Objectification

[DreamSensualist]

Does anyone have any experience, views, or comments regarding Objectification?

I have looked through the library & threads and most posts I have found that address this link it to humiliation. This is not the objectification I am talking about. Don't get me wrong... I love humiliation play but I am talking more about being an object, or something less than human in a freeing sense, with a degree of pridefulness in the ability to assume that role (as opposed to the pride that comes form being his whore).

When I first started identifying with BDSM and my submissive side I bought a book called "Erotic Surrender ~ The Sensual Joys of Female Submission" by Claudia Varrin. It had a chapter called "Objects of Beauty and Usefullness" which intrigued me. Two main themes of objectification she discusses are "useful objects" and "animal personas". I have read many posts on puppy or kitten play and pony-girl isn't something that has appealed to me on a deep level. I am more interested in the "useful objects" genre.

I would love to quote parts of the book but am unsure of copyright so I will try & pharaphrase it succintly & effectively to explain my attraction.

* If a submissive has a nurturing of service oriented style then it can be a gift to her Dominant as acknowledgement & appreciation for all the work that he puts into making her fantasies come true.

* By the Dominant treating you as an object, total subjugation and powerlessness can be enjoyed guiltlessly.

* Puppy play or other role playing requires the Dominant to monitor each action of the "puppy" and the submissive to take on the persona, actions & intent of a puppy. As, say a candelabra the position can be assumed and all thought suspended which can apparently put a sub is an almsot trancelike state, a "lightness" of being" ... I'm not one for yoga or meditation but I imagine that the result is very similar with the added satisfaction of pleasing your Dom.

* Objectification is not necessarily sexual ..... as an object you can assume a position of usefullness (footstool, table, ashtray) or a "Objets D'art". For those of you who have read The Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice this is addressed although quite often in a more sexual manner if my memory serves me right. However, as a piece of art the Dominant may pose the submissive on or over a chair or however he wishes in such a way that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also exposed. I imagine that a difficult poistion to hold would provide more challenge to the sub, and as such more focus would be required in effect requiring denial of the outside world to a greater degree and her center being entorely on pleasing him....

I am not exactly sure of me attarction to this... perhaps a mixture of pleasing him, providing the Dominant with some "down time" while still being able to apprecaite you but not interact, the pridefullness that comes from knowing that he is admiring me, as well as a slight sense of humiliation taht I need to be all this for him....

*more thought needed*

 

[twysted73]

*steps in to take the first spot*

I am a people-watcher. I take delight in observing others as they continue on with their dailies.
As with DS, I would be and have been content leaning back comfortably and observing her go about menial or obscure tasks.
You can learn so very much if you sit silently and observe.

I've so far found this form of objectification most often with the 24/7-ers or within the slave dynamic as opposed to the more actively engaged submissive activities.
Not to say being my foot stool or ashtray isn't engaging. Simply on a different level.

I see this form of objectification to be a differently delving experience for the submissive then, say, 4-point restriction involving lengthy periods of cropping and flogging.
It certainly engages less "conventional" submission methods as the number of subs who enjoy being propped and left is much less then those who enjoy being tied and beaten.
It's a different avenue of submissive expression that I am interested in exploring.

*imagines her on a small, 50-style livingroom chair...00Syd-style, retro yellow. Legs spread wantonly to either side resting on the arms. Ass to the edge of the seat cushion. Arms up and over the back, clasped gracefully. Her head turned to the side as if it's too much for her to bear being seen as such. Eyes closed, right eye socket resting into her right arm.
Displayed as such and holding it as I pass her by. Take a shower. Return to admire. Perhaps slipping a finger inside to taste.
Walking off to dress. Returning once again.*

Isn't she inspiring?

 

[ataxia.girl]

* By the Dominant treating you as an object, total subjugation and powerlessness can be enjoyed guiltlessly.

That's the one that does it for me. It is um...slightly more twisted for myself however. i identify with being an object at core, not a real self, so when i am truly objectified by my owner i feel understood on a very deep level. Like they have looked inside me and looked into my defective core.

On the other hand that isn't really true is it. i am not just an object, i am a person and can never truly escape being a subject and so i crave the acknowledgement of myself as a subject afterward, reassurance that its okay that i have this blackness in me, that i am still loved anyway. This is the piece i am still missing.

i do not identify with the pride piece. In a way i guess i am sort of proud that i can be just "a hole" and be okay and do it again but its not why i do it. i do not assume the role of "a hole" for Him, i already am just a set of holes. i want to be seen and used as such and then *hope* i am loved and nurtured as a person as well.

