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Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 9:34:37 PM   
ItsAProcess


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Warning: I'm going to refer to submissives as She and Doms as He, generally. this is not because I do not believe positions can't be reversed or that Dommes or malesubs are lesser in any way, but simply because it's easier for me. this post, is however, aimed primarily at MaleDoms. Simply because that is where my experience lies.

Sometimes, I don't really understand what is going through the head of so many 'Doms'. There seems to be this pervasive and evergrowing attitude that to be dominant means taking advantage of a submissive as much as you can and then tossing her by the wayside once she catches on to your shenanigans.

Frankly, I'm tired of it.

So, much to the annoyance of many, no doubt, you all get to be witness to my personal little rant on what I like to consider the three Pillars of Dominance.

Honor.

Honor. A word from ages past. A concept and ideal that has spanned thousands upon thousands of years. You can find words meaning and carrying the same inflection in nearly every language upon this planet. I dare you to find me a society in the history of humanity where Honor of some sort or another was not vitally important.

I'll save you the time, you really won't be able to do that. Why? Because it is one of the founding principles of society. The word itself can mean many things. Honesty, Reliability, Following specific protocols of interaction. Generally? I like to think of having Honor as being someone of integrity, someone with the courage to stand up and demand more of him or herself than is easy or popular. It means taking responsibility for your mistakes, it means admitting your faults, it means keeping your word. Honor means putting what is Right before what is Convienent. Honor means holding to a strict code of personal ethics. A code that does not allow much leeway in the way of actions.

Think back with me for a moment, and consider the sorts of people in human history to whom honor is most commonly ascribed as critically important. What sort of person comes to mind first when you think of the word Honor? For me it just happens to be a Knight. A man of strength, a man respected, a man who is honored and given reknown for his deeds and his dedication to a calling higher than himself. Greater than his desires and larger than his purse, his loins, or his comfort. Oft times given great power, because a Knight was supposed to be Honorable that power was given in the trust that he would use that power, that authority for what is good, not for personal gain.

A real Dominant should strive to be similar. Be Honorable, or find a different lifestyle.


Responsibility.

Ah yes. Responsibility. The word so commonly ground into our childlike minds as we grow and learn. The word upon which much of our society is now, supposedly, based. Be responsible and do your homework. Be responsible and support your family. Be responsible and finish your chores. Be responsible and maintain the car. But responsibility is more than this. Responsibility is more than fulfilling a grouping of actions and tasks which most, or many folks consider to be vitally important.

Responsibility means doing what needs to be done, not because it brings rewards, not because it offers comfort, not because it gains you respect. Responsibility means doing what needs to be done because to do otherwise is to bring harm upon yourself and others. Because to do otherwise is to be a less-than-productive member of society. Because to do otherwise is to be a drain upon those who are close to you.

Responsibility means owning up to your faults. It means admitting when you are less than perfect, it means accepting your mistakes. It also means stiriving to repair what damage you have done through inappropriate actions, thoughts, words or attitudes. Responsibility means doing your best to be valuabe and reliable.

Be responsible, or be something besides a Dominant.

Dignity.

Oh boy, here is the one where most folks are going to call me a crackpot. But perhaps I'm just old fashioned. Dignity means comporting yourself in a fashion that is neither embarressing nor inappropriate to the situation at hand. It means having pride in your accomplishments and yourself. Dignity means having respect for yourself. Having respect for yourself, of course, has various meanings as well. Lets address some of them, shall we?

Firstly. Don't be a braggart. Sure, we all find them amusing from time to time. And yes, a good, healthy bit of confidense is an attractive feature to most folks. But when you tend to go on and on about how incredibly awesome you are, how you never fail, make mistakes, or are just generally better than the rest of us poor, less-blessed human animals? People get very, very tired of being anywhere near you. Even the people who call you friend are most likely rolling their eyes when your back is turned. Being a braggart causes others to lose respect for you. I dare you to find a submissive who will gladly and happily submit to someone they don't respect.

That wasn't very easy, was it? I didn't think so.

Secondly? Take care of yourself. That means, yes, bathing regularly. Dressing appropriately when venturing out of your personal abode, and attempting to take care of your health. I ask you, how are you going to Dom your submissive if you're too busy being locked on the couch because you're out of energy due to being overweight/sick/fucking lazy (hint, the last is the worst.) Secondly, and this might be offensive. but for god's sake. Try to get some physical activity in. It's not very fun for the submissive if she's feeling squished when you're ontop of her, now is it? I really wouldn't think so.


Thirdly, and lastly, but definately not least. Don't act like a child. Yes, this means being an adult. Is that really so hard to do? Don't throw temper tantrums, don't be overly judgemental, don't be greedy and selfish. Do your best not to be lazy. None of these things lend towards coming off reliably or with dignity. And dignity is definately important for a Dominant.


Now, just to make it clear, all of this doesn't mean you have to be some perfect manly man robot all the time. But do try to remember that you hold a position of respect and power. Comport yourself like you are someone worth respecting, it'll take you far.




