I"ll start with my general comments first. I don't think that one can categorize the BDSM lifestyle as a cult. There is no central leadership or organization of any kind. It is just a choice about how to behave - like vegetarianism.
BDSM relationships, on the other hand, certainly have cultic features, and probably many of the organized groups within the BDSM community have cultic features as well.
The Sims region you are talking about may have been actively developed by a specific real life group, or it might just be a case of like attracting like.
I should probably say that I am into BDSM, and have been involved with BDSM community for about 10 years. I'm happy to answer any other questions about the scene and the community.
Penny
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Originally posted by Juniper
They belong to what they call a "lifestyle" called BDSM which stands for bondage/discipline/sadomasochism. They all use exactly the same expressions and terms.
People involved with the BDSM lifestyle and community have developed a jargon which is commonly used and understood within the community. Much in the same way that people who love baseball or stamp collecting have jargons for communicating with others who share their passion.
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They advocate violence and slavery iin sexual reationships and say it is consensual and this is actually an entire way of life for them.
For many people who practice BDSM this is true. One of the bywords of 'respectable' BDSM is SSC - Safe, Sane, Consensual.
But many is not all. There are the people who play with BDSM, and aren't into it as a lifestyle. And there are the violent whackos who should be locked up because they are doing things that aren't safe, sane and consensual.
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Some of the most aggressive and violent ones say they are adherents of John Norman, the author of some science fiction novels about a land called Gor where the women are second-class citizens and slaves. The Goreans speak about themselves in the third person (the slaves) and also have their own language, arcane rituals, etc.
The Goreans are a subculture of the BDSM subculture -- they are the extremists/fundamentalists of the community, to try for the best analogy. Gorean behaviour is far more common in online venues then in real life, because of it's extremism.
It is my opinion that Gorean behaviours are not SSC, and should not be practiced in real life. If someone tries to persuade you into a rl Gorean encouter, run like hell.
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They have increased their membership hugely by what seems like recruitment, yet the new recruits say angrily that they haven't been recruited but just found their "lifestyle".
The anonymity of the internet makes it an appealing venue for people who are interested in BDSM to connect with one another. I think the main point would be whether or not the individuals you refer to are involved with the BDSM community in real life.
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The "subs" who are dominated by the "doms" all have profiles saying you cannot speak to them directly but have to clear everything with their "dom".
Since you mentioned the Goreans earlier, I suspect this is probably one of their protocols. Non-Gorean's may do this, depending on their personal preference. It is not in anyway unusual in the BDSM scene rl -- but then, the Dom and sub are generally together when it applies.
Yes, it's a controlling behaviour. That's what BDSM is all about.
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There is a relentless and energy to these people that does suggest a cult, but on the other hand, people think they are just chosing a lifestyle and deserve tolerance. If anyone shows the slightest concern about the violence and slavery they promote, they are called "bigots". It has made it impossible to have any discussion.
Well, BDSM is certainly a lifestyle choice, just as vegetarianism is certainly a lifestyle choice. I would disagree about it being one that 'deserves tolerance'. BDSM is fundamentally about doing things that are in other circumstances harmful. I think that the safety of the community at large is a more significant concern then the right of an individual to have a BDSM relationship.
I'm not sure I understand what you want to be discussing with the BDSM community in this instance.
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This is a game in which 13 year olds are allowed to play because it is a teen-rated game. Many parents are concerned.
I agree that this is an inappropriate venue for the online BDSM community to be using. I think the parents are right to be concerned, regardless of whether there is any cult activity going on or not. To practice BDSM is a choice that should be made only by adults, and I believe that to expose children to it (no matter how SSC the relationship) is abusive.
Penny