Recs, The Nature Of BDSM, D/s, and Other Things

[bradygirl_12]

Hmm, I thought I'd do a rec of comms that might fit some people's tastes: slavefics, dsfics, and bdsm_fandom. The latter two involve consensual dominance and submission. All are multi-fandom comms and the first two also allow original fic.



As a ramble, I do enjoy the exploration of power dynamics in both actual slavery and D/s situations. I've built an AU in which slavery is commonplace on Earth in the Clark/Bruce series, Rainbow's Freedom, and intend to continue with the Bruce/Dick D/s series, Collared, when I can, ahem, collar some of the plot bunnies! ;)

The slave scenarios involve intense emotions and situations by their very nature, and the consensual D/s scenarios are fascinating psychological studies of characters who willingly submit. My belief is that Clark is a natural sub, which suits the most powerful being on the planet, because it's a psychological safety mechanism for the rest of us. A man with sub tendencies is far less likely to want to rule the world. And being a sub doesn't mean he's a wimp! It means he's incredibly strong and courageous in the most fascinating sense of the word (I must be channeling Spock). I understand I'm probably in the minority with this opinion but that's fine. I am happy to honor IDIC. :)

I've been mulling over some AUs using these themes for Public Enemies, as the use of chains would fit quite nicely! ;) I'll probably just write them as an indulgence, because the fandom is small and who knows who would read it? But sometimes you just need to write stuff that is clamoring to get out. ;) Besides, Christian Bale's character in a collar and manacles? How could I go wrong? ;)

One of these days I should run a Challenge using either slave or D/s themes, though I'm not sure there'd be any takers! ;)

I know, I am this sweet little Sparkle Queen with a whips n' chains playroom in the basement. ;)

Comments

[northernwalker]

Thanks for the recs!

My belief is that Clark is a natural sub, which suits the most powerful being on the planet, because it's a psychological safety mechanism for the rest of us. A man with sub tendencies is far less likely to want to rule the world. And being a sub doesn't mean he's a wimp!

Not an unpopular view with me. He didn't choose to be who he is in the same way that Bruce or Oliver or even Diana did. All of them made choices to become something more than their everyday selves- even Diana could have stayed home and not come to Man's world. Clark felt a responsibility, but given his druthers, I wonder if he'd choose to be born without the strength.

[bradygirl_12]

Thanks for the recs!

You're welcome! :)

My belief is that Clark is a natural sub, which suits the most powerful being on the planet, because it's a psychological safety mechanism for the rest of us. A man with sub tendencies is far less likely to want to rule the world. And being a sub doesn't mean he's a wimp!

Not an unpopular view with me. He didn't choose to be who he is in the same way that Bruce or Oliver or even Diana did. All of them made choices to become something more than their everyday selves- even Diana could have stayed home and not come to Man's world. Clark felt a responsibility, but given his druthers, I wonder if he'd choose to be born without the strength.

I think Clark would have been very happy to take over the farm and stay in Smallville. He would love being close to the earth and being a pillar of the community like his parents were, and maybe write for the local paper. :) Though he might still have become a journalist and gone to Metropolis, but if he had his druthers, I think he would have liked to have been ordinary, though I think he is very proud of his work as a superhero and is suited very well for it. :)

[jeannev.livejournal.com]

Your belief about Clark mirrors my own. And for the very reasons you cite. It just makes sense to me that Clark would reliquinsh control in sexual situations. Of course, sub's actually have quite a bit of control in the D/S dynamic. And that too suits Clark.

[bradygirl_12]

Your belief about Clark mirrors my own. And for the very reasons you cite. It just makes sense to me that Clark would reliquinsh control in sexual situations. Of course, sub's actually have quite a bit of control in the D/S dynamic. And that too suits Clark.

