The moment I heard about the new ‘Sex With Elmo’ doll, I was absolutely taken aback. Could something like this really exist? I couldn’t imagine that it would be a thing. I mean, of all things, it had to be Elmo? I mean, aren’t Elmo and his pals supposed to be entertainment for toddlers and children?
I was full of mixed emotions. On one hand, sex dolls I felt grossed out and a little bit angry that something like this existed in the first place. It definitely felt exploitative and wrong. But then on the other hand, I was also quite curious about it – what did it look like? What was inside it? How was it being used? And most importantly, who was using it?
Then I decided to do some further research on the ‘Sex With Elmo’ doll. It turns out they were created by a company called ‘Realpleasure Dolls’ and come in two models – the ‘regular’ version which has Elmo’s head and something called ‘The Traveller’ version, which is a flexible Elmo-style figure. Both models come with optional ‘intimate accessories’ – things like dildos and vibrators – and you can get extra accessories too.
The whole concept was weird and unsettling but strangely interesting – from a kind of morbid curiosity kind of standpoint. I mean, who would buy something like this? I could only guess.
To answer my question, I decided to have a look at what people were saying about it online. It turns out that people had a lot to say – mostly negative, but some positive too. Some people thought that it was wrong and perverted, while others said that it was a good way to explore fantasies and that it could be used responsibly.
I had thought that the majority of people would be against it, but it turns out there are more people in favor of it than I expected. Although I can’t say I agree with them, I can at least appreciate their views and understand why they feel the way they do.
One thing I have noticed about the ‘Sex With Elmo’ doll is that it has opened up a conversation about sex and sexuality. People are beginning to talk more openly and honestly about their desires, which I think is a great thing. While I’m not sure how I feel about the doll itself, I do think that the dialog it has created is something to be applauded.
But then again, there are also those who are against it, with some even going so far as to label it inappropriate and offensive. And although I do understand their argument, I would encourage them to give the doll and its supporters a chance and open themselves up to having a real conversation about it.
For me, the ‘Sex With Elmo’ doll has raised many interesting questions about the way we view sex in today’s society. How do we differentiate between fantasy and reality? Should there be restrictions placed on how we explore our sexual desires? What’s the best way to talk about our fantasies and desires with those we feel close to?
My experience with the ‘Sex With Elmo’ doll has definitely made me think about the questions above in more detail. I may never have these answers definitively, but it’s been an interesting journey in brainstorming and discussing the possibilities.