The YouTube music video “Absolute Territory” by Ken Ashcorp captivates viewers with its bubblegum aesthetics. But when we go beyond the surface, we discover toxic ideas hiding beneath the fetching anime-inspired illustrations and infectious electropop melodies.
In this extensive critique, we’ll summarize the video, analyze the problematic lyrics, discuss real-world impacts, and explore what we can do to foster healthy attitudes toward women and girls. Strap on your headphones and join me in unveiling the perils of “Absolute Territory” – a sensory rollercoaster ride that takes a disturbing turn once the lyrical ride begins.
Decoding the Imagery and Lyrics of Ken Ashcorp’s Sexualized Music Video
The animation cycles through images of a pale-skinned, red-lipped woman with flowing navy hair down to her hips. She‘s depicted wearing a bubblegum pink oversized sweater temptingly slipping off one shoulder to reveal the black bra strap hidden below.
As she dances and sings with breathy, girlish vocals, it becomes clear the focal point is the exposure of her bare thighs and the glimpse of flesh visible between the hem of her tiny skirt and the lacy tops of her thigh-high socks.
The camera frequently zooms suggestively on this strip of skin that urban dictionaries have dubbed “absolute territory” – the highly-fetishized small area of the upper thigh revealed when a girl wears over-the-knee socks with a short skirt or dress.
The music video focuses obsessively on the thigh gap or "absolute territory."
While the bouncy music and cosplay-like images project an innocent tone at first glance, an examination of the lyrics reveals more sinister ideas:
“I get the feeling I‘m in deep
In troubled waters
It’s sad but true, what can I do?
I’m addicted to the madness”
The male speaker expresses a sense of vulnerability and lack of control over his attraction to this woman. But the subsequent lyrics expose deeply problematic attitudes:
“She’s an absolute terror
She’s gunning hard for absolute territory
I’d hate to say it but it’s what she deserves
I’ll give my heart if she just takes off the skirt”
Presenting her as "an absolute terror" who is "gunning" for something implies danger and wrongdoing on her part. This frames the woman as a perpetrator simply for choosing an outfit that reveals part of her body.
The lyrics grow even more disturbing with the suggestion she deserves non-consensual access to her body if she dares to bare any part of it. Additionally, the repeated phrase “step on me” perpetuates the normalization of unhealthy BDSM relationships devoid of respect or trust.
The Role of Anime and Gaming in the Sexualization of Women
For those immersed in the anime, cosplay and gaming communities, imagery like that in “Absolute Territory” has become increasingly normalized. Endless fanservice scenes obsess over female characters’ breasts bouncing, panties flashing, and compromising positions involving tentacles and monsters.
Popular anime series feature young female protagonists in dangerously short skirts, such as 14-year-old Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia. Games like Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact focus heavily on elaborate outfits and erotic undertones.
Desensitized consumers begin viewing the sexualization of teenage girl characters as harmless fun. But research suggests otherwise…
The Effects of Sexualized Media on Mental Health
While sexualized fantasy imagery and lyrics may seem harmless on the surface, research shows exposure negatively impacts viewers:
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A meta-analysis in the Journal of Communication found consistent evidence that sexualizing media leads to higher self-objectification among girls and women. Researchers have linked this to depression, eating disorders, body shame, disrupted cognitive functioning and more.
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The American Psychological Association’s Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls reported these effects from exposure to sexualized images of women:
- Increased rates of depression and low self-esteem
- Greater risk for developing eating disorders
- Earlier initiation of sexual activity along with risky sexual behaviors
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A study published in Youth and Society concluded that men exposed to stereotypical media imagery were more likely to engage in sexual harassment.
Simply put, indulging in fantasies of non-consensual domination impacts real-world beliefs and actions. Yet too few consumers of this type of anime and gaming media consider their indirect role in fostering harm.
Pulling Back the Curtain on the Dark Science of “Absolute Territory”
The "absolute territory" fetish focuses on the small area of bare skin visible between socks and a skirt hem.
The peculiar fascination with “absolute territory” lies rooted in scientific explanations. Zooming in close enough on a woman’s upper thighs triggers activity in the brain’s nucleus accumbens – an area associated with reward and addiction.
Seeing typical signs of youth and fertility – such as a thigh gap – stimulate the reward pathways. This causes a release of dopamine, driving compulsive, pleasure-seeking behavior.
Additionally, the taboo nature of peering up a woman’s skirt activates the amygdala, the region regulating emotion and motivation. This reaction intensifies attraction toward forbidden fruit – in this case, literally forbidden flesh.
So while the allure of the thigh zone makes biological sense, conscious humans have a responsibility to override subcortical drives promoting harm. Just because a neurological reward exists doesn’t mean indulging the impulse aligns with ethics or women’s rights.
Perspectives from Psychology on the Impact
“We cannot allow our culture to continue encouraging the mental, emotional and physical illness of our girl children.” – Lyn Mikel Brown, Professor at Colby College
The accumulating evidence leaves no doubt – sexualization in media negatively shapes attitudes and beliefs around relationships and consent.
Dr. Caroline Heldman, a leading researcher on the topic, writes: “Sexualizing treatment and attitudes deny women their full human potential and diminish their overall quality of life.”
Additionally, the American Psychological Association’s report highlighted these consequences:
- Loss of confidence in ability to think clearly and perform well
- Increased rates of unprotected sex, putting young women in danger of STIs and unwanted pregnancy
- Potential to influence rates of intimate partner violence
Clinical psychologist Dr. Ruta Mazelis notes that while many dismiss this as harmless fantasy, “in reality, the first step toward justifying exploitation is to objectify a person.”
Songs like “Absolute Territory” that present women‘s bodies as objects to be conquered – regardless of consent – travel down a dangerous path indeed. One we must vehemently reject.
Heading Toward Healthier Representation of Women
While primal instincts and anime tropes drive fixation on thigh gaps, we must evolve to envision women as complete human beings – not as segments of bare flesh for ogling without consent.
The solution lies not in censorship, but in conscious content creation. Artists hoping to inspire can craft stories showcasing women’s strength, intellect and complexity beyond the physical.
As consumers, we own the power to critique problematic media and promote art, videos and games featuring empowered female characters – fully clothed with rich inner lives.
Parents play a vital role in discussing sexualization openly with kids, emphasizing values of equality and consent. Teachers also contribute through media literacy initiatives in schools. Enlightened corporations can fund public campaigns targeting unhealthy attitudes.
At the deepest level, achieving equality requires transforming hearts and minds. If each of us vows to catch our own subtle biases, language and assumptions while bringing more light to impressionable youth, collective change can ripple outward.
Conclusion: Owning Our Responsibility in Dismantling Destructive Systems
Songs like “Absolute Territory” intend only to entertain, but wind up reinforcing some profoundly sick elements of society.
While the catchy musical hooks seduce us, we must train our senses to spot the manipulation and perils hiding beneath the surface. For only in shedding light on darkness can we banish it.
My hope is that those unable to see the harms of material like this might develop eyes to spot the depths. And that those already awake will stand up as allies taking action to protect women’s safety and dignity.
For when we mute videos spreading harm, turn our backs on systems built upon degradation, and lift our voices to demand better – we own our power. Each small act expands the wave. But everything starts with awareness.
I appreciate you joining me on this journey of unveiling perils that must not remain in shadow. May we move forward with courage to foster equality and flood the territory with light.