Exactly! The sub really holds the power, and that would suit Clark very well. :)

I can see Bruce playing the role, too, in order to give up control with someone he trusts, but he's a natural Dom in my book. ;)

Clark as the all-powerful Superman is best-suited to a sub personality while Bruce as the vulnerable human Batman needs that drive of a Dom to survive. That doesn't mean they can't switch and enjoy the different roles, just that they have natural preferences. :)

I touched on that theme recently in the last arc of Rainbow's Freedom, because the boys' relationship there is very complicated but works for them. :)

[jeannev.livejournal.com]

I don't think I could see Bruce as a sub. I just don't believe he'd be able to give up the control (or the illusion of it). Thats just not his personality. Oliver is another character that I couldn't envision as a sub. Now, someone like Lex, I could envision either way.

But Clark? I can only see him as a sub.

[bradygirl_12]

I don't think I could see Bruce as a sub. I just don't believe he'd be able to give up the control (or the illusion of it). Thats just not his personality. Oliver is another character that I couldn't envision as a sub.

I understand what you're saying. Giving up that control is very, very difficult for some people. The only way I could see either Bruce or Ollie doing it is with someone they trust completely, and only after wrestling with their inner Doms. ;)

Now, someone like Lex, I could envision either way.

*nods*

I totally buy that!

But Clark? I can only see him as a sub.

*laughs*

Our boy is just naturally subby, isn't he? ;)

[patrese1.livejournal.com]

I don't know very much about BDSM but from the gist of it, I agree that Bruce being human, and the necessity for being dominant to survive would also extend that preference in his relationships.

But how does a sub hold the power?

[bradygirl_12]

I don't know very much about BDSM but from the gist of it, I agree that Bruce being human, and the necessity for being dominant to survive would also extend that preference in his relationships.

I view Bruce as naturally dominant, but cultivating that personality trait to survive as Batman. He likes to be in control in EVERYTHING, so playing or living D/s would be his thing. :)

But how does a sub hold the power?

D/s is supposed to be consensual, so parameters are usually agreed on before the play begins. A safeword is established so that if things get too intense or goes in a direction that the sub doesn't like, he/she uses the safeword to stop the action. Doms can use it, too, but it's usually the sub who does, therefore ultimately controlling the game.

Think of Bruce/Dick in a D/s relationship. Bruce would easily be the Dom and Dick eager to please as the sub, but who has whom wrapped around their finger? ;)

[saavikam77.livejournal.com]

I can only really see Clark as a sub, too. It's sort of the same way I usually only see him bottoming to his partners (and especially with toppy/dom Bruce :p). All that incredible strength, it seems like he'd have a need for it to be tamed, kept in check, you know?

[bradygirl_12]

I can only really see Clark as a sub, too. It's sort of the same way I usually only see him bottoming to his partners (and especially with toppy/dom Bruce :p). All that incredible strength, it seems like he'd have a need for it to be tamed, kept in check, you know?

*nods*

He'd instinctively know that he needs to keep in check, and that has helped form his personality. People who are subs constantly say that submitting frees them, and it would be the same for Clark: freedom to enjoy his powers but know that his Dom was keeping him in check, and who better to trust than Bruce? Though I bet Diana or Lois would be perfect, too.

Think about that! Clark is drawn to the Dom types, isn't he? Lois is a natural, and so is Bruce. Diana can be a switch-hitter, but she is more Dom than sub. When I write her with Steve, the macho pilot has sub tendencies, submitting to his Angel, because it's probably the only way their relationship can work. It's equal, but with Diana's history, she's not likely to submit to a man. Steve has to be the one to do it.

Wow, talk about a fun topic! :)

[saavikam77.livejournal.com]

People don't usually understand what I mean when I talk about Clark needing a strong partner to take control, like Lois, but you definitely see what I mean! It's all about his need for a firm hand. A meek partner (like early SV Lana) just won't do for him, especially after he really comes into his powers. I think that's a large part of the overall story of him falling for Lois and looking back and seeing Lana as someone that would have wound up wrong for him in the long run.

