Quote Originally Posted by GreyJack View Post
As with all human interactions and relationships, we have to begin by respecting everyone as a human being and grant them whatever dignity that implies. On the other hand, the ancient Romans had a concept or principle they called dignitas (you may want to see what Wikipedia has to say at length about this). In the Orient, it's known as "face." It represents the respect you earn by how you act and deal with life and people. People usually chip away at their own dignitas when they act like assholes or jerks, so they lose the respect of social standing. They can also lose respect by acting as if they are "owed" it without doing any "earning."

Generally, subs and slaves (even those into humiliation) still retain their dignity. Yes, a slave can submit fully with dignity, just as a Dom/Domme/Master/Mistress can behave and act with a certain humility and responsibility. As many have said before and I repeat, both subs/slaves and Doms/Dommes/Masters/Mistresses often show courage and high personal qualities by the lifestyle they live, perhaps even more integrity and committment than normal (vanilla/whatever that may mean) people in their relationships.

Those who serve us deserve as much respect as they show us. I've been called a "New Age Master" because I don't treat subs or slaves as the old abusive slave owners of the past have done. Yes, they are property, but human property nonetheless, and more deserving of care, affection, respect, and admiration as anyone's most priceless Art. In a way, we become the curator of a treasure when we find that rare good sub or slave. If you wouldn't trash your favorite possession, why would you trash a living, breathing embodiment of what fulfills you?
I couldn't agree with you more.