Taking a stand (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid



Message


stella41b -> Taking a stand (12/1/2009 6:30:18 AM)

I'm posting this as a way of letting people who know me (and others) know I've quit the darker site and will no longer be posting there or logging on. I've just made my last posting in the refugee camp but felt I would bring the same OP here and open it up for discussion on these boards.

quote:



Ever heard of Pawlik Morozov?

Pavlik Morozov, or Pavlik as he is better known was a Soviet youth glorified as a martyr by the Soviet propaganda machine. Born as Pavel Trofimovich Morozov in 1918 to poor peasants in the village of Gerasimovka, some 350km north east of Sverdlovsk in the Soviet Union (today Ekaterinburg in Russia) Pawlik was a dedicated communist who led the Young Pioneers at his school and supported actively Stalin's collectivism of farms.

He became famous when at the age of 13 he went to the political police the GPU and reported his father to them for allegedly 'forging documents and selling them to bandits and reactionaries working against the state'. The father, Trofim, was arrested, sent to a labour camp for ten years and subsequently executed. Pawlik's family didn't take kindly to this at all, and soon after, on September 3 1932 his uncle, grandmother, grandfather, cousin and younger brother all got together and murdered Pawlik. All the family except the uncle were rounded up by the GPU and sentenced to the highest measure of social defence' - execution by firing squad.

Thousands of telegrams poured in from all over the Soviet Union urging the authorities to show no mercy to the killers. The Soviet government declared Pawlik a glorious martyr who had been murdered by reactionaries. There were monuments and statues built of him, schools right across the Soviet Union named in his memory, songs written, pilgrimages made to the school he attended in Gerasimovka by school children from all over the Soviet Union, and even an opera based on what had happened.

However it's highly unlikely any of these events ever happened, as the only evidence is hearsay and second hand witness accounts. It's a myth, a legend, Soviet propaganda, the classic Soviet morality tale: obedience to the state is a higher virtue than family love.

Now it would appear that nearly a century later here on either side of the Atlantic we have a new era of totalitarianism and history could oh so easily repeat itself and we could end up with a Western version of Pawlik. It could even be for example a Mohammed Pawlik, a young Muslim who said the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong place and on the right day with a couple of journalists and the media, we would easily have another Pawlik.

Only history wouldn't be repeating itself exactly. The oppression we are under is far more implicit, we still have democracy and a certain amount of liberty, we can still vote if we like, for who we like, the votes are counted and those who win form the government. This time the totalitarianism is coming to a certain degree with 'the will of the people' who after 20-30 years of clever social conditioning where we have been conditioned to compete against one another and become valuable to society as a resource, the haves are struggling to remain haves and to protect themselves against the have nots. This is totalitarianism coming out of class warfare.

And maybe not so much out at the munches and the events, you can see this very much if you care to join or log into any BDSM website. Only some are really interested in BDSM and 'the lifestyle', but many others aren't.. and here I have in mind the scammers, those who are just here for the money, whatever they can get out of other people, those who seek to exploit and use others.. those who cheat, deceive, and yes, there's the dangerous side of BDSM coming from organized crime hand in hand with petty criminals and also those who perhaps need a little more supervision than they're getting.

But it's also bringing the fascists, influenced by God knows what, reality TV, media, politics, religion, who come on here with a sense of social privilege and feel that it is their entitlement and moral duty to decide what is acceptable and what isn't, what is normal and what isn't.

Yes normal, acceptable, here on a BDSM website where people look for others to beat, whip, tie up, piss on, and others who need this sort of treatment.

Let's take for example taking hold of someone's profile, their personal space allocated for them to write or express themselves however which way they wish, and copying it verbatim as the opening post on a message board.

Now don't get me wrong, there are profiles worthy of discussion, humour, a good laugh, photos too, and I certainly don't see anything wrong in anyone doing this among the people they already know, as friends, where it is shared in private.