 

[subbie_333]

That's the one that does it for me. It is um...slightly more twisted for myself however. i identify with being an object at core, not a real self, so when i am truly objectified by my owner i feel understood on a very deep level. Like they have looked inside me and looked into my defective core.

On the other hand that isn't really true is it. i am not just an object, i am a person and can never truly escape being a subject and so i crave the acknowledgement of myself as a subject afterward, reassurance that its okay that i have this blackness in me, that i am still loved anyway. This is the piece i am still missing.

i do not identify with the pride piece. In a way i guess i am sort of proud that i can be just "a hole" and be okay and do it again but its not why i do it. i do not assume the role of "a hole" for Him, i already am just a set of holes. i want to be seen and used as such and then *hope* i am loved and nurtured as a person as well.

In your numerous posts in other threads, i believe and understand that this is how you feel. i genuinely am happy for you when you experience that, simply because it makes you happy.

i view the subject of this thread as it applies to me in a different light. Yes, i can be a objectified human body for Her pleasure and i can selfishly enjoy the sensations i experience. But, i also enjoy it because that is what She wants and enjoys right then. Either because i am easily accessible at that moment and/or because She knows from experience that i can provide what She is seeking. It can be sexual. It can be me being Her chauffeur, Her cook, Her handyman, etc. i enjoy knowing that She values those services, specifically from me.

But, this is also where i know that i am not a service-oriented slave in that i am a "package deal". i have needs that i expect to be met in a relationship. And, i know that a relationship is a partnership in which i have to meet Her needs as well. The more of Her needs that i can provide, the more valuable i am to Her. Those other services that i can provide (cooking, running errands, doing laundry, etc.) have value to Her as well. She can literally hire someone to do those things, in effect objectifying them since She can choose to not have a personal relationship with them. So, to me, me stepping in and being able to take over some responsibilities is a win-win situation, even if some of my activities can be non-sexual objectification. And, even if some of my activities could be labeled as selfishly motivated.

 

[ataxia.girl]

i view the subject of this thread as it applies to me in a different light. Yes, i can be a objectified human body for Her pleasure and i can selfishly enjoy the sensations i experience. But, i also enjoy it because that is what She wants and enjoys right then. Either because i am easily accessible at that moment and/or because She knows from experience that i can provide what She is seeking. It can be sexual. It can be me being Her chauffeur, Her cook, Her handyman, etc. i enjoy knowing that She values those services, specifically from me.

But, this is also where i know that i am not a service-oriented slave in that i am a "package deal". i have needs that i expect to be met in a relationship. And, i know that a relationship is a partnership in which i have to meet Her needs as well.

i do enjoy objectification as you describe as well. i have varying reactions to it but it almost always turns me on whether i want it to or not. Sometimes it makes me angry and wet. Sometimes it makes me warm, fuzzy and wet. Sometimes it makes me sad and wet. Sometimes it just makes me wet. i am also not a service oriented slave. i toyed with the idea but i am simply not consistent enough and just have too many damn needs of my own

i don't, however, like to feel that i am giving myself as an object as a gift. The objectivity must come independently of my preference or ego. To be treated as an object and behave as such is one thing. To act as a free agent and give myself as an object doesn't feel quite the same. Perhaps its just semantics.

i have a lot of conflict over the object\subject dillemma. i do honestly think the healthier stance is subject first, object second. i've always had a difficult time integrating the two. As a woman i do feel very much like an object whether i choose to be or not. i do not feel that being an object is something i have control over really and perhaps that is the source of my angst. In a way i feel like it is a sham when i "give" my objectification as a "gift" to someone who sees me as an object much of the time whether i want them to or not anyway.

 

[ataxia.girl]

I am a people-watcher. I take delight in observing others as they continue on with their dailies.
As with DS, I would be and have been content leaning back comfortably and observing her go about menial or obscure tasks.
You can learn so very much if you sit silently and observe.

I've so far found this form of objectification most often with the 24/7-ers or within the slave dynamic as opposed to the more actively engaged submissive activities.
Not to say being my foot stool or ashtray isn't engaging. Simply on a different level.

Exactly.

When an ashtray or footstool her subject actively submits to being AN object.

When you passively observe she is an object whether she likes it or not. There is no gift. Much as you would watch people walking in a mall.

Edited to add:

Along these lines actually my Bastard Daddy used to read all my various email without ever really commenting. He did it more for amusement i think than anything. i have allowed other voyeur types to do the same and have enjoyed the same sorts of sensations of being watched. It became as if my mind was the object. It scratched a narcissistic itch for me i think.

