In Design. Workshop brief.

I have written up what I want to include in my double page spread. I have decided to concentrate on the nature article idea, basing it on Marty's sexual behaviour.

Sex creates peace not conflict for Marty, the erotic ape.

Make Love not War

Marty uses sex to sort out social tensions and end disputes.

Who said that violence is the only way to solve fights over food or territory? Instead of fighting, Marty has sex! Actually, his whole societal structure seems to revolve around sex.

The species is distinguished by its strange walk, relatively short legs, pink face and parted long hair on its head.

One of the most significant and defining characteristics of Marty is sexual behavior. Sex serves purposes other than reproduction such as appeasement, affection, social status, erotic games, reconciliation, excitement, and stress reduction. Sex occurs in virtually all partner combinations and in a variety of positions. Marty uses sex as greetings, a mean of solving disputes, making up for fights, and as favours in exchange for food.

Sex is an everyday affair in Marty society, and is liberally used to create bonds between individuals, as well as for reproduction. That said, during periods of rest grooming is the activity of choice, and is thought to provide group cohesion and ease tension.

Nonreproductive copulation is often seen with Marty as well. While Marty rarely shares food, when subordinate females beg, the likelihood that he will share is greatly increased if they first copulate.

When Marty comes upon a new food source or feeding ground, the increased excitement will usually lead to communal sexual activity, presumably decreasing tension and encouraging peaceful feeding.

Marty does not form permanent relationships with individual partners. He also does not seem to discriminate in his sexual behavior by gender. He occasionally engages in various forms of male-male sexual behaviour.