A brief explanation of the differences between BDSM and Gor.
Oftentimes you will read that it is a ‘versus’ or ‘clash’ between the two. That does not necessarily need to be the case.
BDSM is simply a kinky activity or roleplay some enjoy doing.
Gor is following the Gorean Philosophy and living the Gorean Lifestyle.
John Norman in an interview in 2011 was quoted –
“I know nothing about “real-life Gorean slavery among some people in the BDSM community.” The “BDSM” reference worries me. I dissociate myself from BDSM, at least as I understand it. I may, of course, misunderstand it.”
My response – BDSM is an activity some enjoy doing with their partners. Although John Norman suggests he may not know much about BDSM, I believe he does, but is being candid and tactful. John Norman wrote a best selling book called Imaginative Sex on the topic of roleplaying and bondage.
He also quoted –
“I wonder if one would settle merely for “real-life Gorean slavery,” because, as I understand it, BDSM is not Gorean. If something is not beautiful, it is not Gorean. In any event, I am assuming that what is involved here, in any case, is consensual. If a woman chooses to submit herself, voluntarily, to a master, it seems to me that is her business, and his business.”
I agree. BDSM is not Gorean. It is an activity some, including many Goreans, enjoy doing with their partners. I also agree that what a Master and slave decide to do, it is no one else’s business or concern.
As a Gorean, you can choose to be kinky or not. That is a personal choice only you can make. It is no one else’s business; nor does anyone else have a say in what you do in your relationships.
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