Who Really Has the Power in a DS Relationship?

[BDSM_Tourguide]

The nature of the DS relationship is one of power exchange, but what does power exchanged mean? Who are the people and who is really giving, taking, and holding the power?

Many dominants will answer this question and say that the dominant is the one in the position of power in the DS relationship. The dominant holds the control in the relationship and, therefore, must be the one with the power. That is, in fact, one myth that should be dispelled quickly. The dominant partner does not control the relationship. It is not the dominant’s position to assume, take, or seize control of anything. The dominant may set rules, may enforce discipline, and may suggest activities and assignments, but the knowledgeable dominant never takes control. It’s not his to take anyway. Taking control from a person is a form of manipulation and is, therefore, abuse. Since the DS relationship should be one of caring and understanding, and not one of manipulation and force, the taking away of control is contrary to the nature of that relationship.

If the dominant is the one that sets the rules, enforces the discipline, and suggests activities and assignments, then that indicates he is the one with the power, though, right? Not exactly. The dominant does all these things, but he does them in cooperation with the submissive. In most DS relationships, the dominant and submissive partners negotiate a set of rules, a set of limits, what disciplinary actions will be used, and the nature of the assignments and activities given by the dominant to the submissive. The submissive is allowed to say no to anything she feels uncomfortable doing, and should be allowed to set limits based on her comfort. The entire process is one of compromise. Each partner in the relationship must give some and they must take some from the other partner. Limits must be respected, as should the rules once they are negotiated.

The true holder of the actual power in the DS relationship is the submissive. This truth shocks a lot of dominants and even more submissives, because this is not the way people tend to commonly think of DS relationships. Rest assured, though, the power in the relationship rests with the submissive. In a DS relationship, the submissive gives up her control to the dominant; he does not take it from her. It is not his to take, and never will be his unless she gives it to him. The submissive does not give her power away as a gift, however, because she expects things in return for it; things like trust, honesty, safety, and communication. If her dominant fails to provide her with these things, then she is free to take back her control and move on to someone that will provide her with these things.

Other things, too, indicate that the submissive holds the true power in the DS relationship. For instance, a submissive may set her own limits. She cannot be forced to do anything she says no to doing. Any dominant that persists in coercing a submissive into performing an activity that is on her list of limits ceases being a dominant at that moment and becomes an abuser, because he has stopped respecting her right to be happy and her expectations of safety and trust. A submissive also has the right to negotiate a set of rules, with the dominant, that is acceptable for her. The rules should be a compromise, but in instances where a rule may violate the submissive’s safety, limits, or sense of security, then the benefit of the doubt should go to the submissive and her wished respected. Finally, and most importantly, the submissive may end any scene with her safe word. Upon utterance of the safe word, a scene stops immediately, any corporal punishment, bondage, humiliation, etc. stops at once. The partners may discuss the reason the safe word was used and may choose to resume the scene once the submissive is made more comfortable with whatever situation caused her to use her safe word, but the scene should not be continued once the safe word has been spoken.

The most important thing to remember, though, is that the submissive holds the real power in the relationship, because she chooses to give up her control of herself and she allows her dominant partner to have that control with the understanding that she will be respected by the dominant, as will her safety, her trust, and her security. She always has the right to leave the relationship if any of those details are ignored or are not respected. And she always has the right to take back her control whenever she chooses.

The true dynamic of the DS relationship is not one that is often considered by many people, because many assume that the dominant is in control over the submissive and that the submissive gives up her freedom with the understanding that she will do as the dominant tells her to do. That is not the true nature of power exchange; that is misinformation.

[Ranai]

Thank you for this thoughtful and thought-provoking essay.
If I may, I would like to take the argument a step further.

Nobody has any power in a DS relationship.

Whatever is done is done in agreement. The relationship and interaction is based on the freedom of both partners. It is possible to enter into a free agreement because none of the participants has power over the other. Power and free consent are incompatible.

A submissive person does not 'have the power to' negotiate, set limits, refuse, stop a scene, leave.
A submissive person is free to negotiate, set limits, refuse, stop a scene, leave.


Power can work as an aphrodisiac or be an object of desire in itself.
Seeking power in reality has rewards, and great perils.

Power as an ingredient in erotic fiction and fantasy provides the thrill without the drawbacks.
An erotic story with the power ingredient must do without free consent.


In a real DS relationship based on free consent, the partners can for mutual benefit and pleasure evoke the signs, symbols, demonstrations, taste of power. The mysterious luck is that they work, even though nobody holds any power.

[ProjectEuropa]

Nobody has any power in a DS relationship.

Hmm I think many D/s relationships are just an extreme of any male/female relationship in so far that the female chooses. The male might decline her, the male might make the approach but it is the female who has the real power. She sends out the signals to the males that she is looking for a partner. It is her that is the prize all the males want and she tends to know it. Anthropologists have recognized this for a long time. It is the exception that tends to prove the rule. Look at the personal ads, it is almost always the males that are on the hunt, the female just has to sit, wait and choose. I suspect when a female sub puts an ad in the personals she is inundated with would be suitors. One can't take the biological imperartive out of the equation. Getting back on subject with D/s relationships, it is far easier for a female sub to find a male Dom than it is for a male Dom to find a female sub. The female sub gives away her power in the understanding the male Dom keeps his part of the bargain, should he stray over the boundary his prize is took away. In that situation the power might appear to be shared because of the consensus involved but the real power is held by one or the other and that is the one less committed which according to antropologists is usually the childless female. It is becoming recognized now that women are more likely to infidelities than men. It is women that control the amount of hetrosexual sex that goes on, if it was men that controled sex you wouldn't be able to go on a bus without witnessing some fornicating going on.

