BDSM, the sexual practice of role-playing that can be roughly defined and broken down into categories of bondage, discipline, submission, and sadomasochism is a practice that experienced a popular culture rebirth with the fictional sensation, Fifty shades of Grey. The work of fiction while credited with popularizing the practice in modern times has also faced critic from members of the community due to how the practice is portrayed.
No surprise there as the author herself was widely uninformed during the process of creation. However, like most sensations, it’s got the world buzzing and many people admit to wanting to know more about sexual practice. It is not simply wearing sexy lingerie or leather harnesses. Here are four popular myths that will have you feeling less cautious and more open to exploration.
It’s a fad and attracts only mentally unstable. This is perhaps one of the more popular assumptions again a result of the portrayal by popular media. BDSM first made its popular appearance in the early 40s and is believed to have been present for much longer. It also a form of sexual expression and exploration that relies heavily on role-play, the focus here is that is a role being acted out for pleasure, and by consenting adults.
It is about degradation, while there are certain subsets of the movement that employ elements of that, BDSM as a whole is structured around role play, and consent. This means parties involved should have mutual respect and understanding when going in.
It is dangerous, like the first myth this comes from widely misunderstood practices that have been sensationalized in media outlets. As iterated earlier, consent and role play are two primary factors, which means safety is of the utmost importance when dabbling in what has now been stylized as the dark erotica. For example, the use of safewords.
The roles are permanent, quite contrary. If you’re afraid of getting stuck in one role worry not, roles and role switching is a very common phenomenon. The beauty of BDSM is exploration, what fun would it be if you were stuck in the same role forever? That being said, some people find that playing a single role is more exciting for them and there is equally nothing wrong with that.
I hope this helps put your mind a little more at ease as you continue to explore your sexuality while considering erotic lingerie or body chains and body harnesses!