Ah, was doing so well with journal entries. And then, not so much.
So, let's see... the aforementioned hypothesis.
The idea is that, as an alternative sexual outlet, BDSM is fully acceptable. However, that as a "lifestyle" (and this obviously relates more to the D/s aspect) it can be detrimental to the psyche.
It is human nature to be free and autonomous. Slavery, subservience, these concepts have been largely negated as positive aspects.
I am fully aware that largely, the safe/sane/consentual argument works for most couples. The incidents of abuse in the D/s "community" are, relatively speaking, statistically insignificant as far as being more frequent than "vanilla" relationships (though need some more research into that area).
However, it cannot be simply cast aside that the nature of D/s itself, particularly in relation to new arrivals or those with dependency issues, can be very damaging. Too long has the area been held in such secrecy, and so staunchly defended by its constituents, that there exists few if any outlets for those who have genuine interest in the area, but lack a knowledgeable and/or professional therapy for it. Most of the writings on the matter are either by those who are long-time advocates/participants of the "lifestyle" and as such bring a plethora of personal experience (good) and bias (bad).
And while it may be a poor analogy, we do not ask those suffering from malady to write the definitive works on it. We may reference their personal experiences and cite them, but it takes individuals who walk the knife's edge between advocacy and condemnation... those who have nothing to gain or lose, who are interested but not obsessed or too involved... to create the groundwork.
Hopefully... I can help in that area. But who knows... I -am- a big dumb idiot. So it may come to naught.
But even if it does, heck, at least I'll get some kooky whips and chains stories out of it. Can't be -all- bad.
So, let's see... the aforementioned hypothesis.
The idea is that, as an alternative sexual outlet, BDSM is fully acceptable. However, that as a "lifestyle" (and this obviously relates more to the D/s aspect) it can be detrimental to the psyche.
It is human nature to be free and autonomous. Slavery, subservience, these concepts have been largely negated as positive aspects.
I am fully aware that largely, the safe/sane/consentual argument works for most couples. The incidents of abuse in the D/s "community" are, relatively speaking, statistically insignificant as far as being more frequent than "vanilla" relationships (though need some more research into that area).
However, it cannot be simply cast aside that the nature of D/s itself, particularly in relation to new arrivals or those with dependency issues, can be very damaging. Too long has the area been held in such secrecy, and so staunchly defended by its constituents, that there exists few if any outlets for those who have genuine interest in the area, but lack a knowledgeable and/or professional therapy for it. Most of the writings on the matter are either by those who are long-time advocates/participants of the "lifestyle" and as such bring a plethora of personal experience (good) and bias (bad).
And while it may be a poor analogy, we do not ask those suffering from malady to write the definitive works on it. We may reference their personal experiences and cite them, but it takes individuals who walk the knife's edge between advocacy and condemnation... those who have nothing to gain or lose, who are interested but not obsessed or too involved... to create the groundwork.
Hopefully... I can help in that area. But who knows... I -am- a big dumb idiot. So it may come to naught.
But even if it does, heck, at least I'll get some kooky whips and chains stories out of it. Can't be -all- bad.