#sextech

[eddawrites]

How Arcane centres female pleasure

I’ve done it before and I’ll most likely do it again, so without further ado... let’s talk about sex, baby!

I’ve seen many bizarre takes on this scene, and in a way that’s understandable, given that it is framed - to put it mildly - in an interesting way. The comings (pun intended) and goings in Jayce’s bedroom are intercut with Viktor struggling and collapsing in the lab. That alone is enough to make you feel uncomfortable even though, objectively, there is nothing wrong with two consenting adults wanting each other and acting on their feelings. But let’s disregard Viktor for a moment. I will engage in the hextech vs. sextech debate at some other time.

Today, we’re here for Mel.

So what other reason is there for us to feel slightly uncomfortable with this liaison?  The fact that at this point we’re not yet privy to Mel’s motivations. There are hints of mutual attraction between Mel and Jayce - most prominently in ep. 4 - but they are somewhat understated because the writers don’t want you to fully trust Mel just yet. They’re setting up a simple but rather clever twist for ep. 8 and 9, where they deconstruct the devious politician/femme fatale archetype Mel has thus far been seemingly embodying and subvert the audience’s expectations regarding her character. At this point, Mel’s feelings for Jayce are explicitly stated to the audience by her mother, but also through Mel’s own actions. But this twist doesn’t come out of nowhere, it’s actually very well telegraphed... if you look closely.

First, I want to turn your attention to an interesting little detail that might not be obvious, but is actually very important: we don’t see Jayce’s face throughout. We see him last when he goes down to have a little midnight snack and then again when him and Mel gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes after what seems to be their climax (that one shot with the droplet is very specific in that way).

Where most shows tend to focus on the man’s pleasure (in straight-presenting relationships anyway), or sometimes shift between both partners, Arcane makes sure Mel is centred throughout the entire scene. Her pleasure - not Jayce’s - is at the forefront. In fact, even the musical score highlights this by using Mel’s leitmotif throughout the scene (my thanks to @Black Cat on Arcane Discord for pointing this out, you can learn more about various leitmotifs in Arcane in her reddit post if interested), but leaving out Jayce’s. In short, this scene is all about Mel.

So why is that? Is it feminism? That’s certainly part of it, the female gaze in this scene is palpable. But as with all things in Arcane, there’s a storytelling aspect to it as well. To put it in simple terms...

The show wants you to pay attention to Mel.

The show wants you to notice Mel’s reactions to Jayce making love to her. It wants you to pay attention to her expressions. Why, you ask? Because it’s trying to show you how she feels about Jayce ahead of the reveal where it tells you.

The animators go all out on trying to convey that this night is not just a booty call, but rather a culmination of years of pining. Mel wraps herself around him, arms around his shoulders, legs around his hips. She wants to feel his skin on hers. Her hair unravels (I’m told that this is the international symbol for “he’s doing good” 😂). They lock hands. She’s seeing stars. And after their climax, she’s stroking Jayce’s face while gazing into his eyes (see one of the screenshots above). 

The scene itself is sensual, but not vulgar - never once is Mel posed as a mere sex object in this scene. The so-called “male gaze” has taken a leave of absence (in fact, the only instances of it being used in this show that I can think of are actually diegetic, with Jayce doing the gazing, as I point out here). The camera framing helps since it’s keeping her body obscured. We never actually see Mel naked. I feel that this is a very important point to make. Sex sells. I know it, you know it, your grandma knows it (and is probably horrified at it... unless you have a cool grandma, in which case, good for you). Your ace friends know it even if they can’t relate. It’s very common in today’s entertainment media to push boundaries by making more sexually explicit content - usually by putting AFAB bodies on full display (you will rarely see male actors fully exposed in this way) - often to such a point that it’s approaching soft core porn levels (*cough* HBO *cough*). 

The creators of Arcane, however, understand that this scene is not about the act itself, but about the emotions it’s eliciting from Mel. Emotions that are being conveyed by her face and hands - the parts of her body centred throughout, using various closeups.

But the aftermath is just as important if not more so. Mel is smiling as she cuddles up him, pressing herself against his back. She takes his hand (the cosmic/hexcore imagery obscures this somewhat, but her hand is resting on top of his, meaning that she has initiated this round of hand-holding) and he holds it on his chest - over his heart - as they fall asleep together. I feel I should stress that we very rarely see Mel smile in the show and I don’t mean the mischievous smirk that appears on her face during her political machinations - actually smile, and somehow every single of these extremely rare instances is linked to Jayce (here, in ep. 3 looking up at Jayce when hextech works, an incredibly soft one in ep. 4 when spotting Jayce entering her party; a brief, but wide smile as she walks towards the camera in the theatre earlier in ep. 5, and the final council meeting in ep. 9 albeit we don’t actually see her face in that shot). Here, in this moment, Mel seems genuinely happy.