< Message edited by ItsAProcess -- 1/20/2010 9:46:36 PM >
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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 9:39:05 PM   
sexyred1


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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 9:54:45 PM   
peppermint


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quote:

There seems to be this pervasive and evergrowing attitude that to be dominant means taking advantage of a submissive as


Where did you hear this?  Did you read it somewhere?  Is it prevalent in your munch group?  Can you give me some examples of how it used to be and how it is now becoming?  How do you know this attitude is growing?  Could it be that it was always there and you are just noticing it now? 

I'm very happy that you have principals that you live by.  That is very refreshing, however, what does this have to do with BDSM?  Are not those principals ones that anyone, vanilla or kinky can use in their lives?


< Message edited by peppermint -- 1/20/2010 9:58:09 PM >

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:00:29 PM   
ItsAProcess


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It's my personal experience. Now, I don't believe I've written a scientific essay, so I'm not about to go providing a referendum or a list of souces, but yes, it is prevalent in the group I used to take part of, and furthermore, I've run into way, way, way, too many submissives who have been abused/harmed due to the selfish, immature, and/or just plain dangerous actions of so called 'dominants'. When 7 out of 10 submissives have a horror story that caused them great damage, I tend to think of that as prevalent, yes.

Yes. they are principles that anyone, vanilla or kinky, can use. But I believe that as a Dominant one must hold themselves to a standard higher than the common man/woman. That's how it relates.

< Message edited by ItsAProcess -- 1/20/2010 10:01:35 PM >

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:09:20 PM   
LadyAngelika


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quote:

But I believe that as a Dominant one must hold themselves to a standard higher than the common man/woman.


Ooooh....

* sits next to sexyred1 & steals some of her popcorn*

- LA

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:22:51 PM   
peppermint


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I just asked where you information came from.  You are the one spouting statistics as in 7 out of every 10 submissives has some sort of horror story to tell about being used or abused in some way by some incompetent Dominant.  I know of a couple submissives who had bad experiences.  Strangely those were advised to stay away from the man and insisted they could handle it in both cases. They went into the relationship eyes wide open.  However, the cases I know of are only a very tiny percentage of the submissives I know personally. 

I will admit that there are some bad apples in every bunch no matter what walk of life you look upon.  The problem is that the worst Dominant for one submissive is the perfect Dominant for another.  Same Dominant but so different an outcome.  It has nothing to do with the wonderful virtues you have brought up.  It has to do with compatibility. 

It works the same in the vanilla world.  The perfect man for one woman is the most awful match for the next woman.  I do not see why Dominants and/or submissives should be held to a higher standard than any other people.  They are just humans afterall, as we all are.  Humans are not perfect.  They will never be perfect.  They may all work towards the goals you have set for yourself.  All will have ups and downs in their lives. 

quote:

don't be overly judgemental,


I suggest you take some of your own advice. 

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:27:20 PM   
ItsAProcess


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Firstly? I don't see how I'm being overly judgemental. I don't believe I called anyone worthless/useless.. or even insulted anyone in any fashion.

Secondly? A Dominant needs to be held to a higher standard because, quite frankly, the amount of damage that can be done to a person through the power given to them is beyond staggering.

"With Great Power comes Great Responsibility." - Uncle Ben (Stan Lee)

Or perhaps, the Parable of the Talents?

The idea that those with power must be held to a higher standard is as old as human civilization. We expect more of our government leaders, our bosses, our parents. Why not Dominants?

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:38:13 PM   
littlewonder


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quote:

But I believe that as a Dominant one must hold themselves to a standard higher than the common man/woman. That's how it relates.


Why??

Hate to break it to ya dear but you're just a man like every other man on the planet.Just because you're kinky doesn't mean you're special.

People in general should hold to their morals and values whatever they may be.

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:42:29 PM   
goober


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Adverts that say "FACEBOOK OF SEX (18+) Find a Slut. Email her. Fuck her Tonight!!!" are not exactly suitable for such a site IMO. This is not a porn site (though of course, by its very nature it attracts perves...who happen to msg these "sluts" they find on the site telling them what to do...)

not directed to you littlewonder, just a reply :)

< Message edited by goober -- 1/20/2010 10:43:34 PM >

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:44:16 PM   
ItsAProcess


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Because those with power must be held to a higher standard than other, normal folks, so they do not bring harm or ruination to those whom they have power over. It's a common enough concept. I don't understand why it's so hard to grasp. Think about it.

Yes, I'm just a man. I think nothing else. But these /are/ discussion forums, so, I am attempting to start a discussion and perhaps share my opinions in the meantime.


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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:47:01 PM   
goober


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....right... because 'normal' folks don't have responsibilities like looking after children, looking after sick relatives, or (shock horror) looking after themselves. Obviously, if one can't control oneself (in all aspects of life), they have no right to want to control a submissive.

