Summary:

Body:

First, according to The Rational Male "'The Wall’ is really a combination of factors. Most importantly it represents the threshold at which most women realize their lessened capacity to sexually compete with the next generation of women in their ‘actualized’ sexual peak (22-24)".

Following that, we see examples throughout the piece:

  • Akira's life has reached a crossroads... As she enters her 30s, she's been forced to think more seriously about her future and whether or not it will involve porn or having kids.

  • "It all just seemed to have this underlying theme of turning 30, being a woman, and aging—but not knowing what the next step was"

  • Akira's inner turmoil is fueled by the stress of aging, which is a struggle for many women in a society that fetishizes youth

  • The internal conflict Akira is facing over how her sexual history might impact her ability to be a mother is a reaction to the societal "slut-shaming" that all women face

  • "But I am super aware that because of the way the world is right now, I have ruined a lot of things for myself. I have closed a lot of doors. It would be a lie to say that didn't sadden me."

Lessons Learned:

  • The Wall is very real & you'll hit it no matter who you are.