And then comes a rude awakening.

Interestingly, upon waking, Mel scans the room first, as if confused about her whereabouts, likely rousing from one of her nightmares. She takes a moment to get her bearings - after all, this isn’t her bedroom - then looks for Jayce.

And when she doesn’t find him...

The look in her face is that of absolute dejection (seriously, do zoom in). She is upset. And this carries over to their interaction the morning after in ep. 6: she is cold and dismissive and angry, having steeled herself against her hurt - a stark contrast to the show of vulnerability on Jayce’s balcony in the previous episode. This isn’t the behaviour of a woman used to weaponising her sexuality and using sex as a tool of securing power (to say nothing of the fact that she doesn’t actually need him for that, she’s already the de facto ruler of Piltover). This is the behaviour of a woman who allowed herself to be emotionally vulnerable - likely for the first time in years - by opening herself up to the man she's got feelings for that she’s not entirely comfortable with due to her emotionally abusive upbringing. And then he disappears in the middle of the the night without a word. She felt used. She put her trust in Jayce and for a moment it seemed that he was just like everyone else - a taker. Thankfully, he comes back to apologise first thing in the morning, winning her over again. Bless Arcane for not playing this moment up for drama and actually allowing these two to effectively communicate.

But what about Jayce? You might ask.

Well, Jayce wears his feelings on his sleeve. There is no ambiguity in his attraction to Mel - he’s been visibly carrying a torch for her since ep. 3 and it’s reaffirmed right in the following episode. Therefore the show does not need to telegraph it in this scene. But even so, by putting him into a position of a giver rather than receiver, it suggests that he prioritises Mel’s pleasure over his own and that in itself is a form of display of affection. He is going slow, like he’s savouring it and not just fulfilling a base need. It’s not a one-night stand for him either.

(fun fact: one of the animators has come out to say that they actually had to tone this scene down after receiving feedback from the writers)

But this is actually important from Mel’s perspective as well: this night marks the first time that she has surrendered control to someone else. At any other time, Mel is shown to have absolute control over the situation - especially where politics are concerned. In visual storytelling, this is conveyed by how she is typically centred by the camera during the council meetings whereas the other councillors are typically framed off centre (more on that in this brilliant reddit post by Eraserend). In most of her other scenes, she is the one wielding power. The show could easily carry that over into this scene and have Mel be the dominant party taking what she wants instead of being positively pampered by Jayce. But it does not - it wouldn’t serve the story the show is trying to tell. There wouldn’t be any emotion to it. Here, in his bedroom, Mel allows Jayce to take charge, surrendering herself to him, letting him please her. She trusts him. This is love-making in the non-euphemistic sense.

But of course this is Arcane, so even this decision comes with an incredible show of agency attached to it: Mel initiates the intimacy. She is the one to make the first move. And, in an interesting reversal of the heteronormative gender dynamics as typically portrayed in media, Jayce is the one to initiate the relationship proper in the following episode.

So there you have it, contrary to the popular belief this scene is not unnecessary as I see the fandom regularly claim. It’s not just there to say “Arcane is for adults” or for the sextech memes. There are several layers of storytelling present in this scene and not all of them have to do with Viktor (”this ain’t about him” as the meme would say). Outside of the obvious “hextech vs. sextech” schism angle, it’s also used to convey Mel’s true feelings for Jayce - the fact that in act 2 she is, on some level, already in love with him, whether she has admitted that fact to herself yet or not. 

So why go on this whole tangent and analyse this scene shot by shot for anything other than my own pleasure? (Listen guys, it’s a really good scene, there’s nothing weird about this whatsoever, okay?) Well, because I often see fandom downplaying or outright ignoring Mel’s trauma and emotionally abusive upbringing, as well as the social circles she’s used to moving in, and how that informs this relationship, in favour of a more villainous interpretation of her created to make space for other ships. Not much attention is paid to Mel’s psychology, facial animation or body language, and I think that should be rectified because she is, in my opinion, one of the most emotionally complex characters in the show. This scene showcases that complexity. And while I understand that on the initial viewing this might escape the audience (again, the writers are purposefully portraying her as an ambiguous figure in order to set up that “gotcha” twist in the later episodes - they need to melt the ice queen first to show us who she really is at her core), it presents a whole new lens to view Mel’s actions and decisions through on the subsequent watches. So keep it in mind on your next rewatch.

