «In erotic manga, you may do whatever you want without taking women into account, which can be uncomfortable.».
• «Women also draw erotic manga, so the criticism is invalid. This does not refute the argument.».
• «The ratings are based on the image and not reality, therefore the rating is invalid.».
• «Illustrations and manga can beautify women or eliminate unpleasant aspects, which can lead to the denial of real women.».
• «Within feminism there are also factions that criticize women who practice sex work, so it is not a uniform position. Some defend these women».
• «Adult entertainment services and gravure idol photoshoots are also heavily criticized and have been canceled, but some want to portray them as if only feminists are attacking them.».
• «The irritation may be because erotic manga presents ideal women that do not exist in reality.».
• «Weak men create problems with vague reasons».
• «There are many women who read erotic manga aimed at men, but there are also feminists who criticize the sexual consumption of female bodies, which shows a double standard.».
• «They can't stand nerds experiencing eroticism effortlessly, when in reality they should be improving as men.».
• «Isn't it a mistake to assume that erotic manga is more criticized than adult entertainment? Adult entertainment is the most criticized».
• «Most manga authors are women or at least half».
• «Perhaps the difference lies in the type of people involved in each activity.».

Source: Yaraon!