Objectification: Part Two

Objectification, as noted in last week’s article, has a built-in power disparity that works great in a D/s context. Since objectification play is more a mental exercise than a technical skill, it is ideal for those new in the lifestyle who want to establish, or reinforce, a power exchange. This practice can take many forms, but at its heart is the aim to strengthen the power disparity that is the core of any D/s interaction. And it is fun too!

So here is a list of eight additional Objectification scenarios that can add excitement to your BDSM – and sex — life.

The submissive as the Master/Mistress’s footstool. “Submissive as furniture” is probably the most popular form of objectification play. Often the submissive is required to be a footstool for the Dom/me. Or, the bottom can be turned into a table, on all fours, with dishes of food on his/her back. You can take this “slave as furniture” concept anywhere you want to. Slave as toilet. Slave as room decoration. Slave as ashtray.

Enforced Accessibility. This set-up is great for couples with an objectification fetish that want to reinforce the sexual aspects of submission. Different that the “sex doll” objectification in that the Dominant selects a particular period of time when the submissive must be available for sex, regardless of other considerations. During these specific periods of time the bottom knows that the Top can demand any sexual act from him/her and is required to be ready for such demands. Many couples find the both the anticipation by the bottom of such periods and the sexual objectification inherent in such a scenario to be incredibly exciting.

Forniphilia. Making furniture with a bound submissive is known as “forniphilia.” (There is a name for everything it seems!) Be forewarned. Don’t keep the sub in “furniture bondage” for too long. Watch for cramping. In this type of scene, a safe word is in order.

Combining BDSM with objectification. There is no rule that says objectification must be a stand-alone act. Tie a submissive to a St. Andrews Cross and talk about her/him in the objective case, hang a sign on her/him or put items on her/him are objectification scenes I have actually witnessed. The key is always making sure that the bottom is being objectified as opposed to just being scened with.

Objectification combined with humiliation play. An interrogation scene, where the submissive is treated as a nameless prisoner, is one way to go. This is likely to involve gags, blindfolds and verbal humiliation. Interrogation scenes, by their very nature, have a way of becoming harsh; care must be taken to respect negotiated limits.

Hood play. Just putting a hood on a submissive is exquisite objectification. She/he is, by definition, faceless and becomes nothing but an object. This is an extremely safe, yet incredibly effective, way of objectifying a submissive. Just make sure the hood is fitted properly and the slave can breathe easily.

Puppy play. This is another extremely popular activity. There might be a debate whether this is pure objectification; it might me more “animalization” if you wish to be technical. No matter, it is a very popular BDSM activity. In fact, there are national “puppy play” competitions. In this scenario, the bottoms become puppies; the “Master/Mistress” is often referred to as a trainer – as in animal trainer. Plush puppy paws, chew toys, puppy suits and leashes are items that “puppy players” use to take this style of “objectification” play to its highest levels.

Pony play. Again, one can debate if this is “objectification” per se. In pony play, the Dominant trains the submissive to walk, trot and act like a pony. The proper gait – from a slow trot to a cantor – and perfect pony posture are two of the aims of the serious pony trainer. The “show pony” is beautifully dressed in headgear, elegant footwear and reigns, often pulling a cart. This is a very safe – and pricey! — way to objectify one’s submissive, hence the large number of pony play aficionados.

Objectification runs the gamut from “human sex doll” to “slave as toilet,” from “hood play” to “forniphilia,” from “light verbal humiliation” to “heavy degradation.” Because of this wide range, it is one of the most popular forms of BDSM play. It doesn’t require years of practice to learn; you can get the same rush with objectification play as you can with a bullwhip. Just remember that you must always keep the psychological well being of the bottom in mind. Don’t push objectification to such a point that you can damage the submissive’s psyche. Have a safe word that the submissive can use for any reason that she/he feels her/his limits have been passed. Those safety considerations aside, this is a great way to have fun within your tastes and limits!

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.