#arcane #arcane analysis #arcane thoughts #mel medarda #jayce talis #meljay #sextech #arcane visual storytelling #this show doesn't waste a single frame #all this just to say jayce is such a caring lover #and how much mel wants him

[arcaneincorrectquotes]

Viktor: Jayce is refusing to speak to me

Viktor: im going to enjoy it while it lasts.

#viktor #viktor league of legends #viktor arcane #arcane viktor #viktor lol #jayce arcane #arcane jayce #arcane #viktor and jayce #viktorheadcanon #viktorheadcanons #jayce headcanons #jayceheadcanon #hextech #sextech #hextech partners #jayvick

[golden-forge]

Since we’re sharing favorite scenes and moments and I can’t sleep.

Ambessa calling Jayce impotent and Jayce’s “that’s not what your daughter said last night face” 😂🫣.

Jayce, internally remembering:

#meljay #Jayce talis #mel medarda #jayce arcane #mel arcane #sextech

[blaqsbi]

Post: Calmara suggests it can detect STIs with photos of genitals -- a dangerous idea | TechCrunch https://www.blaqsbi.com/5N2l

#AI #sextech #sexualhealth #shadowbanned #suggestsdetect

[valorandtoughness]

Meet & Greet famous Dutch award winning pornstar Romy Indy at the Syncbot booth!😍

On Saturday October 14th Romy will join our booth during the Ero Expo! She will be with our booth from 4.30PM until at least 8.30PM. Stop by if you like to meet her, take a selfie and you can ask her anything. There are many events at the expo, but to us Romy is one of the highlights. A rising star since 2019, having worked with the greatest studio's such as Blacked, Tushy, Reality Kings, Brazzers, Evil Angel, Fake Taxi, Evil Angel, Vixen and many more. Check her out at Pornhub and see for yourself why she won prizes such as Best New Starlet at XBiz in 2020 or Best International Production award at the AVN in 22'. The expo is the perfect place to learn about all the possibilities of the Syncbot. Touch & feel it, and see live demonstrations.

https://www.ero-expo.com/eroticabeurs-mechelen/

Come say hi to Romy at our booth!

#syncbot #sextech #sex things

[vrpornshow]

vrpornshow.com

#vrporn #vrsex #virtualsex #virtualporn #vr #VirtualReality #GearVR #360VR #sextech

[sextechnews]

She Created the Largest Commercial Real Estate Conference Focused on Diversity - SHOPPE BLACK - Shoppe Black

Adeola Adejobi is the Founder and CEO of Diversity in Commercial Real Estate (DCRE), the nation’s leading conference for professionals of color in commercial real estate. DCRE hosts the largest conference in the U.S. that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion in commercial real estate. The national DCRE community includes 4,000+ professionals, entrepreneurs and developers. Annually, DCRE facilitates masterclasses, training, workshops, networking, real estate tours and career opportunities supported by corporate partners committed to closing racial equity gaps in commercial real estate. This year, DCRE will host its 4th annual conference from July 28-31, 2022. Attendees will participate in four days of dealmaking, keynotes, masterclasses, panels, recruiting and networking at Columbia University.

Diversity in Commercial Real Estate Conference attendees participating in an engaging mainstage industry session. “This conference is about leveling the playing field, working with the right partners who are dedicated to diversity and connecting them to talent and entrepreneurs”, says Adejobi. “DCRE creates a space on a national level to help bridge the wide diversity gap in commercial real estate. Our conference is known to help attendees find career opportunities, business partners, and secure capital for their deals. We are committed to increasing our results and impact, year after year.” Key industry leaders participating in this year’s conference include: Tammy K. Jones, CEO and Founder of Basis Investment Group, H. Jerome Russell, President of H. J. Russell & Company and Russell New Urban Development, LLC, Dr. Gina Merritt, Principal at Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures, LLC, Buwa Binitie, Managing Principal at Dantes Partners, Warner Walker, Director of Global Store Development at Starbucks, Yarojin Robinson, Managing Director of Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group (UIG) at Goldman Sachs, Ola Oyinsan Hixon, Executive Director and Assistant Portfolio Manager at PGIM Real Estate. Register at http://diversitycrec.com. Sponsors and recruiters may contact [email protected] to learn more. Follow DCRE on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. Related Read the full article

#news #Sextech

[saqueenkawockeez]

Jayce: Vitya...

