Incest In Popular Culture

The taboo topic of incest continually makes its way into every day conversation—an interesting prominence for something so controversial. Yet the frequency of these taboo conversational occurrences continues to increase. In the majority of these discussions, incestuous relationships are depicted as a “reluctant sexual experience” or worse.

Could it be that the environment of sexual censorship on television during the 1940’s, ‘50s, 60’s, and 70s required all incest to be depicted in an immoral light? However, a surprising number of consenting relationships exist as well, and more recently, the way incest is being depicted in society has started raising questions as to the possibilities of incestuous relationships being consensually romantic. Examining the motivations of each represented incestuous coupling only furthers the acceptance of incest as a whole. Whether or not someone looks for incest, it’s readily stumbled upon. In fact, the topic of incest is so widely mentioned it’s guaranteed to show up at some point.

Schools generally require young adults to explore mythology at some point in their education. While we often find mythological gods and goddesses involved in relationships riddled with incest, often these relationships contain lessons of a significant cultural relevance in today’s modern society. The Oedipus Trilogy is often required reading at the high school level. No one objects to these stories being read, examined, and then reexamined as a culturally important work. For many, these Greek Tragedies raise questions on the acceptability and impact of incestuous relationships. And the Oedipus Trilogy isn’t the only group of stories that high schooled youth run into regarding the topic of incest. Recommended books such as The Mayfair Trilogy by Anne Rice, V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic, The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradely, and Aztec by Gary Jennings all contain incest at some level.

Incest permeates not only our everyday culture, but our pop culture as well. We easily see this in some of today’s most popular shows and movies. Witness Back To The Future and Star Wars. The currently popular Game of Thrones television series is certainly no stranger to incestuous sex. Likewise, the cult movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show features the beloved characters of Riff Raff and his sister Magenta who many debate maintain a sexual relationship. Lolita seems to be another cult move classic that captures the story of pseudo incest well enough to figure in a variety of film adaptations. The popular shows House, Numb3rs, Sons of Anarchy, and American Horror Story: Coven all touch on incestuous relationships in a variety of forms.

The topic of incestuous relationships between cousins can be tough to debate despite the ever growing list of its acceptance within pop culture and dramatized depictions. Sometimes movies portray cousin relationships as consensual and completely acceptable, while other times the topic is dealt with carefully to meet censorship sensibility standards. Nevertheless, many different stories touch on sexual relationships between cousins, such as, Mansfield Park and Jane Eyre, which have become great works of literature. One popular film series that touches on a cousin romance is the ever classic Godfather Trilogy. This romantic relationship is depicted in a better light, if not completely acceptable as well. More frequently today, cousin relationships are being depicted as consensual bordering on assumptions of social acceptance.

Today we find incest brought up in many different environments, in many different ways. Often we don’t even notice the presence of incest while taking the overall story as a whole. In movies and television shows, incest means guaranteed expansion and ever growing popularity with audiences. Today’s view is changing away from the established belief of forced sexual relationships. The realistic depictions of consented incestuous romances have us asking, “Just how taboo should incest be today?” Considering the controversy surrounding incest, the taboo is quite popular and embedded into our everyday culture. Just what the future holds regarding the legality of and social acceptance of incestuous relationships remains unclear. All Lot’s Cave knows is that incestuous erotica has never been so popular.

What Makes A Great Cover

Authored By: Samantha Zacharda
Marketing Director & Promotion
Interview With: Moira Nelligar
Cover Illustrator
Published By: Lot’s Cave

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In today’s saturated market, there are plenty of books for sale. While the erotic market was once a small corner of the overall eBook trend, it is now filled with potential authors. Many of these authors self publish, or go through indie publishers. The market’s saturation has left many authors going back to the drawing board. No topic could be more debated than what goes into a great cover. With so many authors debating the topic of cover art, we decided to ask an even better question. What goes into erotica covers, and are there any differences? What we found, is more than just a little surprising.

What Makes A Great Cover?

Everyone knows that a great cover is essential to selling a book. The science behind this process however is tough to define. At first a cover must draw readers’ attentions, making a book stand out from those around it. In today’s market however this isn’t enough to guarantee a sale. A great cover must also create interest by conveying the book’s story. Readers want to know what they’re buying. Covers communicate a book’s feel, before readers even see the description. Judging a book by its cover’ is true for readers, authors, and cover artists. There’s a reason books are defined by their cover and content. The two should be echoes of each other. Ensuring the heart of the book is conveyed in cover’s images guarantees sales.