So many layers to Clark's story, I just love it!

[bradygirl_12]

People don't usually understand what I mean when I talk about Clark needing a strong partner to take control, like Lois, but you definitely see what I mean! It's all about his need for a firm hand.

Exactly! As a child he had his parents as the authority figures, and then as he grew up he sought out someone to help him control. Lois or Bruce are such wonderful matches because of their incredible strength of will and dominance. Clark's instincts tell him that he needs that.

A meek partner (like early SV Lana) just won't do for him, especially after he really comes into his powers.

Bingo! That must be one of the reasons I didn't they they worked on SV. Maybe in comicsverse they could, but SV Lana just couldn't be that personality for Clark until much, much later, and too much water had gone under the bridge by then.

I think that's a large part of the overall story of him falling for Lois and looking back and seeing Lana as someone that would have wound up wrong for him in the long run.

Even when I view them as platonic partners, Lois is still the one pushing Clark in his profession, which is a good thing for a reporter, and keeping him grounded because she's a fiercely protective friend. :)

So many layers to Clark's story, I just love it!

Me, too! That's why I laugh when people say Superman's boring. Huh! They don't see the layers. To me, sure, Batman's interesting because of how he pushes himself to succeed without powers, but Superman has to restrain at all times in order not to hurt anyone or do too much (leaning toward dictatorial behavior if he's not careful). Ironically, the literal restraints of a D/s relationship frees him in ways that many people can't understand.

[me-ya-ri.livejournal.com]

First, *waves hands excitedly for Slave/D/s challenge* I'd be SOOOOO up for that! 8D Heck, I'd probably write multiple things for it, given the theme. *laughs*

Second, complete agreement with Clark as a sub. I can see him with top tendancies but not as a true Dom. Switch, sure, that's easy too. Bruce is so very much a Dom. *grins* It's just his personality, I think.

Oh and yes, please to Christian Bale in collar and chains. *big eager grin* You know I like that idea! ;D

[bradygirl_12]

First, *waves hands excitedly for Slave/D/s challenge* I'd be SOOOOO up for that! 8D Heck, I'd probably write multiple things for it, given the theme. *laughs*

*laughs*

I did host a Bondage Challenge a few years ago. Maybe it's time to dust it off again. Poll time? I know YOUR answer, LOL!

Second, complete agreement with Clark as a sub. I can see him with top tendancies but not as a true Dom. Switch, sure, that's easy too. Bruce is so very much a Dom. *grins* It's just his personality, I think.

Your stories encapsulate that notion so well. I became a fan of yours with your Clex story Destiny In The Blood about Kryptonian males submitting because it's what they're driven to do genetically, and then of course your wonderful Clark/Bruce/Lex tale, Light And Dark. :)

Oh and yes, please to Christian Bale in collar and chains. *big eager grin* You know I like that idea! ;D

*grins*

Public Enemies just seems to scream D/s to me. ;) Johnny Dillinger is this mesmerizing rogue (excellently played by Johnny Depp) and Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale, also a fantastic portrayal) is this conflicted man who takes his Southern-bred honor seriously, but is forced to do unsavory things in the pursuit of Dillinger. And the scene they share in the film just crackles with sexual energy! I and others have written tales of Mel giving up his life for the love of Johnny, which could easily translate into a D/s sort of relationship. Hmm, maybe I'll make it commonplace in an AU, that D/s doesn't raise an eyebrow. ;)

[bizarra.livejournal.com]

I have actually been playing a little with some of these themes in some of my fic, which admittedly have nothing to do with comic fandoms.. but the point is... it's something that i have recently been playing with. (In Remember WENN fandom, if you want to know what universe I'm swimming in. LOL)

The character I am using as a sub (and sometimes Dom, when her mood strikes) is the last one people would expect to be a sub. But with her ego and her strength, I can see her being a sub to in a sense keep her grounded. I've been reading up a lot on the BDSM lifestyle as its new to me, but its been interesting to find out about.