But to decide to take someone's profile on your own and post it on message board with an opinion or offering opinions from people you don't know, complete strangers, that to me is unacceptable. What's more it's a blasphemy of everything the community is supposed to stand for, especially when the questions is asked 'is this acceptable or not?'

I'm sorry, I cannot sit in silence on this issue. Not when those who are doing it 'for a laugh' think it's 'harmless fun'. It isn't. It's not funny at all. Some people come here because they find it difficult to find acceptance in wider society, they don't have that sense of social privilege, they are unsure of who they are and how it relates to their kinks and fetishes, some are going through a very vulnerable stage either emotionally, psychologically, and others really don't have much of a social network - for whatever reason - beyond the mouse, keyboard and computer.

I know, I was one of these people, and I know there are others. And well whaddya know, those people who are excluded from mainstream society are now being shut out of the BDSM community and your 'just for a laugh' or 'a bit of fun' actually does cause them misery, anguish, anxiety, depression, and other problems. Not that this would concern such people who do post other people's profiles, for they are too wrapped up in themselves to ever consider other people, and they lack the awareness, intelligence, humanity, tact and social skills to comprehend what it is they're doing is wrong or hurting people.

This is fascism. And it's right here in this group.

And I'm sorry, but I have my principles and morality, my own, and I would rather take a bullet through the head than associate with such people.

Therefore I'm out of here. I'm a Collarme Refugee Refugee. Those who know me know where to find me elsewhere, I'm quitting the group and the site owners are welcome to delete my profile here.

But please don't let me stop you. Enjoy the party.

After all, this is truly about freedom of personal self-expression. You now have peace. I'm no longer posting here.








ranja -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 6:46:00 AM)

Gosh stella... i think Pawlik was a misguided idiot whether we was real or not...

... personally i am here for the sex and the fun mainly and maybe my contributions to the boards might lighten someones day... or even darken it hehe

if you have issue with some of the topics posted on the boards you can complain to the moderators surely?




shenshinoman -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 7:17:53 AM)

Stella, I fully udnerstand where you are coming from. You have very valid points, and I wish had the power to help fix the fading glory of sites like CM and Darker. Unfortunately i do not, and by what I've seen from many others on here, there are not enough active moderators etc. to handle the ammount of trolls, scammers, flamers, etc. who come out of the woodwork. I know the ones who are active are doing their best, but unfortunately, there's been a rather strong influx of assholes onto the internet in recent years, and it was only a matter of time before they found little havens like CM to infect and attempt to destroy.




lovingpet -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 8:15:39 AM)

I am quite familiar with the Pawlik story and the one thing that rings true in my head regardless of if he deliberately turned in his father or if some ridiculous happenstance came about when he was overheard (provided the whole thing including Pawlik himself isn't a fabrication, which is still a bit unclear) is that silence is golden. I am still quite wavering one how I feel about all these things I've discovered about myself under this BDSM umbrella. I don't always quite know where I fit, what the "rules" are, or if I am "right" or "wrong". What I do know is that very little of my private life is for public consumption. For all that I place in posts, profiles, journal entries, and more, there is fathoms more I don't discuss. It is private. I will come to those topics with those who I believe I can trust. I expect those people to judge me based on what I reveal. Their opinion and approval have come to matter to me. I don't need, nor would I value, the scrutiny of strangers, so I keep my mouth shut in many areas. They can't judege what they don't know. Strangers can take something innocuous and run with it. People not properly invested in me and my life have no real stake in tearing me down and destroying my life. Pawlik learned that the hard way.

