Bondage Forums

Short Version: I hate it.

Long Version:
I have to preface this with understanding that the flag was designed and given from the heart, but having now read the article and seen the photo, does not remotely resonate with who I am as a slave. I also realize that for every set of eyes that sees this flag and reads the story, there will be a unique perspective.

1. The "passive intellect" thought process simply does not work for me, nor Sir and how he values those in his care. I am not simply here to store and receive. My slavery is an active process, that is both his requirement, and my standard. This flag immediately reminded me of how often I do not feel included in the Master/slave "community" because I am not a passive being.

2. The parallels that were drawn in the description about Master/slave and dominant/submissive. I do not identify as a submissive. I happen to rather suck at submission. If I had to really pinpoint a label, a more truthful one would be that I am a dominant that has chosen to be in a position of service through obedience. My service is measured in terms of loyalty, obedience, honor, devotion, action, and strength -- not by submission. I am his slave, in his way, always.

3. The descriptions used of how the symbols were laid out, and the submissive following the dominant. What about those of us that are charged with leadership in some areas due to our skill, and we lead not because we're in charge, but we lead because that is the command. What about those of us in front in the physical plane because he'd rather see us opening doors and parting crowds to ease his way, than being quietly at his shoulder?

I also think the explanations, and layout, alienate the Master/slave family and household, and the extended households where one loves others as their own simply through deep friendships. The symbols for me automatically conjured a relationship of 2 only. That is my sense of aesthetics though. I found the flag dark, austere, divisive, separate, non-communal. I am no more separate from him than his hand, or his heart. I am an extension of his will.

I have a whole different soapbox for why we really need a flag for every possible identification that can come up.

I think for those that identify with it, it will be a lovely and respected thing. For those that put their valued time and hearts into it, I appreciate that effort and know what a personally vulnerable space it can be to share your visions with others. As with any other object, thought, expression in this vast community, I will respect it for what it stands for to others, and continue to understand that it does not represent me.

BootPig
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimplyService/
"pig you make my mangina wet" USB 2.0
"This is the venus fly-trap side of those delicate flowers of submission" Dark_Victory

I also don't see the need for flags. The only thing that matters to me is what I know/feel. That is symbol enough for me.

There are only three flags I pledge allegiance to and that won't be changing anytime soon. There is also one other symbol that I pledge allegiance to, but that isn't something I'll discuss here.

I don't want to be singled out because of my "lifestyle." Why bring more attention to ourselves. Has is REALLY helped the other groups? From what I've seen, it really hasn't done much for them other than incite debates and name calling. So, why don't we just sit quietly and practice whatever kink we choose to practice and keep our bedroom/dungeon stuff out of public view?

princess

Amen .....excellent post.

But I'm finding myself agreeing with that earlier rant about 3 postings up.

Do enough people in the community really feel like their place in BDSM is so deserving of attention and pride? Do they feel THAT awful about themselves that they need a FLAG? I mean, I don't even believe in nationalism for NATIONS (please don't let me talk about Gaza here) but have you REALLY been pushed around so much you need a flag to wave?

I don't get it. Hell, I even understand the Leather Pride Flag, gay men have been beaten, harrassed, killed, and been forced to endure things like heavy metal and Bruce Villanche for years. They might deserve a flag.

But I will accept explanation, even if it must come in some manner of shitstorm from those I've offended. Why, someone please tell me why Masters and Slaves need something to rally around? (I mean tell me here, don't email me, those debates creep me out.) It's just..... unnecessary. And, well - sigh - it turns the BDSM movement into one more thing that contributes to more worthy liberal causes getting pushed aside because we're all asking for a goddamn flag for being oppressed. There, I said it.

Edited by - Lassus on 2005-08-23 05:42:12

Well, maybe ... part of the problem is that there is zero femininity in it, so it seems to automatically exclude heterosexual, or female homosexual couples.

Blech.
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Kate

lmao! I just had to explain THAT one the other day at work. Nope.. people DON'T know the history. It is just a pretty lil symbol isn't it?

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WnW
High Desert Leather Coalition