Slavery
My friend MindnBody posted a great quote:
“Consenting to slavery is a sacrilegious breach of trust, as offensive in the sight of God as it is derogatory from our own honor or interest of happiness. ” John Adams, 2nd US President
photo credit: nicasaurusrex
It’s all context.
People often forget – the slavery of which Adam’s speaks is the involuntary capture and oppression of a human being. This truly is something abhorrent.
However, what individuals looking in to our lifestyle often do not see is the person willingly and contractually placing themselves into a period of service, taking the title Slave and leaving that as their only name.
Probably not something easily understood…but it’s a very different thing indeed.
We’ll be discussing Slavery and Slave Trading in an upcoming episode of the Podcast.
The slavery the scene talks about is make believe… it's role play…. and it's part of why I personally take issue with the use of the word “slave” in a bdsm context.
Yes, this one is a debatable topic. I've met “slaves” who are Slaves for all intents and purposes. But if you break it down, it's a Role they have taken.
When does the person become the role and visa versa?
I have to agree with using the term Slave as a role play. I know that may not be a popular perspective, but unless you've been abducted by force, and made to perform tasks without any recourse, abused if you refuse, with no way of releasing yourself except to run from your captors, then you are role-playing.
You may be a slave of the Heart, to an ideal, or of your emotions; and/or be willing to anything (ANYTHING) that your controller (Dom/me, Master/Mistress) requires of you without refusal, but that's still a choice you have entered into, with consent and understanding of that position. It's still a roleplay to my mind, even though you may give yourself wholly to it and be happy with it (mostly). It's not my thing, but I can accept it may be yours and give you great satisfaction.
'Real' slavery, without choice or release, is not something I can conscientiously abide and is why I won't use as a term outside of role playing. I repeat again, as i have before, I have no desire to entertain the prospect of owning a Slave in any way, shape or form as I am no bodies Master, though I do seek mastery over myself and abilities.
Very good argument.
Tutivillus
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Podcast: Episode 5: I'm My
Daddy!<http://www.dungeonplace.com/cast/dungeonplace_podcast-ep5.mp3>
Web: http://www.dungeonplace.com
Slavery in the BDSM context is indeed roleplay. But I also argue that almost all relationship types are a form or roleplay. How is Playing the role of Master, Dominant or Lord any different than playing the role of Husband in a non BDSM setting? How is assuming the role of a wife different than a slave?
Wife and Slave in comparison…that's some danger there my friend.
Every thing we do is part of role play. I believe any part someone willingly plays is an extension of their will, therefore they become, in part, that which they play.
If a person comes to me and offers themselves as a slave? Whether it's for 30 minutes or 30 days – they are my slave.
Wife and Slave in comparison…that's some danger there my friend.
Every thing we do is part of role play. I believe any part someone willingly plays is an extension of their will, therefore they become, in part, that which they play.
If a person comes to me and offers themselves as a slave? Whether it's for 30 minutes or 30 days – they are my slave.
Thinking aloud here. I do think the level of commitment between two partners in a relationship does raise things above a mere roleplay, whether kink or vanilla.
Now, I understand the conceptual differences between a master-mistress/slave, and just because I don't agree with it, I acknowledge a persons right to take on one role or other. How far you want to extend that between play upto/including relationship status is for the participants to agree to. Saying that by marrying someone you make them your slave? Personally I don't believe that.
While some similarities could well be drawn from BDSM relationships and vanilla, such as dominance, submission, and sadly punishment not all those are by choce in the vanilla world. And I suspect that the vanilla 'particpants' would deny being in a relationship based on a specific role, or knowingly enjoying the dynamic of a power exchance as it's own reward.
This falls under “Forcing your Kink”…and of course Abuse. The distinction here (generalized) should be towards “willing participation” in said scenario.
I had serious, serious reservations about what Slavery in the BDSM community meant until we were fortunate enough to bring in a guest speaker who is a dedicated slave. Listening to her speak brought it into perspective, beautifully.
This falls under “Forcing your Kink”…and of course Abuse. The distinction here (generalized) should be towards “willing participation” in said scenario.
I had serious, serious reservations about what Slavery in the BDSM community meant until we were fortunate enough to bring in a guest speaker who is a dedicated slave. Listening to her speak brought it into perspective, beautifully.