 

[subbie_333]

i have a lot of conflict over the object\subject dillemma. i do honestly think the healthier stance is subject first, object second. i've always had a difficult time integrating the two. As a woman i do feel very much like an object whether i choose to be or not. i do not feel that being an object is something i have control over really and perhaps that is the source of my angst. In a way i feel like it is a sham when i "give" my objectification as a "gift" to someone who sees me as an object much of the time whether i want them to or not anyway.

Can you resolve some of that angst by knowing that you can leave if you are not treated the way you want to be treated? Leaving is that one thing you do have control over.

 

[rosco rathbone]

When you spell it with a "capital O" like that; I can't help but picture some chick in very expensive black latex catsuit and chartreuse eye-makeup kind of striking a human-coffeetable vogueing pose with her hand outstetched to hold people's martinis. Kind of late-period Bryan Ferry video shit.

I don't really go for that, but I do like a woman who has a bovine receptivity; to the point of sex-doll passivity. Is that Objectification?

 

[Netzach]

I can appreciate this kind of a zen-out thing, and I don't think it's especially service oriented at all. I personally go there in bondage, and I'm anything but submissive in bondage. Bondage bottoming for me, is about someone else facilitating this being able to just be a body.

When in rope I am to be fucked with as little as possible, engaged as little as possible. There's not a lot in it for a top with me unless they just like watching me breathe and be. Some do.

 

[Netzach]

When you spell it with a "capital O" like that; I can't help but picture some chick in very expensive black latex catsuit and chartreuse eye-makeup kind of striking a human-coffeetable vogueing pose with her hand outstetched to hold people's martinis. Kind of late-period Bryan Ferry video shit.

I don't really go for that, but I do like a woman who has a bovine receptivity; to the point of sex-doll passivity. Is that Objectification?

The first scenario, which I am somewhat kinked to - and maybe the second if you encased her in plastic had her breathing thru a tube and just fucked her holes (ok, I'm seriously turning myself on today, I'd grow a dick just for that) - anyway, isn't there a "center of attention" kind of vibe to it that just doesn't scream out "suffering?"

I'm cool with that. Obviously it works for me, enough that I'm happy to be the fantasy pawn in the gangbang orchestrated.

 

[rosco rathbone]

I can appreciate this kind of a zen-out thing, and I don't think it's especially service oriented at all. I personally go there in bondage, and I'm anything but submissive in bondage. Bondage bottoming for me, is about someone else facilitating this being able to just be a body.

When in rope I am to be fucked with as little as possible, engaged as little as possible. There's not a lot in it for a top with me unless they just like watching me breathe and be. Some do.

This makes me think that part of what I like about Objectification from the top perspective is the freedom from having to engage and get a reaction or appreciate a reaction. That's always the most tiresome part of the whole thing for me.

 

[ataxia.girl]

This makes me think that part of what I like about Objectification from the top perspective is the freedom from having to engage and get a reaction or appreciate a reaction. That's always the most tiresome part of the whole thing for me.

you and me both.

 

[ataxia.girl]

Can you resolve some of that angst by knowing that you can leave if you are not treated the way you want to be treated? Leaving is that one thing you do have control over.

Not if they're stronger and they usually are. i mean its nice we have all these social constructs to make me feel like i have power but without them i wouldn't would i?

i think that is probably another debate though. we probably don't need to get into whether ataxia is really pissed off she has no dick in this thread.

 

[rosco rathbone]

The first scenario, which I am somewhat kinked to - and maybe the second if you encased her in plastic had her breathing thru a tube and just fucked her holes (ok, I'm seriously turning myself on today, I'd grow a dick just for that) - anyway, isn't there a "center of attention" kind of vibe to it that just doesn't scream out "suffering?"

I'm cool with that. Obviously it works for me, enough that I'm happy to be the fantasy pawn in the gangbang orchestrated.

I'm way too lazy to go through with wrapping anyone in plastic. I need to hook up with an artisan of pain like you and just be the dick for hire. The sexecutioner (gwar reference).

 

[twysted73]

This makes me think that part of what I like about Objectification from the top perspective is the freedom from having to engage and get a reaction or appreciate a reaction. That's always the most tiresome part of the whole thing for me.

Very true.
Very insightful.
It's part of what I had initially referred to as "less active".
For both parties.

A rare and unique situation where both may derive pleasure from doing as little as possible.

RR, perhaps a book entitled "A Lazy Dom's Guide to Objectification" should be in order?