Viktor: no, you have enough kisses today Jayce

#arcane #fanart #jayvik #viktor #viktor arcane #jayce talis #hextech before sextech

[arcaneincorrectquotes]

Jayce: Lol heads up if you try to make a candle with food coloring, the food coloring will just sink to the bottom of the glass, and when the flame eventually reaches the bottom all the food coloring will catch fire and become one giant tall flame that you cannot possibly blow out and the glass will start to crack and then you'll throw your tea on it in a panic and then the extremely hot food coloring will boil and sizzle horribly and then the glass will shatter. Please take my word on this lmfao

Viktor: What did you do op?

Jayce : A MISTAKE

#Jayce #viktor #arcane #arcane headcanon #arcane headcanons #arcane incorrect quotes #lol arcane #viktor arcane #jaycearcane #jayce tails #jayceandviktor #machine herald viktor #viktor and jayce #sextechpartners #sextech #hextechsextech #hextech partners #jayceheadcanon #jayceheadcanons #viktorheadcanon #viktorheadcanons #JAYVICK #jayvickarcane #jayvickheadcanons #jayvickheadcanon

[krunchycrispy]

One thing I find magical about the arcane fanbase is that Jinx gets injected with shimmer and gets one of the most traumatic hallucinations of her life, and while the fanbase physically hurt seeing her pain during this scene we spotted one shot of Caitlyn and turned it into a one of the main memes of arcane.

#one of the greatest memes of the show #alongside hextech before sextech #and tee hee dilfs #arcane #arcane spoilers #jinx arcane #caitlyn arcane

[lapis-orchid]

I drew something for MelJay Kinktober but I’m only keeping it on Twitter.

#lapis doodles #meljay kinktober #jayce talis #mel medarda #jayce arcane #mel arcane #meljayce #sextech scene #🔞 partial nudity

[lullabyes22-blog]

But why has nobody unironically made an AMV w/ MelJay's sextech scene set to 'Everytime We Touch'???

#arcane #arcane league of legends #arcane mel #mel medarda #arcane jayce #jayce talis #arcane meljay #meljay #jayce x mel

[logicalphallusy]

My Svakom Mini Emma in purple lighting, straight out of camera.

#sextech sextoys

[sextechnews]

'Every day is a fight': Sex tech lands in CES, but not with a bang - Campaign India

Firms behind sex toys have finally been given official showroom space. Jan 13, 2020 04:47:00 AM | Article | Oliver McAteer

Plush Lamborghini massage chairs swallowing people whole greet tech-thirsty CES-goers at the festival’s health and wellness showroom in The Venetian, Las Vegas. That, and about 10,000 other products which claim to reduce stress and help you sleep better.  You know what’s also good for that? Sex. But, sadly, anything adult pleasure-related is marooned in a tiny corner of the goliath space.  Sex tech has always been part of CES in some small, hidden form. This year, however, is the first in which companies have been given their own official showroom area. There’s been so much chatter about this move at the 2020 festival following headline after headline of organizers’ decision to revoke an innovation award for Osé, a robotic massager developed in partnership with Oregon State University.  The backlash that ensued was great. Lora DiCarlo, the startup behind Osé, protested the decision along with other (mainly) female-led companies in the space.  Now a few sex toys stand proud on the CES Innovation Awards floor in front of thick crowds, including Osé, which sits next to a description that reads: "Using advanaced, patent-pending micro-robotic technology engineered in a leading university laboratory, Lora DiCarlo has developed a hands-free device that stimulates both the clitoris and the G-spot in a way no other product has been able to do before." Protest also led to organizers agreeing to give sex tech start-ups a real booth presence. But its highly-anticipated arrival has not come with a bang -- more of a disappointing whimper. Visitors are made to work hard to find the ten to 15 stalls hidden deep in the showroom. "Every day is a fight," said one rep who showcased a six-motor erection-enhancer. "Whether it’s having a presence at conferences or fighting to advertise on Facebook."    She likened sex tech’s reputation in the health and wellness category to how gamers used to be viewed.  "I used to work in gaming back when those playing were seen as the single guys locked away in their mother’s basement on GoldenEye," she explained. "When I left the industry, I was playing Wii tennis with my mom."  In other words, the sex tech revolution will take time. But make no joke about it -- these are health and wellness products. Inventions which make our lives better and address real problems. They are not cheeky sex gimmicks to be shoved deep into the recesses of the largest consumer electronics show in the world. (This article first appeared on CampaignLive.com) Read the full article

#news #Sextech