Antropologists also a recognize a power exchange between males and females as the female passes child bearing age. The female becoming less attractive to the male but the older male would need to be successful enough to attract the younger female so it's ones social position and success is also important. I remember my ex talking about this once at her work where the older females (hmm I'm talking about women approaching 40 ish here. Still young to me I admit) who had careers and wanting children finding it particularly difficult to find commited male partners willing to make the investment in them. The males prefering to find a woman a generation younger. I'm sure this all translates into BDSM relationships somehow since we do not exist in isolation but I'm starting to lose track of my thoughts.

I suspect it is even something similar between male subs and female Doms. As for gay and lesbian relationships I am completely ignorant.

I think there is something in there of value but I'm not sure anymore now I've written it. Maybe those evening lectures I attended at the City Uni were a waste of time after all.

[GaryWilcox]

Nobody has any power in a DS relationship.

Seems to me that consensual sex is defined by the passive member. While the aggressor might initate the encounter, all sex is validated as consensual by the passive participant.

It's not a question of power; it's a dance, and while someone leads it, two parties have to agree to dance for it to work right. It's a cooperation of roles that compliment each other.

[learningtopleez]

Finally...thank you TG Sir, for explaining all this! I already knew most of it, but seeing it written down and explained in detail,....well it just sort of makes things so much more clear! It also lets me know that the man I have thought of as my Dom is anything but! Communication you say?? Hah! He doesn't know the meaning of the word! He and I never talk anymore. We talked alot in the beginning and we talk when I am with him, but that's it! I get an occasional text message and that's all. The last time we had a scene where sex was actually involved was November...yes...No-fricking-vember!! I saw him once in December, but that was for his pleasure, which I don't have a problem with....if I'm going to be called soon for more play time! But he puts me off with his excuse of work. I very much admire his work ethic, and right now he is opening up a new business in another state and he will move there, so he has been very busy. And I have been very patient. He finally wanted me to come to him about two weeks ago. He asked late in the evening, and I had a class the next morning and then 12 hours of work after that. So I declined. I didn't want to, but I knew most of my time would be spent driving to and back from his home. Maybe I'm selfish, but school and my job are important to me! He was angry or dissapointed (who knows which as all we did was text message each other!!!). Now it has been two more weeks and I got one lousy text message from him Saturday evening. I have written him e-mails and told him I feel that we should end this. I told him that I come here to learn and he was totally pissed over that. He feels that other Doms will try to "pick me up"! LOL Yea right! Anyway he said thats why people come to these forums and that pissed me off...I have made friends here that I think the world of and he thinks I'm screwing around! So TG Sir, what do you think?? After reading your article I feel it is time to let go....although it will be very difficult as he is my first r/l Dom. I don't even want to think about looking for someone else though...not right now. I guess I will be celibate for a while longer!!

[Mobius]

I have also always felt that the submisive has the power. First she has to be willing. She sets how much she is willing to take.

It is up to her wether it is sexual play or abuse and rape.

[Ranai]

I guess we will have to differentiate.

1. Have the power to do something
2. Have power over someone


In a consensual relationship...

1. Both parties have the 'power' to make decisions. I prefer to call it: the freedom to make decisions.
2. None has power over the other.

[BDSM_Tourguide]

After reading your article I feel it is time to let go....

That decision is completely up to you. If you'd like to open a thread on the merits and flaws behind your relationship, then I'm sure that myself and others would be only too glad to help you with the final decision.

I think everyone deserves someone that will take time with them, though.

[Nightstriker]

This was one of the first things that I learned when I first began to get into the life. I came accross various sites that had a good explination of their relationships and what I can see in them is that is like what TG said it is a power exchange relationship. Though it is a good thing to have written down so that it can be refrenced later.

[BDSM_Tourguide]

Nobody has any power in a DS relationship.

Whatever is done is done in agreement. The relationship and interaction is based on the freedom of both partners.

Yes, but it is the submissive that ultimately has the final decision in every process of each phase of the relationship. Without the consent of the submissive, the contract is not negotiated. On her safeword, the scene stops. Etc.

It is the submissive that has the power to effect the relationship the most.

And yes, whatever is done is done with the agreemewnt of both partners. But as long as the submissive has the final say-so in matters which require her consent, then the ultimate "power" lies with her. For without her agreement and consent, nothing the dominant dreams up, whether it be rules, discipline, or scene ideas, comes to life.

[Sean Malone]

BDSM Tourguide, I agree. We have had some great and thought-provoking discussions on this site, but in the end, even though the idea infuriates some, the submissive is always actually in control, because otherwise all you have is abuse.

Individually we are suited for a particular role, whatever that is, but what is our incentive to surrender our idea about that role is, and submit to another person's ideas about how we might be useful to them, without any compensating personal satisfaction in our own terms? This is a difficult and complex issue, but it is at the heart of who and what we are.

Most people want a relationship to go some way towards indulging their own personal fantasies. That would really work. Indulging another person's fantasies without that compensation is not the same thing at all.

If you really love a woman, what turns you on more than anything is doing what turns her on. Any amount of 'what's in this for me' can never match up to the awesome success of pleasing her. Whether she wants pain, pleasure or just to be pregnant doesn't matter. It's all in there somewhere.

So really, both partners need to be unselfish in pleasing the other, or they fail to achieve the ultimate compensation for that sacrifice.