As much as I lend my voice to tolerance and doing my best to meet people where they are, I cannot feel all that much sympathy when people cannot set boundaries for their own well being and safety between what is public and what should remain private. I can't make that determination for another. Some people may flaunt what I choose to keep private. The rub lies in making something public without the expectation that, when exposed, people will have an opinion and it may not be a happy, cozy one. If I am asked my opinion, I will give it if I feel so inclined and it wont' encroach upon my own boundaries. It is my right and I take responsibility for it. If my opinion was never asked, then what I think wouldn't matter and wouldn't even be known by the person. I have huge issue with ripping someone's words for any reason, but that is the risk of putting it out there. If this is anything, it is holding people accountable for their choices in life. That is a far cry from fascism. Fascism requires a party of innocents who do horrendous things in the name of protecting everyone from the other party of the people who are so bad for all of society and should be punished for all the ills of that society. I see such behavior as a sign of individual, personal accountability being expected. I see a lot of backlash from it in the form of people not being very willing to shoulder their own responsibility. There are a few out there that want to set the standards for everyone else and crucify people with differing practices, beliefs, etc, but in general these "alternative moralists" are not tolerated. Much more backing is given to the "extreme" practicioner even though those giving the support are not at all desirous or even necessarily accepting of those practices.

I keep hitting this point over and over again in life. Yes, everyone has a right to their opinion, preferences, self expression, and much more, but with that comes the consequences for exercising such, especially when in a minority status. I don't mind being unpopular for what I might happen to believe or practice. I don't mind the criticism or the judgements. People can't have their cake and eat it too. It is easy when you are on the majority side of an argument. It's not too hard to hold to what you believe and there are plenty of supporters when you take a hit. The true test of a person's mettle, however, is what they do when the whole world seems to be against them and the choice is to conform or suffer. Now I will see exactly what that person's principles are worth to them. No one wants to be tested by fire though. Everyone is just supposed to be okay and hunky dory with everyone at all times. I'm okay, you're okay, we're all okay. Then why even ask an opinion on anything ever? My opinion isn't going to matter and your justification of your own stance carries no weight. If my opinion affects you, then it is because of the value you attach to me. The moment anything is put in public, it is an automatic request for input. General public opinion now matters on this particular subject. If it didn't, one would keep it private.

I swear I feel like pulling out the duct tape sometimes when I know someone is putting something out in public that I know they are going to wish they'd kept to themselves. I am not making a value judgement on it and it may well fall within what I call "right", but it is whether or not they are prepared to deal with the repercussions of taking that position openly. I see people post things in profiles, journals, threads, etc and then become defensive and even hurt when those things are not met with soft, fluffy, open armed acceptance. They weren't entitled to that based solely on being so kind as to share with the class. Openess, exposure, and vulnerability comes with risk and to deprive someone of that risk is to rob the person of all the full experience. I prefer to be gentle and approach with an open heart and mind, but I am not remiss in offering a direct opinion when needed or I see it as appropriate for me. The spheres of public and private are a big deal for me. I have seen what happens when the two get mixed up. I guess Pawlik did too.

lovingpet




LadyHibiscus -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:18:19 AM)

I was never a Collarme Refugee, just a person making use of what kind strangers had to offer on the interwebs. I like it here, I like it there. There are things that I do not like in either place. I am not happy that what would be considered "moderation" here is "censorship" over there, for instance. I am not happy at just how much ugliness is allowed to run rampant, and not even regarding BDSM topics. I am glad that I avoid political and religious discussions wherever I am.

I am not sure what you are referring to, Stella, but I am sorry if someone chose to attack you, and thought that your life an accomplishments were worthy of mockery.




dreamerdreaming -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:21:48 AM)

Welcome back, Stella!

[sm=cute.gif][sm=cheering.gif][sm=cheering.gif][sm=cheering.gif][sm=cute.gif]




LaTigresse -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:22:12 AM)

I guess I am just totally in the dark about whatever...




mnottertail -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:29:59 AM)

Stella,

I can cure any misgivings I have about these sorts of things with drink. I dunno, am I the only one?

Is this normal?