[bradygirl_12]

I have actually been playing a little with some of these themes in some of my fic, which admittedly have nothing to do with comic fandoms.. but the point is... it's something that i have recently been playing with. (In Remember WENN fandom, if you want to know what universe I'm swimming in. LOL)

*waves*

Hi, Bizarra! :)

I've never seen the show but know it's set in the past (1940s?) and must have wonderful period detail. :)

The character I am using as a sub (and sometimes Dom, when her mood strikes) is the last one people would expect to be a sub. But with her ego and her strength, I can see her being a sub to in a sense keep her grounded. I've been reading up a lot on the BDSM lifestyle as its new to me, but its been interesting to find out about.

Isn't the lifestyle fascinating? The psychological goings-on never fail to intrigue me.

[bizarra.livejournal.com]

RW was set 1939-1941. AMC cancalled the show just as FDR declared war. Pardon misspellings on Cell. Keyboard. Anyway in my reading BDSM as we know it today didn't come to being until after the war, however it clearly existed, but likely the terminology was different. May have been more known as S&M. More early knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

Perhaps at Mediawest I shall introduce you to my little show.:-)

[bradygirl_12]

RW was set 1939-1941. AMC cancalled the show just as FDR declared war. Pardon misspellings on Cell. Keyboard. Anyway in my reading BDSM as we know it today didn't come to being until after the war, however it clearly existed, but likely the terminology was different. May have been more known as S&M. More early knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

That would be a fascinating research topic: BDSM before the War! :)

Perhaps at Mediawest I shall introduce you to my little show.:-)

LOL! You'd love Public Enemies! ;)

[bizarra.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to find some info, but since the term BDSM itself doesn't really exist pre-war, its been hard. I need to search on S&M. And that google search kinda scares me. LOL

I need to see Public Enemies. Its got Johnny Depp in it. What's not to love? LOL That was one of those, Oh I need to see that movies that I never got around to seeing. I have a lot of those. LOL

[bradygirl_12]

I'm trying to find some info, but since the term BDSM itself doesn't really exist pre-war, its been hard. I need to search on S&M. And that google search kinda scares me. LOL

*laughs*

Yeah, that must be some search! ;)

I need to see Public Enemies. Its got Johnny Depp in it. What's not to love? LOL That was one of those, Oh I need to see that movies that I never got around to seeing. I have a lot of those. LOL

True! Johnny is luv! :)

He really does Dillinger well, and Christian delivers a very understated but magnetic performance as Melvin Purvis. His Southern accent alone will make you swoon! ;)

[ladyblkrose.livejournal.com]

A really good read on the lifestyle is Jay Wiseman's SM 101: A Realistic Introduction. I found it answered a lot of questions for me as a novice to the lifestyle. Just my humble opinion so YMMV

[carolandtom.livejournal.com]

I think Clark can be a sub by choice, not because that's his natural tendency. He's too smart to not realize he has to keep his incredibly powers under control. But I don't like it when he's written like he likes being all meek and submissive and doesn't mind to be treaded upon and insulted and humiliated. Clark has a strong will and a deep sense of dignity. He's humble but not weak. At all!

[bradygirl_12]

I think Clark can be a sub by choice, not because that's his natural tendency. He's too smart to not realize he has to keep his incredibly powers under control.

I can live with that. I think Clark is brilliant and would understand the nuances even better than Bruce.

But I don't like it when he's written like he likes being all meek and submissive and doesn't mind to be treaded upon and insulted and humiliated. Clark has a strong will and a deep sense of dignity. He's humble but not weak. At all!

*nods*

Subs are strong people. They ultimately hold the power and it's their giving over control that makes them the strongest.

[greyandgold.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the comm recs :)

[bradygirl_12]

Thanks for the comm recs :)

You're very welcome! Enjoy! :)