[Ranai]

It seems that we agree on the rules, and disagree on how to describe the abstract principles these rules are based on.
(Where are the lawyers when we need them? Smartass kitten? Do you perhaps have a definition of power in a social relationship to hand?)


Anyway, the opening article in this thread has the great merit of pointing out what deplorably enough too often goes unnoticed: What the submissive party can decide and do.
Perhaps it does the discussion no harm to point out the complementary facts. They are less intriguing, because they are rather obvious: What the dominant party can decide and do.

The submissive has to be willing.
The dominant, too.
Story of all those experimenting people who asked someone to tie them up for sexual play and got a refusal, and went on looking for someone who would.

The submissive is allowed to say no, and set limits.
The dominant, too.
If, for example, the submissive wants to try out a type of play the dominant is too uncomfortable with, the dominant is not under an obligation to do it.

The submissive can interrupt or stop a scene.
The dominant, too.
If the dominant party feels that a time-out is needed, or the scene is going into an unfortunate direction, the dominant can call a hold, too. Just does not use a safeword for it.

The submissive is always free to end the relationship and move on.
The dominant, too.
Though some seem to choose the rather cowardly option of withdrawing into silence, or provoking an unpleasant scene, and leave it to the other to formally state that the relationship is over! :yuck:

So I agree that it is all based on compromise and free agreement between free people.
From my point of view, that is so because there is no power involved.


Sources of power
Factual power in a social relationship can come from various different sources.
Legal power. Political power. Economic power. Status difference in an authoritarian, hierarchical context. Fear. Structural violence. Physical violence. Threats. Blackmail. And lots of other things. Frequently exploited for sexual gain in reality.
We also find these alluring power themes in erotic fiction, along with various fantasy power sources such as mind control.
What they all have in common is that, as soon as there is a power difference between real people or between fictional characters, there can be no free consent between them. If one party has power over the other, it is not consent, it is coercion.


Something that has not really been discussed in this thread yet:

'I need you' as a 'source of power'
It may seem appealing to bring the power factor 'I need you so much, I can not be happy without you' into play. It may be an intoxicating sensation to feel desperately needed. Someone who thinks 'I can not be happy without you, but you could be happy without me' might perceive the other's option to leave as a factual source of power. Does this occur in reality? Does someone believe, or remember believing in earnest 'I can not be happy without you'? Then this 'power factor' might be worth further discussion.

In my opinion, being part of a happy relationship is being one of someone's causes of happiness of choice. Not someone's only chance of happiness. Personally, I would not believe someone who in earnest tried to convince me that he/she could not be happy without me. I can't make anyone happy. I can offer sources of happiness. In specific terms, I believe that my partner could be happy without me, and I could be happy without him.

But if someone believes that their happiness depends on the other, the option to leave might be interpreted as a power factor.

Separation hurts terribly, but the hurt does not last forever. If there is a very serious compatibility problem between two people, they can not have a happy relationship anyway, try as they might. And, as mentioned above, de facto both parties always have the option to leave. So personally, I do not see the option to end a relationship as a factual source of power of one party over the other.

Perhaps there is some food for discussion here?


Practical relevance?
It does not seem to make that much practical difference how one formulates the abstract basis of the rules. (Though I really wish someone could help the discussion with a definition of 'power'.)
'Everything is always subject to the submissive's agreement, because the submissive ultimately holds the power in our relationship.'

I would formulate it like this:
'Everything is always subject to the submissive's agreement, because nobody holds any power in our relationship.'

[ProjectEuropa]

Though I really wish someone could help the discussion with a definition of 'power'.

There are many definitions of power but the one required for this discussion I would put forward as 'A person of great influence, force or authority'

'Everything is always subject to the submissive's agreement, because nobody holds any power in our relationship.'

Maybe in your relationship but I would imagine in many relationships one party or the other has more power than the other, should people analyse their position. The fact that a relationship is consensual means in theory no one holds power but I wonder how true that is for most couples in reality. One can always walk out of a relationship but when? If you give up a relationship too easily you will never have one of any consequence or you could hold onto a relationship so long it eats you up. A relationship is a balancing act and to succeed has to be to mutual benefit but one party can become more dependent on the other but the relationship still functions. You are defining a model relationship, not an actual relationship. How many people have been distraught as their partner has walked out on them? The very fact that happens so often means that many relationships have been struggling with consensus and one has had more power than the other, the power to walk away which the distraught partner probably felt they didn't have that power.

What they all have in common is that, as soon as there is a power difference between real people or between fictional characters, there can be no free consent between them. If one party has power over the other, it is not consent, it is coercion.

Very little fiction survives without conflict of one sort or another because it is the conflict whether actual or perceived, whether external or internal that drives the characters in the plot. I have read very little fiction that is satisfying where there is no conflict. I have read several in the library with no conflict and felt a lack of satisfaction, primarily I think because the prose was not poetic enough for me to find fulfilling without the driving force of conflict. But why do we like conflict in our fiction? I think it is because we recognize the conflict and we are looking in on ourselves.

[Ranai]

Very little fiction survives without conflict of one sort or another...

Yes, I agree. What's a plot without a conflict? Maybe we can try a separate thread on power themes in erotic fiction at some point...

Just a brief clarification on my own predilections, in case you overlooked it in my posts. In this very thread I wrote: 'Power as an ingredient in erotic fiction and fantasy provides the thrill without the drawbacks' and 'We also find these alluring power themes in erotic fiction...' By which I mean, personally I like power themes and coercion in erotic fiction.