Ron




persephonee -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:31:39 AM)

i know what stella is talking about....sort of....i think i saw the thread this post was about...and when i noticed the way it was going, negativity just general assholery, i clicked my mouse and viola, it was gone. i do the same with porn.....mostly....ahem.
When i run into that sort of behavior in real time, i tend to step in and at least let the person know that they are showing their ass...but online, i just kind of click my way past it.
i hadnt been on CM for a while, just kind of fell out of the habit, i guess. Mark "came and got me" over on the other site, and im back because i missed y'all (yeah, i said, y'all...)

To stella, im sorry that it got under your skin and im sorry that i didnt pay enough attention long enough to see if my friend was in trouble. i wont go and review it...because, like i said, it wasnt a thread i was interested in at all....but i must have followed someone into it, and i should have done something.
Dont worry, stella....your friends know and love you and we are the onliest ones you should be paying any mind to at all....[;)]




sirsholly -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:32:57 AM)

one of the hardest tests of character is to walk away without bitterness. (((((hug)))))




BKSir -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 11:37:20 AM)

Definitely couldn't call myself a refugee, as this is the first site I really found.  I've been to a couple of the others and even have accounts there, but rarely use them for anything more than checking the calender for anything interesting going on.  I like it here, I've already moved my couch and pile of pillows in, soooo, no sense in going elsewhere.




stella41b -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 12:53:52 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

Stella,

I can cure any misgivings I have about these sorts of things with drink. I dunno, am I the only one?

Is this normal?

Ron


You know Ron that was probably one of my problems when I posted what I did.. lack of a good drink.. But it's okay and point taken.




Thenewaccount10 -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 1:00:18 PM)

Taking a stand...one what? [sm=angel.gif] [:D]




stella41b -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 1:07:14 PM)

Thank you everyone... But I wasn't really all that upset and hurt..and also wish to point out that it isn't really among the regulars there who are the regulars here.. I wasn't really affected but it just hit a raw nerve at a bad time but I still stand by the essence of what I posted..




dreamerdreaming -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 1:28:13 PM)

No idea what the rub was... Just glad you're back.   [:)]




Missokyst -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 1:30:26 PM)

Count me among the confused, but I must have missed something from this morning's posts. I don't know what set it off but I do understand propaganda and political or social agenda's.
I am not sure what this site or any other can do about people copying and pasting anothers profile in as their own. The population is dense, the resources are limited and unless there is some good record keeping it can be difficult to say this was changed to this, and knowing who did it first. If for instance I changed one word in my profile today, it would come up as new.. but it is essentially the same. People are lazy and some are opportunists, sadly that is the world in which we live.
Sometimes you just need to rant to clear the air




hlen5 -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 1:43:38 PM)

  I don't think the point was taking another's profile as your own as much as person A posting person B's profile specifically to ridicule it.


That is small and uncalled for. See something you don't care for? Ignore and MOVE ON.




lovingpet -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 1:49:17 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: hlen5

  I don't think the point was taking another's profile as your own as much as person A posting person B's profile specifically to ridicule it.


That is small and uncalled for. See something you don't care for? Ignore and MOVE ON.


That's what I understood too and I totally agree that it is a nasty thing to do. There are people out there like that though. All I can do is determine how much I am going to allow poor behavior affect me. I went for the topic earlier, but I am sorry you have had to witness or deal with this kind of behavior, Stella. It really is childish and hurtful.

lovingpet




Loki45 -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 4:59:39 PM)

The only gist I got is that it appears the OP is pissed that some, on an internet message board, are "fascists" for using their freedom of speech to comment about another person's profile (also freely found on the internet).

The irony of using the word fascist to describe people using their constitutional rights is mind boggling.

If a person does not want their profile discussed, perhaps they should not have one.




DarkSteven -> RE: Taking a stand (12/1/2009 5:29:08 PM)

stella, I've always been intrigued by you - your intelligence, talent, and also the experiences that formed you.  (And the lyrics...)  I'm not quite sure if your final stand is that you're leaving or not.  If you do, I'll miss you, and I won't be the only one.




Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>

Valid CSS!




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy
0.046875