A story where human beings act like bonobos.

[MayorReynolds]

Since I get long stretches of time to think every now and then, I've been thinking a lot lately...about bonobos.

Bonobos, in case you didn't know, are primates whose sole mechanism for functioning in their societies is sex. They use sex for everything, from resolving disputes to greeting each other to bonding. The females are the ruling matriarchs of the societies, and control the entire unit with sex. The only taboo among bonobos is that the mothers don't have intercourse with their sons. Another interesting fact, according to Wikipedia, is that bonobos are immune to the simian immunodeficiency virus, and that despite all the nonstop rutting, they reproduce at the same rate as chimps (who solve their conflicts in a very different way, with violence.)

So I got to thinking: what if there is a world where humans act that way, where people fuck as rampantly and without any guilt as bonobos? What if there were no familial lines drawn? What if, for example, college students ran into each other for the first time and had sex in public as a greeting, and then came home to frantic family orgies?

I'd love to explore this idea. What do you think?

 

[Sean Renaud]

I think it would be really hard in fiction because nobody really understands the science behind it or what exactly the bonobos are actually doing. We know there is lots of sex and apparently no mom on son sex but what conflicts are they solving and how?

 

[Shendude]

I'd love to explore this idea. What do you think?

I think it's awesome.

Though, I should note that there's already a CHYOO story with this premise.

 

[JRaven]

Shameless plug

My story "A Typical Day, NOT!", may interest you. It chronicles a day at work for the main character, Jenny. Shaking hands to show you don't have a weapon is a bit Neanderthal. Cupping crotches is more appropriate. Screwing an interviewee will give you a better idea if he will work well with the team.

/Shameless plug

 

[Sean Renaud]

I don't keep weapons in my crotch! Well except for my main weapon. Not that shaking hands would have worked with me, I'm sufficiently ambidexterous that if I wanted to stab you I'd fucking figure it out in a heart beat.