BDSM is a fetish that generates many controversies. In fact, we can’t think of any other perversion that has such a negative reputation. Of course, this all comes down to stereotypes and poor mainstream portrayal. If you think about it, most media sources treat bondage and its BDSM counterparts as something only freaks, weirdos, and baddies practice. But that’s simply not true, and it’s about time we redefine our views on it.
BDSM in itself is an easy target for self-righteous groups who enjoy criticizing it. That is due to various acts its fetishists participate in. One such act is objectification, which is a derogatory term. Why? Because BDSM fetishists indulge in it consensually, which is what makes it more than okay. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Allow us to, instead, explore this fetish in more detail in the following text.
The Ins and Outs of Objectification
Objectification is a negative term. We use it to describe reinforcing negative stereotypes in our society. A perfect example would be the objectification of women, where men reduce females to certain traditional roles. As such, we can consider it to be abusive behavior. However, these rules don’t apply in the world of BDSM, where such behavior comes about from mutual consent and is a sex game.
The reason someone would enjoy their partner treating them like an object is psychological. Moreover, it comes from their masochistic nature. They enjoy being humiliated sexually, as it turns them on. That goes both for men and women alike. However, when BDSM objectification is portrayed in pop culture, it’s usually men on the receiving end of things. You know, powerful female Doms and pathetic hubbies in latex gimp suits. And if you are looking to incorporate latex suits to your sex life then, a visit to laidtex online store will do you good.
Objectification in BDSM Communities
In BDSM, objectification is a fetish where the dominant partner threats their submissive other as an object. The point is to degrade someone, portraying them as unworthy. There are numerous ways men and women can practice it, yet some are more effective than others. A fine example is dressing the sub in a full-body latex suit that removes all personality from them. The outfit covers them from head to toes, including their mouth and even eyes.
Some enjoy taking objectification to a whole other level. Namely, they practice forniphilia, a fetish in which subs act as furniture. Yup, the dominant partner dresses them up in a gimp suit that removes human qualities and orders them to act like a chair, table, or something else. It works well with bondage so that they can endure better in a certain unnatural position that traps their limbs.
The Most Common Types of Objectification
Aside from treating someone as an actual object (a table, chair, bed, etc.), BDSM kinksters practice other objectification techniques. A classic one would be talking about the objectified sub with a third person while the sub is excluded from the conversation. That usually works as cuckolding. In this kink, a submissive male sits, listens, and watches their dominant female have sex with another man while they comment on him being pathetic and weak.
Another common way of objectifying someone is walking them on a leash. This is popular in BDSM clubs where Doms take their subs who act like pets. The subs are yet again in full-body latex catsuits, only this time they wear an appropriate mask. Of course, the idea is to reduce their humanity and show them as animals. But that’s not all! Some take things even further in BDSM objectification.
Have you heard of sex cages? Well, caging is a type of objectification in which the dominant partner places their sub into a real-life cage. You can consider it similar to walking someone on a leash, as it reduces them to an animal. Doms usually do it for a prolonged period, leaving the caged person only with a bowl of water, as they would with a dog. Again, this works best with a bondage suit and an animal mask.
Needless to say, there are tons of ways that people can enjoy the objectification fetish. Some are more extreme than others, but that’s just how it is. However, we need to mention just one more — the human doll. In this form of objectification, the submissive partner acts as a sex doll. They don’t move or make any contact — they are fully inanimate. As such, the dominant partner gets to do to them whatever they want.
Are There Objectification Rules?
In essence, objectification can work any way you want it to. The only thing that’s important is that it’s consensual. Without consent, you’re doing harm which can be considered abuse. But BDSM is all about safe, sane, and consensual, isn’t it? Well, yes. Still, some take things too far, damaging the other person and their relationship eventually. So, to prevent that, it’s critical to talk things through beforehand and include safe words and aftercare.
The number one rule of objectification and sex, in general, is to discuss what you want and need from your partner. You need to introduce the idea and explain what benefits can come out of it. Nevertheless, it’s just as significant to be ready for a negative response from your partner. If they don’t like being treated as an object, it’s more than okay that they don’t participate in it. You can always find a middle ground.
Next up, the two of you should establish safe words. If your partner accepts this fetish, you should come up with words or phrases that will signal that the deed has gone too far. At that moment, all action should stop. This is especially critical if you delve into forniphilia which includes bondage and extremely uncomfortable positions. Then again, caging someone for a long time can also call for the sub to use a safe word.
Lastly, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of aftercare. This term refers to tending to your partner both emotionally and physically after any objectification session. The thing is, reducing someone to an object can leave a lasting impact on their health. Therefore, you must console them and explain that none of that is for real. It’s just a game that they can stop playing anytime they want.