geronimo_appleby
always on the move
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2004
- Posts
- 90,768
Rape is sex, yet no sane person uses the term rape to describe normal consensual sex between adults. We have separate words to refer to consensual sex and non-consensual sex.
When it comes to sex between close relatives, there is only one term that is used to describe such situations, whether they are consensual or not.
This creates confusion and miscommunication galore. It also results in my encountering people online that I would prefer did not even exist. There are some things that cannot be un-read.
Now I've noticed that some people have taken to using the word consanguineous or even consanguinamorous to refer to consensual sexual and romantic relationships between closely related adults. This avoids the stigma that the word incest carries with it, but these terms are not widely understood.
of course they don't use rape to describe normal consensual sex between adults. the reason is because it isn't normal consensual sex between adults - it's rape.
consanguineous is too broad. it simply means from a common ancestor. if i had a mind to, i could marry my second cousin - and if she had a mind to, also, of course.
our relationship would be consanguineous, but not incestuous - although some would argue the point at that level.