Barely Legal Romance

How Do Good Covers Become Great?

Everyone knows what a bad cover looks like. These are the covers that aren’t necessarily bad images; they just fail to capture any attention or interest. A good cover then gets either attention or interest, but falls short in capturing both qualities necessary for a great cover. The single factor which separates a good cover from a great one is a great cover captures both attention and interest. This attention should create enough interest to ensure that readers move from the cover to the book’s title and description. A great cover pulls in the necessary interest and curiosity, and it needs to be backed up with great metadata. Following this formula for peeking a reader’s curiosity and initial interest will prompt successful sales.

Incestuous BDSM Romance

What Do Artists Need From Authors For A Great Cover?

What a cover artist needs for a great cover is found in great metadata. Authors need to have a basic understanding of metadata to truly get a great cover for their book. Metadata should contain keywords that evoke images in an artist’s mind. Keywords combined with a short synopsis of the story, gets a great cover every time. The keywords highlight the feel of a book’s story, while the synopsis has all the necessary intricate details. Done right, the cover artist should never need to read a full manuscript. If they need to dig for minor appearance details, that’s alright. On its own though, the metadata for a book should make it easy to create a great cover.

Paranormal Romance

What Does A Book’s Metadata Communicate?

A book’s metadata should communicate what the cover artist needs most, an understanding of the story’s essence. Without this information, a cover artist’s hands are tied. Descriptions include all basic information for the artist i.e. character appearances, setting, and plot details. Remember, cover artists do not make one cover at a time. Many artists have dozens if not hundreds of covers to produce in a given month. Reading an entire story is not possible for many cover artists, as such, metadata must communicate for the story. If a cover artist has to read your story to gain enough information you need to enhance your metadata writing skills. Asking a cover artist to read your story just for a basic understanding isn’t only unfair, it’s also reflects badly on the abilities of an author and therefore, their story.

Demonic BDSM Romance

Are Author Opinions Helpful?

Generally speaking, authors need to really take a step back from sharing their opinions on what a book’s cover should look like. Cover artists know how to do their job, and will create great covers provided they’re free to do what they know how to do best. When authors start sharing their personal opinions, many artists feel limited. Working within an author’s boundaries, the cover artist usually has no choice but to create a good cover rather than a great one. Authors rarely understand how to capture both attention and interest; as such cover artists cannot make both a great cover and make an author completely happy. For authors it’s best to simply wait for a suggested cover image. Once an image has been suggested, it’s easier for exceptions to come up. Keep in mind, exceptions do sometimes happen. Artists can get confused, or not know where to begin. This usually goes back to metadata though, so ensure that a book’s metadata speaks for you.

Young Adult Romance

Should Authors Select Cover Images?

Putting it bluntly, authors should never pick their cover images. There’s a reason a cover artist has the job they do. When authors pick their own images, they once again limit a cover artist’s creativity. This isn’t to say authors have bad taste in images, what it means is that authors don’t have a good understanding of what sells. Creating a great cover is more than just a sexy or appealing image slapped with a border and text. Artists should never be limited to creating a lack luster cover. Many artists take pride in creating a great cover, so let them. As an author, just stay away from cover images. Don’t even get tempted, because all you’ll do is hurt your sales…and the book’s image. Once again, there’s a minor exception to this rule. At times, artists can ask for sample images. Keep in mind; these are samples only that will never be used as a final cover. Artists are forced to resort to this method of suggestion at times metadata fails. It all goes back to great metadata, spare yourself hours of sorting through images that will never communicate exactly what you want. Write metadata that communicates the details your story needs instead.

Uncle Niece Romance

Are There Differences In Erotica Cover Styles?

At first glance, there wouldn’t seem to be any difference between erotica covers and those of other genres. What artists must keep in mind, as well as authors, is the pit of despair that is the realm of legality. There are covers that seem like a great idea that are outright illegal to produce. For example, any cover that portrays younger females who are legal, but otherwise appear underage is illegal and will get everyone involved thrown in prison. Because of these legalities, cover artists often navigate thinly expressed realms of creative expression. Only in the erotica genre does this issue happen. Many times, cover artists find photo stock is not licensed for erotica purposes. This is particularly true for controversial erotica like incest, BDSM, and Dubious Consent. Authors may not think of it, but cover artists are forced to keep these boundaries in mind. Luckily, they still create great covers.

Mother Son Romance

What Goes Into A Cover’s Title Font?