OK, sorry about the interruption, back to the real world and the 'Knowledge Base' discussion...

[slavelucy]

i'll keep this brief; i think the sub has the power to say where it doesn't go...the dom, from there, says where it does go; the rest of the autonomy in a scene or a lifestyle is theirs.

sl

[Donatien]

[QUOTE=ProjectEuropa]There are many definitions of power but the one required for this discussion I would put forward as 'A person of great influence, force or authority'
........I would imagine in many relationships one party or the other has more power than the other, should people analyse their position. The fact that a relationship is consensual means in theory no one holds power but I wonder how true that is for most couples in reality. One can always walk out of a relationship but when? If you give up a relationship too easily you will never have one of any consequence or you could hold onto a relationship so long it eats you up. A relationship is a balancing act and to succeed has to be to mutual benefit but one party can become more dependent on the other but the relationship still functions. You are defining a model relationship, not an actual relationship.

Once again, I find myself in absolute agreement with you PE, reality is murkier and more complicated than TG's excellent but slightly idealistic essay implies.
Suppose for example , a young natural submissive, with extreme fantasies of an abusive nature , meets and is taken off her feet, by an older dominant sadist, who starts moulding her to his tastes. AT this point the relationship may indeed be mutually consensual; but does that consent, therefore make it not 'abusive', even though her need for degradation , being matched by his need to degrade, results in no safe words and no limits to her abuse. It could be that the implicit imbalance between their ages, maturity of mind, experience of the world, the differential power balance in their external world ( e.g teacher/pupil, doctor/patient, boss/ employee) , compounded by her own psychological needs, removes any of the normal checks and balances, so that over time a form of of brain washing occurs, such as occurs in the stockholm syndrome ( like occurred to patty hearst), or in many abusive relationships, with the result that though the sub still fervently believing that she is fulfilling her own needs and desires in agreeing to escalating abuse, has in fact lost perspective and has effectively become brain washed, albeit to some extent of her own volition.

Now this may seem extreme, but psychologically it is all too possible , and it blurs the outlines of consent. In these borderline areas, considerable responsibility resides with the dom; if he succumbs to his impulses the situation will spiral into abuse, just as it not infrequently does in non bdsm relationships with similar unequal power balances. This situation is a particular risk where the dominant partner has a rigid unbending personality, that comes across a 'strong', but is often defensive and full of anger. In psychiatry there is a condition called 'folie a deu', where it appears that a couple ( siblings, parent/offspring, whatever) in a house are both psychotic with the same delusions; but after a spell in hospital with them separated it becomes clear that only the dominant partner is psychotic, the other has has no illness at all , but over time has adapted to the dominant partners belief systems as a psychological survival trick.

[BDSM_Tourguide]

Once again, I find myself in absolute agreement with you PE, reality is murkier and more complicated than TG's excellent but slightly idealistic essay implies.

Suppose for example , a young natural submissive, with extreme fantasies of an abusive nature , meets and is taken off her feet, by an older dominant sadist, who starts moulding her to his tastes. AT this point the relationship may indeed be mutually consensual; but does that consent, therefore make it not 'abusive', even though her need for degradation , being matched by his need to degrade, results in no safe words and no limits to her abuse. It could be that the implicit imbalance between their ages, maturity of mind, experience of the world, the differential power balance in their external world ( e.g teacher/pupil, doctor/patient, boss/ employee) , compounded by her own psychological needs, removes any of the normal checks and balances, so that over time a form of of brain washing occurs, such as occurs in the stockholm syndrome ( like occurred to patty hearst), or in many abusive relationships, with the result that though the sub still fervently believing that she is fulfilling her own needs and desires in agreeing to escalating abuse, has in fact lost perspective and has effectively become brain washed, albeit to some extent of her own volition.

Idealistic? :hmmm:

What you are describing isn't BDSM, though. It doesn't fall into the area of an SSC relationshp at all, because neither of them are safe or sane. It's also doesn't fall into the areas of a RACK relationship either, since the submissive partner is obviously not aware of the risk.

BDSM implies much, much more than consent. It implies a healthy commitment, a safe environment, and an agreement of mutual respect from each partner. The situation you describe in your example is none of those things. It's just simply pshychological and physical abuse disguised behind the banner of a supposed BDSM relationship.

In your example, both parties need therapy, not each other.

[BDSM_Tourguide]

The submissive has to be willing.
The dominant, too.
Story of all those experimenting people who asked someone to tie them up for sexual play and got a refusal, and went on looking for someone who would.

This is true. Consent on either side is required. Refusal to play with someone doesn't alter any power in a relationship aspect that never existed in the first place. Everyone has the right to say no.

The submissive is allowed to say no, and set limits.
The dominant, too.
If, for example, the submissive wants to try out a type of play the dominant is too uncomfortable with, the dominant is not under an obligation to do it.

Indeed. The difference is choice. The dominant may choose to set his limits apart from his submissives and not perform activities of which he is ignorant or unsure. The dominant is required to not perform any activities which the submissive has named as limits without first discussing and negotiating a change in those limits. Often, with a couple of practice runs to see how the activity is received by the submissive and whether she wishes to continue to a more serious level.

The submissive can interrupt or stop a scene.
The dominant, too.
If the dominant party feels that a time-out is needed, or the scene is going into an unfortunate direction, the dominant can call a hold, too. Just does not use a safeword for it.

