Pure
Fiel a Verdad
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2001
- Posts
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Summary: The Nine Degrees Of Submission, by Vera
What degree are you?
Diane Vera, in 1984, proposed nine degrees of submission in an s/m classic, easily available in full, on the net. What follows is a full summary of most points[4,6,7,8], with some abridging and deletions [for 1,3,5,9]; it’s been mostly re-worded in paraphrase and has no direct quotes except in the label for the each degree. Please visit a site when the full original document is reproduced with permission, or better yet, buy the book referenced in full, below.
Notes by ‘Pure’: This is not a ranking, with the higher degrees being better, as in karate belts. It is descriptive; no one ‘belongs’ to any other degree than he or she chooses or consents to. Further, it’s been noted by several, that Vera’s use of ‘slave’ is in a broad sense, not common, these days. This ‘slave’ is a would-be or play or real sub, not actually a full slave, except at the 8th degree.
1. “The outright non-submissive masochist or kinky sensualist”
There is no real servitude. The masochist has things his/her own way according to his/her own rules, the goal being his/her own pleasure.[…]
2. “Pseudo-submissive non-slave” There’s no slave but ‘sub’ roleplaying, like prisoner and cop, so called ‘forced’ dress up. There’s no play at slave, for the ‘sub’ is main director of the scene, often one of humiliation.
3. “Pseudo-submissive PLAY slave”
[…]
4. “True submissive non-slave”
There is actual, but temporary giving up of control, but limits are agreed. The sub is aroused by suspense and vulnerability, not actual service. There’s no detailed control of a scene, but the goal is primarily the sub’s pleasure are such, not in bringing pleasure to the Master/Mistress[M].
5. “True submissive PLAY slave”
There is actual giving up of control in limited scenes. [deleted]
6. “Uncommitted short-term but more-than-play semi-slave”
There is real surrender of control and desire for service. Actual services are rendered, both erotic and non-erotic, but only when the ‘slave’ feels inclined to do so. The ‘slave’ may be full time, but for a limited period, and can leave service at any time. The slave is possibly in an extended relationship with M, but has retained final control over the period and time of service.
7. “Part-time consensual but REAL slave”
The slave is the master’s property, thinks of him/herself that way all the time, and is so committed. Desires to please in the erotic and fun, but also other practical ways. Still has other commitments but cedes the master/mistress control of most free time.
8. “Full-time live-in consensual slave”
Only a small number of broad limits; the slave is only for the M’s benefit and gratification. The slave does expect to be prized, though as a possession. This is similar to the situation of a housewife, but first, it’s usually, in the s/m world, a male; arrangement is worked out in more detail and completely consensual. Second, since so much is given up, the slave usually has reflected and has more awareness of possible problems than someone going into a marriage.
9. “Consensual total slave with no limits”
[…] This is some s/m purists’ dream in which the slave will do anything, with no limits; that being said to be the only ‘true’ slavery. The few claims of such slavery in real life may reasonably be questioned.
=========================================================
The above is a partial summary of an original document, © 1984, 1988 by Mistress Diane Vera which is reprinted in
Pat Califia, ed. _The Lesbian S/M Safety Manual_ (Boston: Lace / Alyson) pp. 69-71. Buy it; it’s a classic with much to say, twenty years later.
What degree are you?
Diane Vera, in 1984, proposed nine degrees of submission in an s/m classic, easily available in full, on the net. What follows is a full summary of most points[4,6,7,8], with some abridging and deletions [for 1,3,5,9]; it’s been mostly re-worded in paraphrase and has no direct quotes except in the label for the each degree. Please visit a site when the full original document is reproduced with permission, or better yet, buy the book referenced in full, below.
Notes by ‘Pure’: This is not a ranking, with the higher degrees being better, as in karate belts. It is descriptive; no one ‘belongs’ to any other degree than he or she chooses or consents to. Further, it’s been noted by several, that Vera’s use of ‘slave’ is in a broad sense, not common, these days. This ‘slave’ is a would-be or play or real sub, not actually a full slave, except at the 8th degree.
1. “The outright non-submissive masochist or kinky sensualist”
There is no real servitude. The masochist has things his/her own way according to his/her own rules, the goal being his/her own pleasure.[…]
2. “Pseudo-submissive non-slave” There’s no slave but ‘sub’ roleplaying, like prisoner and cop, so called ‘forced’ dress up. There’s no play at slave, for the ‘sub’ is main director of the scene, often one of humiliation.
3. “Pseudo-submissive PLAY slave”
[…]
4. “True submissive non-slave”
There is actual, but temporary giving up of control, but limits are agreed. The sub is aroused by suspense and vulnerability, not actual service. There’s no detailed control of a scene, but the goal is primarily the sub’s pleasure are such, not in bringing pleasure to the Master/Mistress[M].
5. “True submissive PLAY slave”
There is actual giving up of control in limited scenes. [deleted]
6. “Uncommitted short-term but more-than-play semi-slave”
There is real surrender of control and desire for service. Actual services are rendered, both erotic and non-erotic, but only when the ‘slave’ feels inclined to do so. The ‘slave’ may be full time, but for a limited period, and can leave service at any time. The slave is possibly in an extended relationship with M, but has retained final control over the period and time of service.
7. “Part-time consensual but REAL slave”
The slave is the master’s property, thinks of him/herself that way all the time, and is so committed. Desires to please in the erotic and fun, but also other practical ways. Still has other commitments but cedes the master/mistress control of most free time.
8. “Full-time live-in consensual slave”
Only a small number of broad limits; the slave is only for the M’s benefit and gratification. The slave does expect to be prized, though as a possession. This is similar to the situation of a housewife, but first, it’s usually, in the s/m world, a male; arrangement is worked out in more detail and completely consensual. Second, since so much is given up, the slave usually has reflected and has more awareness of possible problems than someone going into a marriage.
9. “Consensual total slave with no limits”
[…] This is some s/m purists’ dream in which the slave will do anything, with no limits; that being said to be the only ‘true’ slavery. The few claims of such slavery in real life may reasonably be questioned.
=========================================================
The above is a partial summary of an original document, © 1984, 1988 by Mistress Diane Vera which is reprinted in
Pat Califia, ed. _The Lesbian S/M Safety Manual_ (Boston: Lace / Alyson) pp. 69-71. Buy it; it’s a classic with much to say, twenty years later.
