|
RCdc -> RE: It isn't necessarily .dark. and it doesn't have to be painful (8/30/2008 12:59:41 PM)
|
I don't believe workshops etc have a bearing on this because when you attend a workshop, you aren't there to be just social, you are there to also learn and watch. Munches on the other hand are social participation, it's a completely different kettle of fish. People don't traditionally attend workshops until they have reached the point where they have started socialising, so by that time, they are already past the stage where they feel like an outsider or different to other people. I do value your input and I apologise if this came across as though I did not. I don't believe it is good being critical and infringing on peoples right to practise anything I as an individual might deem as 'unsafe' - what they want to do to themselves is their decision. But I do believe it is up to individuals to say, no thats not for me and not the way I like to do things instead of just nodding and go, hmmmm... lovely. I also think it is healthy to question bravado. But if you cannot do it with sincerity, you risk becoming that which we are discussing now. quote:
Sometimes, it's not a respect issue. Sometimes it's a fear issue. I've seen "well respected" people royally fuck up during play, repeatedly, and because of the difference in the way they are viewed comapred to I, I say nothing. I've held back from critiquing "regulars" during scenes on request of the management, and not had the guts to say, "erm that's a dangerous policy" and "you really can't cane him like that". These are things *I* have done, and so, I'm guessing other people may have done similar things. It is not that I respect the regulars, or the management, that makes me bite my tongue, and it's not that I respect the guy who's shown he's not safe more than once, it's that I fear the way other people will respond to me if I call BS. (I guess you could say, perhaps if others respected me more, I wouldn't be so afraid. But then, if others respected *them* less, I'd also be less afriad. I fear I am going to talk myself in circles now.) Interfering with scenes in a public setting I am wary about. I have always found the best responses come when I have simply walked away. I am not afraid of being judged so I guess I am not afraid of judging. If you are watching a scene that seems unsafe or badly played out, the longer you watch and give your support, the longer it goes on. And then when someone asks if you have seen it, you state why you left it behind (similar to the way you and I just discussed the pet demo). Honestly, if people can't take it - that is their tough shit - I am not here to belong to a lifestyle or community, I am here only for friends and in that, friends I can rely on and trust - calling me on my bullshit and telling it as it is when I deserve it. If you are afraid of speaking up because you might be less respected than frankly, I would question your peer group. Ideally, no group or social setting should make you feel unable to voice an opinion. Of course the is always a hierarchy in any group, but to have such a fear as being unable to represent your point of view because you may not be as respected as another is inherently wrong. If you couldn't come to me in a social setting and voice a concern, I would have failed you, particularly if I was in a place of 'authority' say as a munch co-ordinator or DM. Whether you were deemed right or wrong, you should have the oppotunity to speak up without being made to feel inadequate. Obviously we have never met socially, and I have no idea on your own self esteem issues, so as well as questioning the peer group you are involved in, I would also take a good hard look at why you allow the fear to engage you. Ultimately we are responsible for how we react to things and who we allow into our lives. the.dark.
|
|
|
|