Leather Rights!
In 1981, a Danish writer named Maria Marcus published a brave book entitled "A Taste for Pain". Her dedication includes the following passage:
Germaine Greer was in Cogenhagen in 1972 and a meeting was held at which she addressed and talked with Danish women. The atmosphere in the hall was highly spirited and optimistic, when suddenly a young woman cried out with desperation in her voice: "But how can we start a women's movement, when I bet three-quarters of us sitting in this room are masochists?"
- - - - - - - -
Thanks to the world wide web, more people know about S&M (and its many variations) than in past decades, although the mainstream press often continues to exploit this experience as shameful or at least shockingly sensational. Those who appreciate the positive aspects of S&M also understand the hypocrisy of the press, but can do little to allay its negative influence on people.
As Americans we live in a liberated time where sexual discrimination is against the law, however the struggle for sexual acceptance doesn't stop there. Just because S&M is more publicized does not mean that it is more accepted. Discrimination can be quite subtle. Social bias is not against the law and is very challenging to overcome.
The gay community has been much more assertive for their rights than the S&M community and have accomplished much more. Rightly so. Their courageous solidarity is admirable. While the S&M community is fairly strong within itself, our relationship with the outside world remains precarious.
It is difficult to imagine a band of masochists marching down Congress Avenue with black & blue flags shouting for submissive respect! Sensual sadists would also find it difficult to do so. And yet, how healthy it would be if leather love was affectionately accepted by society!
Germaine Greer was in Cogenhagen in 1972 and a meeting was held at which she addressed and talked with Danish women. The atmosphere in the hall was highly spirited and optimistic, when suddenly a young woman cried out with desperation in her voice: "But how can we start a women's movement, when I bet three-quarters of us sitting in this room are masochists?"
- - - - - - - -
Thanks to the world wide web, more people know about S&M (and its many variations) than in past decades, although the mainstream press often continues to exploit this experience as shameful or at least shockingly sensational. Those who appreciate the positive aspects of S&M also understand the hypocrisy of the press, but can do little to allay its negative influence on people.
As Americans we live in a liberated time where sexual discrimination is against the law, however the struggle for sexual acceptance doesn't stop there. Just because S&M is more publicized does not mean that it is more accepted. Discrimination can be quite subtle. Social bias is not against the law and is very challenging to overcome.
The gay community has been much more assertive for their rights than the S&M community and have accomplished much more. Rightly so. Their courageous solidarity is admirable. While the S&M community is fairly strong within itself, our relationship with the outside world remains precarious.
It is difficult to imagine a band of masochists marching down Congress Avenue with black & blue flags shouting for submissive respect! Sensual sadists would also find it difficult to do so. And yet, how healthy it would be if leather love was affectionately accepted by society!
posted by gem at 6:18 PM
0 comments