 

[subbie_333]

Not if they're stronger and they usually are. i mean its nice we have all these social constructs to make me feel like i have power but without them i wouldn't would i?

i understand from the point of right here right now. But, i was referring to after this particular "scene" is over. Like, they didn't float your boat last night, so, you leave them this morning type of thing. You have that type of power to go in search of somebody else instead of settling to stay with them day after day simply because they are physically stronger. Granted, without somebody you are not getting what you need, but, are you saying you would prefer to stay with someone who you know doesn't do it for you instead of continuing the search and partaking in the "top of the day" game?

 

[rosco rathbone]

Very true.
Very insightful.
It's part of what I had initially referred to as "less active".
For both parties.

A rare and unique situation where both may derive pleasure from doing as little as possible.

RR, perhaps a book entitled "A Lazy Dom's Guide to Objectification" should be in order?

heh. "Lazy, Selfish Fuck's Guide To Being The Center Of The Universe".

 

[ataxia.girl]

i understand from the point of right here right now. But, i was referring to after this particular "scene" is over. Like, they didn't float your boat last night, so, you leave them this morning type of thing. You have that type of power to go in search of somebody else instead of settling to stay with them day after day simply because they are physically stronger. Granted, without somebody you are not getting what you need, but, are you saying you would prefer to stay with someone who you know doesn't do it for you instead of continuing the search and partaking in the "top of the day" game?

If it isn't right i will leave. i never did leave my Bastard Daddy, he just got tired of me being miserable and stopped using me. i've left others but the bond was not as strong. i would probably have quit letting BD use me eventually. my curiosity gets the better of me sometimes. If i don't think i have someone figured out yet i often want to continue the interaction even if its painful.

 

[Netzach]

I'm way too lazy to go through with wrapping anyone in plastic. I need to hook up with an artisan of pain like you and just be the dick for hire. The sexecutioner (gwar reference).

OMG, I'd do it. That's hot. Aesthetic fuckery enabler team go!

I get to watch, right?

Maybe I'm your wrapping spider and you're my dick by proxy.

 

[nh23]

I watched a program a few months ago on the BBC I think about a man who does this to the extreme. He will make someone a chandelier for the day using ropework suspension. Or he will bind them to a pole that spins around like a piece of art. It was really cool..and really hot..lol. There is also a fetish for mannequins and statues, or dolls, etc.. That runs pretty much runs along the same lines. There are a few good websites with stories and pics of this nature if you want let me know and I can give you some of the links.

 

[Netzach]

I watched a program a few months ago on the BBC I think about a man who does this to the extreme. He will make someone a chandelier for the day using ropework suspension. Or he will bind them to a pole that spins around like a piece of art. It was really cool..and really hot..lol. There is also a fetish for mannequins and statues, or dolls, etc.. That runs pretty much runs along the same lines. There are a few good websites with stories and pics of this nature if you want let me know and I can give you some of the links.

Gord?

 

[nh23]

Gord?

Yep

Here's a link to his site.
http://www.houseofgord.com/previews.php

 

[DreamSensualist]

......

 

[nh23]

I need to re-read everyones responses a little more before I am sure what it is I want to say....



I have looked at some of Gords work thanks nh.. it appeals but is a little too involved for my commitment level ..... My life is either too busy or I have so little time with my Je t'aime that I'd rather play with the senses....

*nods* He's rather elaborate. I would love to have the time and money to be able to have Master reinact the things he does..lol. But it doesn't have to be just like that to be enjoyable. Master is very creative and has done a few of these on a much smaller scale, and it's just as hot.

 

[JMohegan]

When you spell it with a "capital O" like that; I can't help but picture some chick in very expensive black latex catsuit and chartreuse eye-makeup kind of striking a human-coffeetable vogueing pose with her hand outstetched to hold people's martinis. Kind of late-period Bryan Ferry video shit.

Years ago, I attended a party that was billed as a Celebration of Objectification. Nude, unadorned females served as furniture, receptacles, and whatnot. Two women holding a board served as the bar, several kneeling women held ashtrays between their teeth, several more stood inside giant trash bags (holding them open with their hands while everyone tossed in used plates, cups, napkins), a few were end tables, and so on.

All of the human "objects" remained as motionless as possible, and all were totally ignored by everyone else in the room. No compliments, no commentary, no "hey look at that", no sympathy, no supportive gestures, no derisive looks - nothing. That was the whole point.

More recently, I attended a bar mitzvah party in honor of the son of one of my colleagues. In lieu of an ice sculpture, there was a woman posing as such - her painted, frosted, coifed, and meticulously decorated torso and arms posed above a cleverly disguised hole in the table.

As before, the human "object" remained as motionless as possible. But in this case, hordes of 13 year olds gathered around - pointing, gasping, laughing, chattering, squealing.

Those two parties are what I think about, when I see that "capital O".