Yes, but again, the operative word is choice. The dominant may choose to stop a scene if he feels a break is needed, or if he feels something about the scene is wrong or if there may be a safety issue. That is the mark of a responsible dominant. The dominant is rerquired to end a scene once the submissive uses her safeword. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. The scene ends, the parties talk about why it ended, and if the submissive is willing to continue, the scene may again be started.

A dominant stopping a scene on his own choice shows responsibility to the submissive. Caring, respect, safety and communication from both parties should be expected, not a pleasant surprise.

The submissive is always free to end the relationship and move on.
The dominant, too.
Though some seem to choose the rather cowardly option of withdrawing into silence, or provoking an unpleasant scene, and leave it to the other to formally state that the relationship is over! :yuck:

Yes, but this is true of any relationship, not just DS ones. They have a word for forcing someone to maintain a relationship with you even after they've asked to leave. It's called kidnapping.

So I agree that it is all based on compromise and free agreement between free people.
From my point of view, that is so because there is no power involved.

Even though I pointed out counterpoints to your "no power" arguement, I will still agree with you. I have always maintained that a BDSM relationship is still a relationship. It's no different from a vanilla relationship in the expectations of caring, respect, trust, honesty, and communication. When it comes to the actual DS element, however, I will still say the ultimate control of what does or does not happen rests with the submissive for the reasons I gave above.

[Hunter]

This is true. Consent on either side is required. Refusal to play with someone doesn't alter any power in a relationship aspect that never existed in the first place. Everyone has the right to say no.

I have always maintained that a BDSM relationship is still a relationship. It's no different from a vanilla relationship in the expectations of caring, respect, trust, honesty, and communication. When it comes to the actual DS element, however, I will still say the ultimate control of what does or does not happen rests with the submissive for the reasons I gave above.

This is one of the few things on this site that I've read so far that makes sense to me. Some of the other arguments listed here are ones I've heard many times, usually between the snap of the cuffs and the words duck your head and get in the back seat. They didn't impress me then and they don't now.

I don't think it has to be a mile worth of words. For either person it boils down to who do you trust and are they trustworthy. If they are great. If they're not, get out before the paramedics are called.

[ProjectEuropa]

TG. I owe you an apology. I unreservedly apologise.

Actually the crap relationship doesn't bother me. It's the brown envelopes that keep coming because of the decisions I made without realising I was being misled that boils my blood. But that is my shit.

I apologise.

[Eraser]

With all this chatter about power and SSC etc I thought I would throw this excerpt from a lecture by my favorite author:


"LAURA, LEATHER, AND LIFE"
A LECTURE BY LAURA ANTONIOU
NOVEMBER 8, 1995
CROSSROADS LEARNING CENTER
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
SPONSORED BY THE SOCIETY FOR HUMAN SEXUALITY

Copyright © 1995 by Laura Antoniou

Full transcript http://www.sexuality.org/latrans.html
Or Laura Antoniou is the keynote speaker for the International Master & Slave Contest at South Plains LeatherFest, taking place the last weekend in February, February 25-27



Fantasies are not reality. I know, I know, I know. Except when they are. Except when you make them into reality. And fuck this. I didn't come out of years of fantasy rescuing myself from a toxic parent and guilt-tripping myself through anti-sex feminism, politically correct lesbianism, and socially programmed homosexual activism so that someone else could make my goddamn sex life into a slogan: Safe, Sane, and Consensual.

What does it mean? Assimilation, that's what. The politics of appeasement, the hope that, Gee, if we look and act just like everyone else, if we can only convince the dominant culture that we're really harmless and just like they are, except that where we put our dicks and clits and tongues, and what we like on our dicks and clits and tongues, why, we'll earn our civil rights, and everybody will live happily ever after, except for the boy-lovers, who give us all a bad name anyway.

Originally, Safe, Sane, and Consensual, hereafter referred to as SSC, came out of the mostly gay men's S/M movement, probably GMSMA, but I'm willing to hear about where else it came from. I've heard several different versions of who came up with our beloved slogan.

The first time I heard about it was in connection with the expansion of the National Leather Association in connection with a desire to create some sort of unified national network of leather persons. SSC was something everyone could stand behind. For a group of marginalized outcasts, it was supposed to be our rallying call.

A rallying call? Hello? Like Live Free Or Die? Remember The Alamo? Black Is Beautiful? Who Killed Karen Silkwood? Safe, Sane, Consensual.

Well, okay. It's as good as any, but why not Happy, Healthy, and Wise? Rational, Intelligent, and Sensitive? Open-minded, Empathic, and Cheerful? Willing, Hot, and Horny? I like that one. All these are laudable attitudes.

So some rallying cry; who's going to argue with it? I mean, what's more to the point? What social interaction should not be safe, sane, and consensual? Shouldn't all sex be like that? Shouldn't all relationships be like that?

But okay, it's just a slogan. Slogans don't mean shit. After all, what did Just Say No and Just Do It have to do with any kind of reality you understand?

Slogans give people something to chant, something to put on their banners, and something to distinguish the us from the them, and I guess SSC does beat Horny And Looking For Some Kinky Nookie Right Now; Are You A Top Or A Bottom, And What Are You Wearing?

But it's become so much more than a slogan. It's now a way of life. Every S/M organization has to include this little catchphrase into their statement of purpose, that is, if they ever get around to having one.

It has to be on every banner when they march. It has to be included in every titleholder's speech, in club banquets, on colors, and in newsletters. Every entrant into S/M, in one way or another, is assured ad nauseum that everything will be Safe, Sane, and Consensual.

The only activity we condone is SSC. Why, all good S/M is SSC. SSC is good. Isn't it good that we all practice S/M, that is, SSC?

