The bar is on the floor...
I mean I personally read rape scenes in manga as fictional pieces and acknowledged that the scenes can be problematic but still be part of an interesting story.
In this case, rape did happen, just like the many other Yaoi manga on this site. Tsugumi has a very interesting perspective of his position as an omega. He believes it is a part of him that he can repress solely with willpower. This maybe a deep-seated issue that stems from his fear of being powerless as an omega in heat. So what does he do? He doubles down and refuses to acknowledge his weakness when it clearly puts him in danger.
When we say, “oh this rape was bearable to read in comparison to other manga” it kinda gives the impression that rape can be distinguished by the victim’s psychological state after the fact. While some victims may refuse to accept they were forced, it seems to rely on a pretense being raped is a sign of weakness/is dependent on the victim’s actions, not the perpetrator’s.
I feel bad for Megumi too because he also didn’t consent to being locked in a room with an omega in heat. But at the end of the day, Tsugumi was forced to something he wouldn’t do had he not been in heat.
I don’t mean to attack you or anything, just reading a lot of the comments makes me realize how this manga is making us think more about consent and sexual assault. It’s worth lengthy comment imo.
Well said. Really zeroed into what bothered me about op's comment, plus some character insight.
(The bar really is on the floor tho, let's face it.)
But yea, I worded my comment poorly. What I meant when I wrote that is so many comics just treat rape like it's nothing, whereas this one doesn't (and that goes DOUBLE for omegaverse). It just bothers me so much when it's like, rape > love??? with no real discussion on the gravity of the events, you know? I don't like how normalized rape is - in BL manga especially. That makes this a really nice change.
But I actually really love both characters here for being very unique in their thoughts about the situation as a whole. The alpha is particularly interesting because he tries so hard not to give in, carries around condoms, morning after pills, and omega suppressants JUST IN CASE so he can be responsible. That's really cool especially in light of the story around his mom. He tries to make things right in his own way.
Yeah, it's refreshing! I feel the same. It's why I'm sticking around despite my criticisms. I appreciate that you took the time to clarify what you meant.
Thank you too! I do need my word choices pointed out to me from time to time. Gotta raise my self awareness. (⊙…⊙ )
This is one of the few comics where I can read through the rape scene and not hate it SOLELY BECAUSE the one who was raped decided he was fine with it and that he was equally at fault, AND because the one who raped didn't intend to do it and is desperately trying to make amends. I really appreciate this.