To start with, a cover’s font must be out of the ordinary enough to draw a reader’s attention. Picking a font consists of a unique look will pique curiosity and attention. At the same time, the font must also refrain from being dated. Book’s often go through the same trends as any other markets do. Keeping a font style that’ll outlast the latest trend can ensure long-term sales. Font should also refrain from using anything frilly, or incorporating anything perceived as a frill like font. Often times these frills are not actually conveyed across far distances henceforth losing their intended goal. With all that in mind, an artist and author both must keep in mind limited spacing. Any font used should create enough space on the overall cover image. For authors this means short titles, while for artists this means refraining from bold fonts that are so thick they take up an entire half of the book’s cover.

Father Daughter Romance

How Do Great Covers Sell eBooks?

Overall great covers are only part of a larger more in-depth selling process. A great cover completes two steps of this four part process that results in moving the potential buyer into making a purchase. By first drawing a buyer’s attention to the book, without this initial attention and created interest there’s no way for a book’s sale to occur. Keep in mind, this process has four steps. That means if any part of the process loses the reader’s interest or attention the chances of a sale are almost nonexistent. In other words, a book’s cover capturing attention and maintaining interest are essential components of a book’s sale.

Writing A Great Description

Author: Samantha Zacharda
Marketing Director & Promotion
Published By: Lot’s Cave

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An Introduction To Descriptions 

At Lot’s Cave, we read eBook descriptions daily. When a writer submits their manuscripts, their description is often the first chance for an impression. While we’re the first to recognize it takes not only a great description, but a great title and cover to successfully sell an eBook, the description is often the first impression readers will have. On our blog, website, and social media promotions, what readers truly gravitate towards is the description. Knowing that readers’ choices are impacted by a good description, it’s important to write a great one. Writing a great description isn’t as easy as many authors would like however, and many writers struggle to make that first great impression. With that in mind, we’d like to share a few tips we’ve learned as a collective group of writers and publishers.

What Makes A Great Description?

Great descriptions entice the reader from the first word, and sell the book even before the last sentence. Think of a book’s description as a personal selling pitch for the book. A great description doesn’t just inform readers, it appeals to their curiosity and intrigues them. What truly sells a particular book is the description’s ability to push the reader into an action, ideally downloading a preview of the book or purchasing it outright. Composing a great description requires writers to take a step back, and look at their work critically. Summarizing an entire story into a short paragraph isn’t easy. WARNING: many authors unintentionally turn descriptions into a synopsis—and it’s tough to sell a book based on a synopsis. Book descriptions are critical; think of them as a never-ending self-promotion opportunity.

How Long Should An eBook Description Be?

Description lengths change depending on publishing company needs. Still, varying degrees of length are so minuscule one could almost dismiss the issue. Part of the problem stems from the fact that a great description is actually quite short. Authors grow accustomed to writing as often and as much as they wish, but readers don’t want a mini book description. Authors must realize the ideal description length runs about 400 characters including spaces—about 75 words. Since ideal descriptions only contain 75 words, authors must be extremely selective in what they say about their book. Personally, I find writing more, then editing down, most effectively accomplishes this goal. A great description remains short while enticing the reader into reading more… not less.

Which Approach Works Best For Erotica?

Writing descriptions for erotic eBooks is a little different than writing in other genres. A great erotic eBook description must be sexy, or at least sexually appealing. An author’s word choices convey varying degrees of sensuality. The key to selling books can be found in appealing to a reader’s sexual interest. In any genre there are always key phrases or words. Using these words in a way that highlights their appeal provides an easy transition for readers, making a great description. Most publishing companies like to see a stated category, subcategory, or search terms for a manuscript. Including these items in descriptions not only sell readers and communicate an author’s market awareness; they also help Internet search engines place your book at the top of search results. Yet, it goes unnoticed how romance readers judge desirability in Erotica not only by a captivating description, but also by the subcategories described.

What Should Great Descriptions Include?

Now knowing what goes into making a great description, it’s important to know the basic content. A great description establishes all a reader needs to know about the story’s plot. The main characters and the setting should usually be established no later than the second sentence. With that established, all else is based on the initial starting sentences. The description should contain a hook that grabs readers into the plot, while not giving away the story. Done correctly, revealing plot details results in initiating a feeling of momentum building up throughout the description. This momentum entices readers provided the content is presented successfully. Erotic descriptions should also feel sensual, or capture the story’s desired romantic appeal. Nothing decreases a reader’s interest more than good descriptions failing to capture the essence of their favorite genre.

How Do Descriptions Appeal To Readers?

