BDSM is a set of patterns in (sexual) behavior that involves such notions as Bondage, Discipline/Domination, Submission/Sadism and Masochism. While these bdsm concepts may imply pain, humiliation or servitude, they could be regarded abusive and wrong in neutral social context. However, when performed by consent, as a part of sexual play, for example, these activities are meant to bring pleasure to the persons participating. There are no restrictions as for the sexual orientation of bdsm practitioners, bdsm concepts include gay bdsm, lesbian bdsm, bisexual and polyamorous partners, etc.
In earlier years bdsm practice used to be illegal and was considered a pathology; yet today the situation has changed in many civilized countries and there is no more reason to hide from the law for those who follow the main bdsm credo: being Safe, Sane and Consensual.
So let us now discuss basic bdsm concepts.
To start with, all bdsm plays include such bdsm concepts as submission and domination. These bdsm concepts are present in every bdsm activity: where there is power, there is always subordination, and partners divide the roles of a master and a slave depending on situation, personal preferences or as a result of negotiation. The dominant (dom) enjoys the feeling of control, ownership and omnipotence aroused when s/he is granted absolute power over the submissive person. On the other hand, the sub desires to be controlled, given orders or even punished for disobedience. Hence follow the next related bdsm concepts, sadism and masochism. Sadists are those who take pleasure in hurting the partner, inflicting pain on him/her, whereas masochists conscientiously seek for suffering. Thus, both partners derive sensual pleasure from this kind of bdsm concepts combination in relationship and it actually becomes questionable who really holds the power.
Two more important bdsm concepts include top and bottom partners. The top is actually the giver, that is, s/he will be spanking, binding, flogging, pinching, applying various bdsm toys upon the bottom or otherwise humiliating/serving him/her. At that, it should be noted that being dominant is also possible from the position of the bottom, and on the contrary, topping may be performed by the submissive person on command. Some other synonymous bdsm concepts are the "pitcher" and "catcher", the meaning of which can be easily interpreted. Assuming the above can last only for one scene, within the framework of certain relationship or as a life-style, 24/7. Roles chosen in sexual context are often opposed to those performed by the person in real life.
Enumerating bdsm concepts wouldn't be complete without mentioning such bdsm concept as switching, that is changing either physical (top/bottom) or emotional (dom/sub) roles during a particular session or situation; some other significant bdsm concepts as bdsm safety issues and extreme bdsm practices are revealed in more detail in the respective articles that you can read on link-clicking. |