[Eraser]

Before I step into this fray I'm going to give one of my few short preambles, just because opinions differ does not mean I am assaulting ones character or person. As you believe strongly in your opinion I do in mine.

With that said I am going to touch this topic from view from a very opposite end of the spectrum, with a short summary of, I completely disagree with the view TG has present.

This debate has raved on and on since the label of TPE has been around.

The first point I disagree with is the statement

“Taking control from a person is a form of manipulation and is, therefore, abuse”

Its not abuse, it can be many things, including abusive, but inherently its not abuse. One of the key technique’s any descent level sales person learns is, how to take control of a conversation, and manipulate it to be persuasive. Every cop around spends a good portion of there time at the academy learning how to speak to suspect and take control of the situation and the conversation. Every good teacher takes control over there students, especially younger ones. This brings the point on the ‘manipulation’ automatically being abuse. On a daily we are manipulated, by co-workers, media and marketing, perspective commentary’s of news person’s and religious leaders. Making a collective statement like that resolves the world into one of total abuse. If you were to take that that manipulation is abuse perspective, anything persuasive including this post is abusive. Look at the phrasing used; everything that the author agrees with is phrased in an absolute positive fashion and anything that goes against the view is automatically negative I.G. ‘myth’, ‘knowledgeable Dominant’. Statements like these, though persuasive also allude to the fact that if one disagrees with the view then the person is stupid or living fantasy.

To the next specifics of the statement

the knowledgeable dominant never takes control. It’s not his to take anyway.”

Well we have all heard the phrase ‘give and take’. When someone gives you something like the gift of submission, then you TAKE the gift in turn taking that control. Which brings up my argument to the statement

Since the DS relationship should be one of caring and understanding, and not one of manipulation and force, the taking away of control is contrary to the nature of that relationship.

The nature D/s relationship involves caring, understanding, manipulation, force, pain, pleasure and many many more things that I won’t site specifically. But it does involve all of them.

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The dominant does all these things, but he does them in cooperation with the submissive. In most DS relationships, the dominant and submissive partners negotiate a set of rules, a set of limits, what disciplinary actions will be used, and the nature of the assignments and activities given by the dominant to the submissive. The submissive is allowed to say no to anything she feels uncomfortable doing, and should be allowed to set limits based on her comfort. The entire process is one of compromise….. For instance, a submissive may set her own limits. She cannot be forced to do anything she says no to doing.

While I will whole heartily agree with the fact there is ‘negotiation’ I don’t see to the same depth as stated. My version of ‘negotiate’ is getting to know the person slowly and carefully learning and understanding. Then a bit broader understanding, when a general overview and checklist discussion occurs. Normally before I even touch a checklist or anything similar, I already have a good understanding of the person’s desires and taste’s. But that’s really where the ‘negotiations’ end, if on the check list I see an activity that I enjoy doing or something I know I do often and is set as a limit, that’s the end of the D\s relationship in anything other then casual friendship. For me there isn’t much ‘negotiations’ rather then me coming straight out and saying ‘I’m gonna do this that and this other things take it or leave it.’

Finally, and most importantly, the submissive may end any scene with her safe word. Upon utterance of the safe word, a scene stops immediately, any corporal punishment, bondage, humiliation, etc. stops at once.

This for me is MAJOR pet peeve and something I utterly hate, this concept that the submissive can just end a scene because she doesn’t like what’s going on. To this destroys the foundation of the relationship. The statement was made “she expects things in return for it; things like trust, honesty, safety, and communication” Well I expect something as well, actual submission.

To me a safeword is to be used if the submissive is being DAMAGED, not if she’s uncomfortable, or not if this hurts a little to much, or goodness sakes that last strike wrapped and stung a little more then usual. All of which I have seen, disturbs me greatly.

The explanation I give is thus:
My submissive has her nipples pierced, she’s been restrained over a spanking bench and has had weights attached to her nipple rings and is being furiously paddle that is jarring her body causing her nipples sway and slam against the bench. The jarring reaches a point that combined with the weights has cause the nipple rings to start to tear flesh.


That is the appropriate to use a safeword, but cause the submissive is being damaged and because of her position there is no way the Dom could be aware of it. The other times a safe word is used because the submissive isn’t enjoying something or doesn’t like the activity to me is just silly. The submissive is there to serve my desires not her own. If she’s not being damaged in a way that could prevent further service or availability to her Dominant or in a way that’s going to cause long term physical or mental harm.
The opposite extremity of this same type of activity is the constant prattling of a ‘dom’ and the ‘are you okay with this? Is this good for you? Are you enjoying this?’ to me is utter nonsense. The Dominant should have a good understanding of the person he is playing with and if he doesn’t know the person well enough to know if there not ‘okay with this’ then they shouldn’t be sceneing with them. I’m not here to cater to the submissive’s desires she and I are here to cater to mine.

…the dominant is in control over the submissive and that the submissive gives up her freedom with the understanding that she will do as the dominant tells her to do. That is not the true nature of power exchange; that is misinformation.

This not misinformation, this is the foundation of what a deep D\s relationship is suppose to be hence why it’s called Dominance and submission and not ‘make me do these things I like’. Once person willing and wantonly giving themselves to someone and is owned. They have given the Dominant themselves to enjoy as they wish. The responsibility of the Dominant to do that in a manner that doesn’t damage the person. Will the Dominant at some point violate her civil rights? I am rather sure of it. Will the Dominant do things that are scary and painful and uncomfortable for the person, well hopefully.

