I was watching the most fascinating show on National Geographic the other night and it got me thinking, as so many of these programs. The topic was extreme entertainers, and while I didn’t care for the skin piercers, sword swallowers or bug eaters, I was drawn to the next two segments. One talked about a highly specialized group of cabaret performers in Thailand known as “ladyboys”, the other discussed the ancient artistry still practiced by the traditional geisha of Kyoto, Japan. The ladyboys are some of the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever seen on stage, male or female. Hormones can be purchased over the counter in Thailand and many of these young men start taking them when they are adolescents or even prepubescent, as soon as they are sure that they are being led in the direction of leading a woman’s life. These transexual boys can experience significant breast development and willowly female figures, never really growing into a man’s secondary sexual features, like body hair or male looking muscule structure. Most of them remain pre op, not finding it necessary to undergo reassignment surgery to make themselves into the cabaret stars so enjoyed by the Thai people and their many foreign visitors. There is a tradition too, for these ladyboys to be filling a woman’s role on stage, as Thai women are encouraged to be modest and retiring. For a real woman to be onstage laughing, teasing and flirting would be disturbing. “It takes an actor to truly portray a sexy, beautiful woman” some critics say, “even a real woman could not be as glamorous and sexually appealing as these performers when they are onstage.” An interesting thought, that men make the most convincing women in some cultures. This is seen in traditional Japanese theatre as well, women are never actors in Kabuki. And the most desired women to be seen are the ones who live the most stylized lives, the geisha of Kyoto. Their behavior, their dance and singing, even their dress and makeup are dictated by standards hundreds of years old. A geisha masters the art of the tease, the seduction- of making a man feel as if he is the most clever person in the room when he speaks. She builds his ego, stokes his self esteem and allows him to show his friends and business associates what a “player” he is in society, he has the contacts and the money to treat them to an evening with geisha. Men and women share company in a very rigid style, with rules that both sides understand and agree to before the party even begins. Geisha are considered the most beautiful, desirable women in Japan, because they are the keepers of a rich history, and because they are, by tradition, off limits. So, men want most what they can not have? Do they prefer the tease of womanhood, the hint of sexual fulfillment, and then, not getting it, does they just want it that much more? In both cultures, with everyone involved aware of the rules, it doesn’t mean humiliation and rejection. The dance is enjoyed for its own sake. What do you think about that?
Hugs,
Miss Tara come listen to my audio page, and then call me at 800-356-6169 to follow up with The Spankmistress in person!!
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