For Erotica, the best way to capture a reader is through sexual appeal. Notice, Sirs, this is not the same thing as sexual content—or even sex in general. Even most male readers relate to the experience and emotions behind the initial sexual attraction. A great description captures what the author already knows, the reason behind the book’s story. If a reader can relate to the story before even reading a word of it, they’ll be more likely to buy it. Enticing a reader’s curiosity is always a good method as well. People are curious, especially when it comes to what drives sexual attraction, so why not use this advantage? A great description appeals to the reader in many forms, not just one—can you include a second hook?

Can We Dissect A Description?

Let’s look at a real book description so we can obtain a better understanding of how this process works. The Lot’s Cave novel titled ‘Forbidden Promise’ contains an interesting Uncle-Niece erotic incest story. While this example may not be an ideal description, it highlights all the desired information. Uncle-Niece incest is not a very popular genre for new authors to break into, yet this book sells well. One can only conclude this is because the description truly sells the book. Feel free to find this as an example to work from for your own template. In no way is this meant as the ‘end all-be all’ of solutions. The following description just happens to be the one most readily available for use:

“Rose has a problem. Since catching her father having sex, she can’t keep from wanting him. Dad is clueless about his daughter’s desire. His kinky love life has always been kept behind closed doors. When Dad’s brother comes to stay for the summer, her Uncle isn’t the only one who can satisfy her desire. A night of kinky sex with Uncle may just be enough for Dad to examine his thoughts on incest.”

Forbidden Promise – by Lily Weidner

First Sentence

“Rose has a problem.”

The main character is established in this very short first sentence. However it fails to capture the reader’s curiosity right from the start. It’s not erotic even though it establishes the main character’s name and highlights an echo of the story’s plot. All the reader knows is that the character has a problem. The first sentence drives the reader to keep reading in order to figure out the main character’s complicating issue.

Drawing In The Reader

“Since catching her father having sex, she can’t keep from wanting him. Dad is clueless about his daughter’s desire. His kinky love life has always been kept behind closed doors.”

These three sentences propel the reader’s interest forward. Expanding on the first sentence, we begin learning more of the main character’s predicament. With the introduction of another character, we also start to see the sexual appeal of the story. Words like kinky, desire, sex, wanting, and closed doors, all initiate feelings of sexual curiosity or interest for the reader. At the same time, the words used will appeal to many different interests within the same market.

Setting

“When Dad’s brother comes to stay for the summer, her Uncle isn’t the only one who can satisfy her desire.”

This story’s particular setting isn’t obviously stated. The reader only knows it’s summertime, and the story most likely takes place in the family home. Again, the reader is driven forward by using enticing words. The introduction of another character can attract more readers with a change in the story’s appeal. Here, the reader starts to truly grasp the nature of the story. Notice however, detailing the main plot and setting takes only one sentence.

Closing Sentence

“A night of kinky sex with Uncle may just be enough for Dad to examine his thoughts on incest.”

Another hook in the last sentence captures the reader’s interest. The second hook builds on the reader’s interest and this prompts an outright purchase of the book. With the last sentence, we notice the conclusion to an even broader marketing process. What the description really does is propel the reader into an outright purchase of the book in order to discover the details. As a whole, the description accomplishes its desired goal, all in the span of 73 words.

How Can You Begin Writing Your Description?

The best way to start writing a description begins with the first thought coming to mind. Too many writers hesitate, causing them to lose their initial ideas. Remember, descriptions aren’t final until they’re sent out, and can always be edited down later. If a writer’s block-like difficulty occurs, simply begin making a list. Consider who the main characters are and determine a few keywords to draw in readers. Take a look at your initial keywords, and build hooks around them. If a writer’s block still occurs, read plenty of book descriptions for ideas, or even see new ways to format sentences into enticing hooks. If you’re unsure of where to start, remember, it’s okay to be a little lost or confused just start trying.

Already Have A Manuscript To Submit?

Lot’s Cave is dedicated to publishing material that most publishers would find too controversial. If you have a finished manuscript, we’d love to receive your submission. We have an easy five step submissions process! For us to receive your manuscript submit your story directly at our website here. Not quite ready yet to publish your manuscript, but have a few questions? No problem. Authors can always find more information directly at our website, or on our Writers Wanted page. Having problems or need clarification regarding our online manuscript uploader? Please feel free to contact Lot’s Cave directly with your questions here.

