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Voltare -> RE: submissive vs slave (2/2/2005 10:20:37 AM)
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In my opinion, this is one of those age old online wars that I fail to see any significant distinction involved in the real world.
The world slave, to me, means something different from a submissive. Submission is a quality, one that I believe every human posesses to one degree or another. Most of us stop at stop signs, pay the price listed on groceries, pay our income taxes, and everyone to one degree or another follows the written rules of the world somewhere, someplace. This would, by definition, be submitting to laws, rules, and social mores. Dominance is the same - everyone has, at some point or another, given an instruction to another person, made a rule for their home, children, etc, or in some way exercised authority. People who identify themselves as submissives or Dominants, aren't stating they lack the other quality, just that their preferred role (most frequently) in their personal relationships. I know lots of submissives who are dominant at work, and lots of Dominants have submissive roles in the home, in the workplace, etc etc. For many, the expression of these roles is almost exclusively reserved for either the bedroom, or interaction with their significant other(s).
A 'slave' in my mind refers to a specific type of submissive, with a desire for a greater degree of control over their personal lives. Rules can become harsher, stronger, more plentiful, and the need for enforcement is often greater (a submissive often needs rules, but as reality interferes, sometimes the resulting punishments are not a severe, or aggressively applied.) Some submissives have a fantasy of being a slave, for periods of time daily, on weekends, or even 24/7, but I don't consider this to be the majority. Definitions of Masters verses Dominints are similar in nature, I think, with only a few distinctions. The defining element, I believe, is the implication of ownership, though I would be careful about assigning broad labels i.e. 'if a woman doesn't agree that her Master has parental rights over her offspring, then she can't be considered a slave.' While that definition works for some people, it doesn't work for me. I think this is why most people who are active in the lifestyle usually have a measure of tolerance when it comes to assigning titles and labels, preferring to just ask the other person what they believe themselves to be.
Deeds, titles, and paychecks obviously can be transferred at will.
Stephan
As for the few legal questions, I do know a little about it. Adoption rights are a little fuzzy, as the state has ultimate authority. If a local Child Protective Services were to find that a woman was, say, 'bred' for the purpose of selling her child by her Master to a childless family... well, the adoption would likely be contested and taken by the state (a quick search on Google will show a few examples of this.)
Power of Attorny comes in two forms, with different names in different states. A specific power of attorny outlines exactly what the authority entails, i.e. authority over the sale of a house for example. This is a standard form that any person would sign to allow their lawyer to act in their stead, though anyone may be granted such power. A general power of attorny is a broad document, allowing a person to do everything from write checks in your name, use your credit card, sell your house, or buy a car - as if you were doing it yourself. I gave my mother such a document before I left for South America, so she could tend any issues that arise while I am out of the country. Obviously, such documents are rare, usually including an expiration date, or other safeguards. A slave could sign such a document, and while it does not give her own rights up (it is nearly impossible to sign a document surrendering every right you have, as many are also responsibilities - i.e. tax obligations can't be 'given up') it does extend her authority to the Master in question.
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