The most important thing to remember, though, is that the submissive holds the real power in the relationship, because she chooses to give up her control of herself and she allows her dominant partner to have that control with the understanding that she will be respected by the dominant, as will her safety, her trust, and her security. She always has the right to leave the relationship if any of those details are ignored or are not respected. And she always has the right to take back her control whenever she chooses.

The concept that the submissive retains the ‘power’ of the relationship after she gives it is like saying a person joining the military has the power over there commander because they have the right to exit the service. The concept that power is retained by the person giving it up is a contradiction in and of itself. The power and the control was given willingly and with understanding, at that point the power is gone, the only power left is to end the relationship which does not give the person ‘power’ over the relationship. The Dominant has the power to end the relationship as well. If submission is not given, if the submissive try’s to control the relationship by constantly safe wording out of ‘uncomfortable’ situation and scenes. Sceneing in manners for the submissive enjoyment or has specifically and meticulously outlined; to say ‘you may beat me this many times, with these tools, on Friday’s and Saturdays, until I say stop.” Isn’t a submissive, a masochist yes, but far from a submissive they’re the dominant and the one hold the whip is the submissive.

[spirit]

i've been reading this thread and find it very interesting. Both viewpoints are very valid. When i first discovered bdsm, i completely agreed with TG in that the submissive ultimately retained control in that she could always use the safeword or set hard limits. However, i have learned about not having a say in how a scene progresses, and in the right situation, i can agree with Eraser's point of view. Personally, i think it depends upon the two who are involved and what works for them. Neither side is right or wrong, just different. For instance... if i was sceneing with someone in a club, i would NOT give up complete control. However, if it were with someone that i had a relationship with and the trust and love were there...then it would be different. The way i see it, each relationship is different, each with different levels of control.

[BDSM_Tourguide]

Personally, i think it depends upon the two who are involved and what works for them. Neither side is right or wrong, just different.

I agree with this, actually. As long as relationship elements are negotiated properly and fairly, then each person should have the relationship they want.

In writing these articles, I'm not trying to write a list of commandments on stone tablets. Rather, I am offering information from my point of view that might help those less informed and less knowledgeable. I'm all for the open negotiation and satisfactory management of any relationship, as long as the relationship is healthy, informed, and caring.

For instance... if i was sceneing with someone in a club, i would NOT give up complete control. However, if it were with someone that i had a relationship with and the trust and love were there...then it would be different. The way i see it, each relationship is different, each with different levels of control.

This is something that has not yet been discussed by any of us here. The differences between the LTR and the one-night scene at the club. Obviously, in these situations, there isn't really much time for limit negotiations and in-depth interviews, but one the same note, these scenes tend to not be as in-depth as the ones held in LTRs.

This might make another beautiful idea for a thread. I nominate spirit to type it up.

[Donatien]

[QUOTE=eraser]
debate has raved on and on since the label of TPE has been around.

This brings the point on the ‘manipulation’ automatically being abuse. On a daily we are manipulated, by co-workers, media and marketing, perspective commentary’s of news person’s and religious leaders. Making a collective statement like that resolves the world into one of total abuse. If you were to take that that manipulation is abuse perspective, anything persuasive including this post is abusive.

we have all heard the phrase ‘give and take’. When someone gives you something like the gift of submission, then you TAKE the gift in turn taking that control. Which brings up my argument to the statement

The Dominant should have a good understanding of the person he is playing with and if he doesn’t know the person well enough to know if there not ‘okay with this’ then they shouldn’t be sceneing with them. I’m not here to cater to the submissive’s desires she and I are here to cater to mine.[QUOTE]


Congratulations eraser on a clear statement of your point of view, any submissive of yours is going to know exactly where they kneel, with no manipulation.
The only thing I wish to add to what I have said in earlier posts, and this relates to erasers comments on sales techniques, is that I would define the main difference between influence and manipulation is in the motivation of the effector. IN influencing another we are seeking for a win/win outcome, whereas in manipulation the effector is out to win, regardless of the outcome for the affected. the techniques employed are the same, albeit used in slightly different ways and certainly with different intended outcomes.

THe analogy of sales is a good one, because really good sales reps, think long term, and value and honour their customers ( like the good dom knows his sub well, and doesn't abuse their trust), bad salesmen are after a quick buck and don't care a toss about the customers needs, and hence use the same techniques differently for quick manipulative outcomes, especailly targetting vulnerable targets, as presumably will abusive doms, vanillla or bdsm. It is these types that can take subvert the freely given submission of power by a sub. I guess!

[naomi]

Congratulations eraser on a clear statement of your point of view, any submissive of yours is going to know exactly where they kneel, with no manipulation.
The only thing I wish to add to what I have said in earlier posts, and this relates to erasers comments on sales techniques, is that I would define the main difference between influence and manipulation is in the motivation of the effector. IN influencing another we are seeking for a win/win outcome, whereas in manipulation the effector is out to win, regardless of the outcome for the affected. the techniques employed are the same, albeit used in slightly different ways and certainly with different intended outcomes.

