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Asexuality is common among various Terra species, but until Dr. Leonard McCoy and Vulcan Diplomat S'chn T'gai Spock co-wrote their controversial hypothesis on Vulcan asexuality, many had not considered what pon farr means for asexual Vulcans, myself included. As a human sociologist with over thirty years of field experience, I found their observations fascinating and worthy of further research. From a sociological perspective, sexuality is developed similarly to how personalities are formed. Even when individuals share the same label, such as asexual, their experiences, behaviors, and attitudes are different.
Sexuality is partly a cultural phenomenon. What is considered acceptable sexual behavior is diverse. For example, on Terra, holding hands in public is light physical intimacy shared between mates, friends, and relatives; on Vulcan, the display would be frowned upon. Animal sex studies on Terra show the development of fetishes is an example of how culture and environment can influence sexual development. If you haven't read about rats with a leather fetish, I encourage you to (see Pfaus, Erickson, & Talianakis, 2013).
After multiple studies regarding sexual development from Betazoid and Human scientists, it is safe to say, sexuality is fluid and evolves. Determining what factors influence how an individual identifies or acts upon their sexuality is key. Now, do not misconstrue my meaning. Sexuality is not chosen, no matter how it is formed or how an individual identifies. There is no wrong way to be yourself. Sexual expression is critical for living a happy, fulfilling life.
Dr. McCoy and Spock’s testimonies regarding Spock’s first pon farr were striking. Despite the academic nature of their writing, no one can deny how deeply personal their article was. I couldn’t help but wonder how Spock’s former bondmate felt after the release and I assume both men got the approval of retired Captain James T. Kirk. I know I would want to know if my best friend and my husband were writing about our personal lives for the galaxy and beyond to judge.
Vulcan texts describe pon farr as an animalistic state of being, mindless almost. However, we all know animals are anything but mindless, even if their choices are more instinctual than logical. Vulcan prides itself on being at the front of discovery, yet they hinder opportunities for other species to learn about them. Protests from within the Vulcan scientific community and the statement released by Ni’Var Science Institute denouncing Spock for being so open about the ritual and biological factors of pon farr highlight this discrepancy. It’s hypocrisy at its finest. Spock was the first Human-Vulcan hybrid. From conception to the present, scientists treat him as a case study, publishing various articles regarding his development without his consent. Now those same scientists are condemning him for publishing his experiences. It is also of note to point out T’Pau verified Spock was fully in the plak tow in a statement released last week despite critics claiming his half-human heritage would have kept him from experiencing a true blood fever. I can’t help but wonder how criticisms would differ if a full-blooded Vulcan or one with less political influence had published the article.
From an outside perspective, Vulcans' treating sexuality as a violent act with dubious consent for those involved is a cultural flaw. Repression is ingrained in every aspect of their society. On one hand, I understand not letting your emotions control you. On the other hand, there have to be healthier ways to face who you are deep within, as Dr. McCoy adamantly believes. I’d love to see more studies on why the pon farr cycle is typically every seven years. If a Vulcan couple was more sexually liberated, would the length between cycles vary? What about their intensity? These are the questions we as scientists need to ask ourselves instead of blubbering about if a person has the right to tell their own story on their terms. My takeaway is passionate intimacy, no matter what the act is, is the key to breaking the blood fever.
Pfaus, J. G., Erickson, K. A., & Talianakis, S. (2013). Somatosensory conditioning of sexual arousal and copulatory behavior in the male rat: A model of fetish development.
Physiology & Behavior
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122
, 1-7.