My vote is a resounding no. manipulation is too strong a word to apply to teasing of any kind. people know when they are being teased and respond accordingly in a playful manner in which it was intended.
Not inherently -- it can be done for fun, and manipulation is done to serve a goal or meet a need. But it can be, and flirting is definitely a popular way to manipulate people.
I believe that flirting is a manipulation, since manipulation is a method of gaining, and flirting is a method of gaining attention at the very least, and a phone number at the very most (i'm being modest here, lol). Flirting might be a "fun" and non-insulting way of manipulation, but it alters people's minds, attitudes, and reactions towards the flirter, thus, a form of manipulation is achieved in the process.
On the side note, novapsyche, your journal is one of the more interesting journals i've encountered, can I add you as a friend? I am new to LJ community.
Yes, I think so. Even looking is a form of manipulation. I was introduced to that idea recently in my French Philosophy class, and I agree with it. Sartre talks about it a lot (The Look). It's a way of fixing someone, objectifying them. Flirting is similar. Your project of flirting is to get them in bed, ultimately, and so they become a sexual object--they're no longer free.
My reply got lengthy, and fleshed it out a bit and posted it in my journal instead of here. I linked back to your comment here (tell me if you'd prefer I didn't, and I'll remove the link). My entry is here.
Teasing in my book differs from "plain" flirting in that there is a definite, deliberate implication made to the subject that certain favors are to be given which the teaser has, in fact, absolutely no intention of giving.
It is a fine line to walk, but it is possible to flirt without teasing.
It is also possible to feel one has been teased by a person who was "just flirting", but if the flirter was not intending to tease, than all it really is (with regard to manipulation) is unfortunate miscommunication. If the flirter means to, and does, follow through with what they are suggesting, that is also not teasing (perhaps it could be argued as a different form of manipulation, such as provocation or arousal).
It is when the flirter/teaser engages in deliberately leading the subject on that it becomes manipulative.
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(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-16 08:30 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-17 03:37 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-17 01:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-17 01:54 pm (UTC)Yes It Is
Date: 2004-01-17 02:51 pm (UTC)On the side note, novapsyche, your journal is one of the more interesting journals i've encountered, can I add you as a friend? I am new to LJ community.
Re: Yes It Is
Date: 2004-01-17 11:45 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-17 05:33 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-17 11:46 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-18 11:57 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-01-18 10:59 pm (UTC)Teasing in my book differs from "plain" flirting in that there is a definite, deliberate implication made to the subject that certain favors are to be given which the teaser has, in fact, absolutely no intention of giving.
It is a fine line to walk, but it is possible to flirt without teasing.
It is also possible to feel one has been teased by a person who was "just flirting", but if the flirter was not intending to tease, than all it really is (with regard to manipulation) is unfortunate miscommunication. If the flirter means to, and does, follow through with what they are suggesting, that is also not teasing (perhaps it could be argued as a different form of manipulation, such as provocation or arousal).
It is when the flirter/teaser engages in deliberately leading the subject on that it becomes manipulative.