Objectification: Part One

There are so many activities that come under the broad banner of BDSM, D/s and fetish that it is hard to classify them in any logical way. This in itself is no big deal; it is not necessary to put every type of play into a neat little box – other then for purposes of discussion. Furthermore, often a given type of play takes on different dimensions depending on the players. For example, boot licking can be an exercise in submission for one couple, but could be nothing more than a kinky fetish with no D/s implications for another.

This is much the case with “Objectification,” which is usually defined as “the act of regarding or treating a person as an object.” Much like the boot licking example, it can be used in a D/s context or can simply be a kink or fetish. However, since objectification is such a great D/s tool, we will examine it from a Dominance and submission point of view.

So, let’s list — some in Part I and the rest in next week’s Part II — some awesome “objectification” scenarios. There is quite a range in these scenes. But the list should give you some ideas as to what level of objectification you might want to incorporate into your play. We might add that this list is far from complete; you can combine objectification with just about any BDSM activity. Imagination is your only limit.

• Permanently renaming the slave. In D/s couples, the removal of the birth name can be considered a form of objectification. This practice has very strong submissive symbolism and has the effect of “objectifying” the slave. The new persona can now be considered, for example, “slave Angel” and not simply “Ashley.” Of course, this can be just for a scene or a 24/7 name change or anything in between. When the Mistress/Master renames her/his submissive with “slave” in the new name, there is an inherent objectification and power exchange in this act.

• Requiring the slave to refer to him/herself as “slave.” Similar in spirit to renaming a slave – and often combined with it – requiring the submissive is to refer to him/herself in the third person is a very widespread BDSM tradition. This usually takes the form of the slave stating, for example, “This slave is the Master’s personal property.” This act of objectification is amazingly effective, even if it is only used during scenes. Requiring the submissive to be nothing more than “slave” is a very potent tool in the Dominant’s arsenal. When the newly named slave is instructed to refer to him/herself in the objective case, as in “This slave is Master’s property,” the couple is definitely adding to the power exchange. And all without the need to buy a new flogger!

• Human Sex Doll This is yet another user-friendly objectification scenario. This is especially good for beginners as it is an easy and fun way to experiment in basic D/s. In this scenario, the submissive partner becomes a living sex toy. The Top has total power over his/her “sex doll” within negotiated limits. Just make sure that you know your partners physical limits. For example, if he/she has any injuries, do not risk them by expecting certain sexual positions that can cause injury. That aside, there is little to be worried about here other than having too much fun!
• Caging. Putting a submissive in a cage can also have the effect of “animalizing” the submissive and is yet another distinct area of objectification play. If you put the submissive into the cage for an extended period of time, be aware of both the physical and emotional issues of longer-term confinement. Here a safe word is not only wise, it is essential. And you should instruct the submissive that the safe word can be used for both physical and/or psychological distress. And, if you ever leave the room, which I do not advise, it might be smart to leave the submissive with a cell phone – just in case. People can freak out when caged, even when they enjoy it.

Next week we will continue with more suggestions for Objectification Play. From forniphilia (guess what it is!) to hood play, we will offer eight additional scenarios that will be sure to completely fill up your “Objectification Card”!

By BaadMaster
After a ten year run as head writer for the legendary bondage.com, and an equally long run as the host of the hit internet show “Baadmaster’s Dungeon,” we are pleased to welcome the one and only Baadmaster to KinkWeekly. His thoughts about all things BDSM will now appear regularly on these pages. From the mental aspects of D/s to the nuts and bolts of S&M play, Baadmaster will cover every facet of this ever expanding lifestyle.