Embracing the Suck

(SCMP photo)

Many trends start in Asia, but I hope this one doesn't gain purchase here.

Stressed adults rely on pacifiers to soothe themselves

Once a niche quirk, the silicone soothers are supposedly now big business on Chinese e-commerce giants like Taobao and JD.com, where they are priced anywhere from a budget-friendly 10 yuan ($1.40) to a luxury 500 yuan ($70).

They’re sold as sleep aids, stress relievers, even smoking-cessation tools — and shoppers are gobbling them up. Some online sellers move thousands each month, according to the South China Morning Post.

And the fans aren’t shy about why. “When I’m under pressure at work, I feel a sense of safety from childhood,” one Chinese buyer said, as reported by the outlet.

In the U.S. sucking on a pacifier is ripe for mockery, and I suspect that facing-the-public workplaces will ban the behavior. However, we have also seen frowned-upon practices become acceptable, as long as they don't cause harm to others. Nevertheless, I don't see pacifier-sucking being embraced, because many women will be turned off by guys who do and vice versa.