King Solomon Married His Mother

The Biblical kings through the line of David were required to sleep with their mother’s in order to prove their ability to fertilize the land. The entire book, The Song of Solomon is a celebration of such incest. What evidence exists to back up such claims?

The Bible claims the maiden Abishag was chosen for her beauty, to engender “heat” in the aged King David (1 Kings 1:2). This “heat” was not mere warmth, but the sacred fire of sexual potency, without which no king could be allowed to rule. If an impotent king were kept in office, his land would become barren. Hence, when David failed to “know” Abishag, a more virile prince (Adonijah) immediately prepared to assume the throne, and “exalted himself saying, I will be king” (1 Kings 1:5). David’s death occurred with suggestive promptness after his failure of the virility test.

Abishag’s name might be related to the Hindu Abhiseka ceremony, the anointing of kings with the sacred fluid of the Goddess Sarasvati.[1] Front China to the Mediterranean, ancient kings derived their legitimation from a mating with the Goddess through her priestess surrogate.[2] Mesopotamian kings and their deified souls, the gods, were constantly described as “beloved” of the Goddess known as creatress of the earth and “maker of fate, she who decrees the fate of men and gods.”[3] Like the eastern Goddess, Abishag represented the land in the same was as Solomon’s bride, whose mating was chronicled in the requisite intimate detail by the Song of Solomon.

After David’s death, the queen mother chose between rival candidates Solomon and Adonijah. She crowned Solomon with her own hands (Song of Solomon 3:11), after the custom of royal women whose business it was to enthrone or depose kings, as in India, Egypt, and the lands of the Fertile Crescent.[4] However, Adonijah still had designs on the throne, as shown by his request for the hand of Abishag in marriage. To prevent this symbolically and politically significant marriage from taking place, Solomon had Adonijah murdered (1 Kings 2:17-25). The Bible fails to explain Solomon’s strangely violent reaction to Adonijah’s request; but it can only have meant that the crown was at stake. This in turn shows that the sexual union with his mother, Abishag, was a prerequisite for royal office.

The Bible shows instance after instance of incest. Yes, all incest except between father and daughter appears to be banned by Mosaic Law, but I cannot find one example anywhere out of over 600 places in the Bible where incest is discussed that God in any way punishes it. In fact, as often as not, he seems to bless any offspring resulting from the union. What’s up with this?

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[1] Gaster, 514.

[2] Boulding, 191.

[3] Pritchard, A.N.E. 1,65; 2, 17, 21, 135, 202.

[4] Boulding, 210.

The Challenge of Erotic Writing

“The stigma to writing Erotica may seem easy to avoid. Truthfully, some people can…but many cannot.”

There are challenges every writer will face, no matter what genre they write for. At times, these challenges can be rather obvious, other times, the challenges have to be experienced firsthand. Writing Erotica will always be one of those genres that have a few challenges. While these challenges will be different depending on the writer, we can all at least relate to a few. Before going into detail about the difficulties, it’s important to remember that difficulties are just challenges. If there weren’t these challenges, then many of us wouldn’t feel as accomplished as we do. These challenges should in no way hinder or turn away potential authors. The purpose of listing these difficulties is to make them more manageable, and hopefully spark a better experience in the long-term for Erotica authors.

One of the major challenges facing Erotica authors is the stigma attached. This single challenge is actually the cause of many other initial drawbacks. At first, the stigma to writing Erotica may seem easy to avoid. Truthfully, some people can avoid this negative stigma, but many cannot. Authors have a difficult time promoting their new book, discussing their writing with friends, and celebrating personal achievements. Nothing can be more difficult for an author, than facing the reality of being published yet able to tell no one. In general, if it wasn’t for this stigma, there’d be an innumerable amount of authors discussing their latest book. Most of these drawbacks are personal, but the social stigma can have a greater impact on an author than most would admit. At times, authors can feel as if their writing is somehow less valid as, “it only gets people off.”

Another major challenge authors face is a saturated market. Erotica is a very popular market suddenly, and while an abundance of books is good for readers, it may not be so good for authors. Keeping material fresh, relevant, and exciting, all while staying unique is a tough demand. Ensuring that a particular book is ‘good’ simply doesn’t make it in the market any longer. Books have to be well put together as a whole, which means a good story, description, excerpt, cover, and title. Readers look for a combination of all factors, rarely settling on one or two. Because of this, the authors that do become successful know the market they’re in, and what they’re writing. Readers get better material, and authors often find their skills increasing. This challenge really is reflected on the time it takes to be reassured of a book’s success.

