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smileforme50 -> What do you think? What's the difference? (11/23/2014 6:14:36 PM)
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When I was 18 I signed a contract and relinquished power over my life. I signed away my rights to decide things like where I lived, what kind of work I would do, and who I would be allowed to have a relationship with.
After signing I began my training, that would teach me how to obey orders without question. I was to understand that it was my duty to sacrifice anything I was commanded to, up to and including my life.
A number of behavior modification techniques were used on me. I experienced humiliation, dehumanization, discomfort, pain, and even injury. My access to food, water, sleep, and personal hygiene were strictly controlled. I was not allowed to leave, or to interact with the outside world in any way. I was given training materials to learn, and even mantras to memorize and recite on command. All communication with my friends and family was monitored and controlled. I lost all right to privacy, and was made to be naked and even pee in front of complete strangers.
Gradually some privileges were returned to me, but I knew they could be taken back at any time if I disobeyed or made a mistake. Many things I was now allowed still required me to ask permission, and if that permission was denied then I had to abide by that choice. The threat of punishment always hung over me. For instance, if I had formed a romantic attachment with someone my trainers disapproved of, then they could terminate my contract and leave me homeless, jobless, and without recourse.
Over the course of my service I was regularly harmed. I experienced injuries, up to and including broken bones. I was hazed, harassed, and sexually assaulted. I was expected to obey even if the order went against my better judgment, and the people giving those orders often did so without regard to my own best interests. Finally, if I dared complain, it was usually implied that the only problems I had were inside my own head, and could be easily solved if I would just try harder to have a better attitude, and give better service.
Positive reinforcement was also used. Good behavior was rewarded, and I could even be put into a position of power over other contractees, with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that that entailed.
Finally, if I had ever attempted to escape, the consequences for violating my contract were severe. I could be captured and imprisoned against my will, I would be subject to societal derision because my failure would be a matter of public record, and my future employment and education prospects would be severely damaged or even ruined. And all of those consequences would be enforced by the state.
I am, of course, talking about the more than eight years that I have thus far served in the military.
But by all means, tell me more about how you think a consensual power exchange relationship between adults is abuse. I can't wait to hear it.
Addendum: Before anyone takes this the wrong way - this is not supposed to be an inditement of the military. While some of my experiences were negative, others were positive, and in the end I have derived more benefit from my military experience than not (hence, part of why I've re-enlisted... twice). It's simply a commentary on how certain kinds of experiences are accepted or even exalted if it's done in the service of a country or institution, but the idea of serving another person under similar (or, in point of fact, significantly better) conditions is somehow wrong according to certain people.
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