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welshwmn3 -> RE: Is Internet Experience Seen As Equal to Real Life? (10/7/2007 4:28:38 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TNstepsout
Depends on how you define equal. She didn't say "are the same thing" she said "equal". Are apples and oranges equal?
The first seven definitions of the word "equal" from dictionary.com are:
1. as great as; the same as (often fol. by to or with): The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light.
2. like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.: two students of equal brilliance.
3. evenly proportioned or balanced: an equal contest.
4. uniform in operation or effect: equal laws.
5. adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree: The supply is equal to the demand.
6. having adequate powers, ability, or means: He was equal to the task.
7. level, as a plain.
8. tranquil or undisturbed: to confront death with an equal mind.
9. impartial or equitable.
Taking these one at a time (and discounting 5, 7, 8, and 9 as being unsuitable for this discussion), lets see here:
"As great as, the same as" Can you tell how much a whip will hurt you when somebody types, "I crack the whip on your back"? No. Does your breath really catch in your throat when the dom types, "I grab you by the hair and throw you on the floor at my feet" (or whatever it is that gets you purring). Do you really know how your muscles feel after being tied up for an hour without being able to move? Can you really kneel for three hours without having problems such as your feet going so completely to sleep that there is no feeling in them, or cramps when you stand up? No. It is not the same as.
"like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc" In emotional terms, I'd say yes. Online it does seem to be a lot easier to get closer to people, to open up to people, than in real life. So the degree of emotional commitment may be alike.
"evenly proportioned or balanced: an equal contest." I would say it is not an equal contest, as bdsm and power exchange is more than just the emotional. Yes, there is a big emotional componant, but there is also a big physical componant.
"having adequate powers, ability, or means: He was equal to the task" Here I would say no. If a person ONLY has online experience, dom or sub, they do not have adaquate powers, ability or means. The person who only knows how to throw a whip by typing it in isn't going to know what to do with a real live person under them. The person who can hog-tie a "struggling subby" in 30 seconds has never tried to tie somebody up who was either "play" struggling, or even being completely compliant and helping them. Not and be safe. Not and not risk severe nerve damage.
So, is it equal? No. But then, apples and oranges aren't equal either.
Edit for formatting
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