Bansama,
What you say about the American press only looking to sensationalize a story is very apt. I spent considerable time in Tokyo and very clearly knew I was classed as a 'foreigner'. I didn't have a problem with that as I expected it but friend I have here in the U.S. have asked me questions about Japan in such simplistic terms are to be unexplainable.
To go back to an earlier post that laid all the fault at the women I'd like to believe that. I liked to think I 'knew' about Japan before I went there as I had prepared for it but the subtle differences between the U.S. and Japan, while subtle are very big.
My experience there was that dating was not considered to be worthwhile, and casual dating existed only in 'pink salons'

Just a question, are "pink salons" what I think they are?

As a foreigner, all you really need to know is that you'll never see the insides of one.
But basically, they're the places you go when you want some form of non-penetrative sex. Strictly Japanese patrons only, even though most of the women working at them are anything but Japanese.

kinda what i figured they were..... cept the people working/using the place.

Just go watch the Welcome to the NHK anime :)

I have a sociology assignment due this Friday, which requires analyzing and doing a write-up on a recent news article that's related to a sociological phenomenon. This article is ace, practically a godsend in my way.

Futurama for the win yet again...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/4510/futurama-anti-robot-propaganda

So much win! :D

Well they are apparently working on robotic partners but last i heard it was mainly focusing on facial expression and the ability to hold incredibly simple conversations.