machines say G(L)O(W)

New York, June 25, 2006 — (...) condom sales (in the U.S.) should reach $409 million by the end of 2006, well above 2005 sales, when sales rose 2.8% to just shy of $400 million. While three U.S. marketers dominate the market—tracked sales alone show them controlling 98% of retail sales—innovative up-and-comers have helped renew interest in condom usage for pleasure as opposed to contraception and protection from STDs. In 2005, approximately two thirds of the condoms on the market were pleasure-oriented products (vibrating condoms, glow in the dark condoms, and condoms with climax delay lubricant).
(...)
Similarly, direct marketing to female purchasers of condoms has had a direct effect on increasing sales, as has the emergence of condoms and condom-related products from behind the pharmacy counter to retail spaces that are more prominent and easy to reach.

(from MarketResearch.com)

So what is the deal? We as a society are more horny than responsible? Maybe we have finally shed the weight of useless ipocrisy and guilt-soaked puritanism to embrace our true nature? Or could it be that in the light of so much socio-political unrest and gratuitous brutality we have decided to cut ourselves a little slack and bite into one of the little satisfactions left? Or is this a reaction to the rise of the machines, of a reality made of silicon, metal, plastic chips and shells and circuits surrounding us, encapsulating us?

Whatever the case, it's interesting that even in this stance my gender should be the one to set the rules, play the game, lead the way.

So heroically erotic, that's us. But let's not forget to protect ourselves.