Perhaps the single most important challenge is the lack of feedback. Erotica is not commonly shared or discussed among readers. Many people are hesitant to share their new favorite erotic book with friends, much less family. Because of this, authors can feel extremely disappointed. Many writers have friends that are also writers, often enough in different genres. This means that many Erotica writers see other authors gaining reviews and feedback from readers. As an author, we all like to hear this feedback, and we worry when we don’t get it. Wanting to improve our writing, to know our readers enjoy our stories, and what readers would like in the future, all requires reviews and feedback. To be a successful author, and still not receive reviews, is a tough concept to accept.

Writing Erotica has its difficulties, but authors enjoy these challenges. Many times, we can take a step back, and embrace the challenge as an inspirational piece of motivation. The common assumption is that writing Erotica isn’t for everyone, and there is some truth to that. However, I believe more authors, knowing these challenges, can be more likely to succeed. Some of the challenges, while not applying to everyone, are seen as part of the genre. These challenges make writers into successful authors. While Erotica has gained popularity, authors seen an increase, and books being in high demand, many writers are new to these challenges.

Lot’s Cave is proud of our authors for overcoming those challenges, and we’re always eager to see others doing the same. For our authors, writing about such sensitive and taboo topics, difficulties are not a strange occurrence. Despite the lack of reviews, feedback, reader recommendation, and censorship, our authors truly make a name for themselves. Overcoming these challenges, our authors have really excelled in their skills as a writer. As a whole, our authors have a better grasp of the difficulties, and are eager to help new and upcoming writers. Continuing to face these challenges, despite the unrelenting difficulties each new book faces, our authors really do make us proud. Here at Lot’s Cave, we couldn’t be happier!

Defining Incest

Ask anyone what incest is, and the answer will be almost immediate. Most people would consider incest any sexual act between biologically related family members. The definition is so ingrained in our culture, in which many people don’t even think twice about such definitions. While relationships between step-siblings or step-parent and their adult child, may not be culturally acceptable, most people would not consider it incest. There’s a standard, a line, which if crossed by biologically related individuals, constitutes incest. Whether the relation by blood was known prior to the act or not, it is still considered taboo. What’s actually surprising however is this cultural definition of incest isn’t always correct. We have to take a step back from what we’ve accepted, to truly understand what incest is.

Brother Sister Incest

The technical definition of incest is any sexual intercourse committed by people who otherwise would be too closely related to be married. While this definition at first seems obvious, in practice, it causes some issues to arise. First of all, it’s worth noting that any relationship between step parents, step siblings, or any such relation is completely permissible and legal as the two people can marry. Such a standard isn’t a problem, especially given the cultural acceptance of such relationships; the problem is actually in the definition. Marriage laws are determined by the individualized states, leaving different legal precedents, as well as exceptions. What happens is actually different definitions of incest variant by the state in which one lives. This can create quite the problem in actual practice.

Mother Son Incest

For example, in over twenty states, marriage between first cousins is legal. That means that in those twenty some states, first cousin relationships are not classified as incestuous. The standard then for these relationships gets extremely difficult to navigate. Consider the difficulty of changing laws, let alone the varying difference between states. There’s not a single steady standard. It’s also worth noting that in almost every case, coming to the wrong conclusion of the law, can get one arrested. Incest is still a crime in many states, with severe consequences. Many of these legal standards are setup in order to prosecute violations of the law. In some cases, exceptions can be made, mainly due to religious reasons, making prosecuting these crimes even more difficult.

Mother Daughter Incest

Problems don’t end though with the criminal difficulties. When it comes to the practical definitions for incest, they’re cut and dry. People within society don’t care if the behavior is legal, particularly if it goes against their moral standards. Because of this, societies have acceptable legal relationships that are persecuted because of ethics. In most cases, this prejudice can be harmful, with no real reason for the stigma. When it comes to incestuous relationships, there isn’t really a true reason to see it as taboo or unethical. Consented adult relationships hurt no one, and so the choice should be between those two individuals. Society however, often weighs in on these choices.

Father Daughter Incest

Defining incest, at first, seems easy enough. Making a true effort to look at how incest is defined however, leads often to confusion and dismay. The standards for incestuous behavior vary state to state, and may or may not be prosecuted. In society, incest is a topic that retains its taboo nature. Consented adult incestuous relationships that are legal in some states are looked up with stigma and prejudice. In some cases though, the taboo nature that has so captured incestuous behavior is lessening. People are starting to truly challenge the unconventional definitions of incest. With a new definition, often comes a better understanding.