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:50:00 PM   
ItsAProcess


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Damn right. If you can't control yourself enough that you are more of a benefit to yourself and those around you, than you are a detriment? You shouldn't have a submissive. Because you're going to bring damage. the inherent nature of this lifestyle creates incredible vulnerability on an emotional and physical level. I, for one, believe that those who are not willing to be more reliable or trustable than the common man should not be given the opportunity to take advantage of that vulnerability.

Because really? It's only going to end in harm being done, otherwise.

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 10:59:59 PM   
goober


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Hey remember you this?
quote:

Because those with power must be held to a higher standard than other, normal folks


Haha - you are now contradicting yourself within the space of one message, and completely fail to see my point. You seem to think that all Doms micromanage their subs? I'm done in here!

If I knew how to get a popcorn icon up / feed the trolls, then I'd slap it in right about.... HERE.

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 11:06:33 PM   
ItsAProcess


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quote:

ORIGINAL: goober

Hey remember you this?
quote:

Because those with power must be held to a higher standard than other, normal folks


You seem to think that all Doms micromanage their subs? I'm done in here!



Hmm. No, I'm not really contradicting myself, and secondly, I don't believe I've mentioned a single word about management of the submissive. In fact, the entire thread was about management of one's self.

So, no, you're just failing to understand my point.

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 11:29:29 PM   
Hawkwindblues


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Fast reply and not to the post before.

Maybe some military background?

< Message edited by Hawkwindblues -- 1/20/2010 11:30:11 PM >


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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 11:34:28 PM   
ItsAProcess


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Hawkwindblues

Fast reply and not to the post before.

Maybe some military background?



Actually, yes. I do have some military background. I draw alot of my inspiration for how a dominant should compose himself from the same code of ethics that a Sergeant or an Officer has to follow.

But apparently that's asking too much of people. It just.. kind of strikes me as strange.


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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 11:45:02 PM   
NihilusZero


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Premise:

quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Don't be a braggart.


Attempt:

quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

So, much to the annoyance of many, no doubt, you all get to be witness to my personal little rant...

quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

I'll save you the time...


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Think back with me for a moment...


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

...or find a different lifestyle.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Ah yes.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess
...or be something besides a Dominant.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Oh boy, here is the one where most folks are going to call me a crackpot. But perhaps I'm just old fashioned.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Lets address some of them, shall we?


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess
But when you tend to go on and on about how incredibly awesome you are....people get very, very tired of being anywhere near you.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

That wasn't very easy, was it? I didn't think so.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

...if you're too busy being locked on the couch because you're out of energy due to being overweight/sick/fucking lazy (hint, the last is the worst.)


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

but for god's sake.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

It's not very fun for the submissive if she's feeling squished when you're ontop of her, now is it? I really wouldn't think so.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Don't act like a child.


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

 Is that really so hard to do?


quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAProcess

Now, just to make it clear, all of this doesn't mean you have to be some perfect manly man robot all the time. But do try to remember that you hold a position of respect and power. Comport yourself like you are someone worth respecting, it'll take you far.


Conclusion:

Epic Fail.

< Message edited by NihilusZero -- 1/20/2010 11:46:52 PM >


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I know they're all insane
I know it's all in vain
I know that I'm to blame."
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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/20/2010 11:49:09 PM   
littlewonder


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Yeah, only kinky men have power and ya know those kinky men gotta protect those innocent little frail girls so they don't get all hurt and stuff.




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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/21/2010 12:25:01 AM   
HisEvelyn


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Not what I expected my first post here to be.  Oh dear.  But it must be done, as I feel there is misunderstanding here.

Process is my Dominant.  He is a very honourable and respectable man.  As our relationship grows and I learn more about him as a man and as my Master, I only come to adore him more thoroughly. While I respect everyone's opinions and will never tell you you are wrong for your opinions, I would like to clarify what he is saying here.

As a submissive, I give much of my personal power to my Dominant.  And knowing that he holds that responsibility for my safety and my well-being so highly, and sets for himself standards above your average person? It allows me to trust him in ways I could not do for another. In mere months, the level of trust between us grows so that I want to do more, submit further, give more every day.  To please him and make him smile.  To hear him call me his good girl is the highlight of my day.

If I did not feel like he took the responsibility for my safety and well-being seriously?  If I did not believe that my submission was cherished and appreciated?  I could not trust him so much.  I could not give all of my core to him.  I would be afraid, and some part of me would rebel.

There is no doubt that he is in charge.  He owns me.  Every inch of me belongs to him.  But because of his sense of honor, respect, and dignity?  There is never one single moment that I doubt him.  I am free to revel in my service and utter submission to him because I know he will never abuse the trust and power I give him.  He demands excellence of Himself just as he does of me.

It is not about kinky men protecting weak, fragile girls.  It is about the highest level of respect for the power one holds.  And a Dominant holds power the average person does not.  He holds the power over another's mental health and well-being.

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RE: Honor, Responsibility, Dignity. - 1/21/2010 1:16:18 AM   
MasterSlaveLA


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Oh good GAWD... little more than fantasy Dommy-knight-on-white-horse chest-thumping blather.

Next!!!



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