THe analogy of sales is a good one, because really good sales reps, think long term, and value and honour their customers ( like the good dom knows his sub well, and doesn't abuse their trust), bad salesmen are after a quick buck and don't care a toss about the customers needs, and hence use the same techniques differently for quick manipulative outcomes, especailly targetting vulnerable targets, as presumably will abusive doms, vanillla or bdsm. It is these types that can take subvert the freely given submission of power by a sub. I guess!

i've greatly enjoyed the lively exchanges in this thread. i find myself aligned most closely with the comments eraser has posted. while i do believe that the search for universal truths is a useful tool in one's path to self-discovery, it is merely that, a tool. everyone's situation is unique and may not necessarily fit into broader definitions agreed upon by the majority. one person's abuse may be another person's affection. our perceptions define our realities. each one of us can process the same stimuli in different ways. as long as the two parties involved are happy, content and fulfilled within the context of a relationship that does not harm others (who do not wish to be harmed!) i see no reason to judge their actions or the dynamics between them.

like any other relationship, power-exchange relationships evolve with time. i would think that in most cases they continue to redefine their limits as they grow. in my opinion the logical endpoint in the development of a free-spirited tpe relationship that exists in a vacuum (no interaction with society) is a situation in which the submissive has learned enough about her owner and trusts him enough to grant him all power over her. of course, most of us will never reach that state of affairs due to the nature of our everyday lives. some of us continue to seek it.

respectfully,
n.

[slavelucy]

The concept that the submissive retains the ‘power’ of the relationship after she gives it is like saying a person joining the military has the power over there commander because they have the right to exit the service.

Kudos on that analogy, Eraser, i like it very much and it's extremely thought provoking.

i'm not sure about this though...

The concept that power is retained by the person giving it up is a contradiction in and of itself.

Whilst agreeing, surely if the person could take the power back, at any given time (with a safeword or whatever) then it remains with them....hmmm, but *thinks* (i'm thinking aloud here, feel free to ignore me), at the same time, i DO see what you mean when you say it's a complete contradiction to say the power is retained by the person giving it...*ponders*. i think the final conclusion, to me personally, and based on what i said much earlier on in this thread, is that the submissive is giving the dominant a huge element of autonomy and trust....in doing so, he/she is inherantly transferring a lot of 'ground level' power in terms of what the dominant can do with him/her on a physical and mental level...but some underlying power to continue giving up that power must logically lie with the submissive.

sl

[e.b.]

Okay, this thread has started to give me a headache. I like a good discussion as well as the next person, but I think that many of the posts in this thread have some truth to them and that it has now become an issue of nitpicking over semantics. So, let me offer the amazing possibility that, as with any healthy relationship, both partners share the power. The degree of power one has over the other is a matter of personal preference as long as it has been discussed and both partners are in agreement.

lucy said it best with her comment that "the sub has the power to say where it doesn't go...the dom, from there, says where it does go." That pretty accurately sums it up IMO.

Now I have another reminder to make...anyone can open a thread here...that means that any of us can write articles on aspects of the scene that we feel are worth expanding upon. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned because I enjoy hearing what others think. For example, I have enjoyed threads Eraser has started in order to discuss issues such as old guard vs. new. I also find many of TG's discussions interesting and think they may be especially helpful to newer members of the scene.

As I said early, I tend to think many of us agree on the broad picture and then choose to nitpick over the particulars. Well, of course everyone's particulars are going to be different. We all are unique individuals with our own experiences and values to bring to a D/s relationship. Europa provides an excellent example of how our differing experiences can influence our opinions when he explains (I believe in another thread) about the unfortunate bdsm "relationship" he had when starting out in the scene. After reading that, his posts here seemed way less antagonistic and simply like he was still working through his thoughts by asking questions and making suggestions. If we could all be a bit more understanding of the intent behind some posts and try to maintain a discussion of differences in opinion instead of an argument, I know I'd be really happy to see it. Also, I think we generally do a good job of respecting the opinions of others around here...this thread just seems to have been dragged back and forth through the dirt a bit too much for somewhat minor differences.

I see valid points on all sides...the key is to make sure the relationship works for all the parties involved, not for this entire community.

eb

[BDSM_Tourguide]

Okay, this thread has started to give me a headache. I like a good discussion as well as the next person, but I think that many of the posts in this thread have some truth to them and that it has now become an issue of nitpicking over semantics.

I see valid points on all sides...the key is to make sure the relationship works for all the parties involved, not for this entire community.

I agree, and I apologize for occasionally losing site of the 'big picture.' I don't like to nitpick. I do like to debate, though. I guess sometimes my enjoyment of a challenging game of wits overwhelms my sense of better judgement.

I also agree that, as long as the relationship works for the people involved, then whatever those people choose to do is clearly the right thing. Just as long as it's all safe and legal and such.

[e.b.]

With all this chatter about power and SSC etc I thought I would throw this excerpt from a lecture by my favorite author:


"LAURA, LEATHER, AND LIFE"
A LECTURE BY LAURA ANTONIOU
NOVEMBER 8, 1995
CROSSROADS LEARNING CENTER
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
SPONSORED BY THE SOCIETY FOR HUMAN SEXUALITY

Copyright © 1995 by Laura Antoniou

Full transcript http://www.sexuality.org/latrans.html
Or Laura Antoniou is the keynote speaker for the International Master & Slave Contest at South Plains LeatherFest, taking place the last weekend in February, February 25-27

Thanks for posting this link, Eraser. Laura is my favorite bdsm author as well and awhile back I had actually considered making an all new thread for discussion of this lecture. I have loved it ever since I read it a year or so ago. I'd encourage everyone to visit the link and read the whole thing. Oh, and then go out and buy the whole Marketplace series, and read those too. Antoniou's work does an amazing job of presenting honest, insightful, and poignant thoughts on the scene in general. Even though the work is fiction, I still think everyone, doms/subs/whoever, can learn a good bit about integrity from reading her work.

eb