There is evidence of BDSM on the rise, and studies and research to back it up. In 2015, the film Fifty Shades of Grey hit the theater, titillating general audiences everywhere while drawing a collective groan from the kink community. There is an entire essay to be written about the film. The inaccurate portrayals of the BDSM lifestyle that it offered up are not healthy. There are a multitude of essays and articles discussing how the film and Christian Grey’s behavior is problematic. It is frowned upon in the kink community. A conversation for another time is there.
However, one positive for the film: it turns he public eye towards the BDSM community. While the film’s portrayal of BDSM practices were inaccurate and downright dangerous, it has one (possibly) redeeming factor. Its prevalence in mainstream media at the time ironically makes it a useful tool to openly discuss kink lifestyles.
The popularity and debate surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey is just one example that demonstrates BDSM is on the rise. Both physical and online marketplaces carry numerous nonfiction books on the subject.
Academic Writings Are Increasing In Volume – BDSM On The Rise
Academic writings are increasing in volume. There are BDSM conventions and public venues (aka dungeons). Kinksters even have their own social media forum called FetLife.
In the past, a heavy air of taboo surrounded the kink community. Films such as “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Secretary” depict BDSM as a strange and forbidden practice undertaken by the elite. In some cases, it is to exercise a perverse power over those below them. Kink parties took place in exclusive, extravagant mansions and any outsider who transgress upon the ceremonies find a piping hot plate of murder. These near cult-like depictions of the kink community paint an unfortunate picture: BDSM participants were perverse, unstable, and dangerous.
This widespread public perception was not conducive to open and honest discussions surrounding BDSM. People who were curious about the practice were afraid to ask questions and faced challenges finding resources. Active members of the kink community could not openly dispel the public’s attitude towards kink and try to offer resources to new members without outing themselves and facing public persecution.
Public Perception Has Shifted
Fortunately, public perception has seen changes considerably in the past decade. People talk more openly and positively about BDSM and sex in general on the internet. The increase in interconnectivity provided by the world wide web has allows kink practitioners to exchange stories and educate each other in safe practices. Through these stories people are learning that being interested in kink doesn’t make you perverse.
Kink is a great way to expand your sexual experience. Further, for a lot of people, their kink practices don’t involve sex at all. A lot of people use kink as an incredibly powerful tool to explore their relationship with pain, in a controlled environment. Having a space to feel and learn to know your pain offers tremendous catharsis to individuals who are unable to navigate old and new traumas through conventional means. While there are still many individuals who hold on to those old negative perceptions of BDSM, it’s nowhere near the hushed and taboo subject matter it once was.
Recent Public Normalization – BSDM On The Rise
While the public normalization of BDSM practices is relatively recent, academics have been exploring the subject of kink for decades. For example, a book from 1985 “The Body in Pain: The Making and Unmaking of the World” is a philosophical work. It covers the broader topic of how humans communicate and interact with pain. While a dense read, it offers many interesting ideas for chewing on. For example, it notes that “… for the person in pain, so incontestably and unnegotiably present is it that ‘having pain’ may come to be thought of as the most vibrant example of what it is to ‘have certainty’…”.
Reflecting on philosophical musings of pain and the human ability to express it enables people to begin to parse apart many things. An example: why people might choose to actively incorporate pain in their lives. It also makes for marvelous discussion when hanging out by the snack bar in a kink dungeon.
Similarly, in 2007, three individuals gathered put together written works about sadomasochism (including the history, medical and legal issues, and original research). Publishing them as a single book titled “Safe, Sane and Consensual: Contemporary Perspectives on Sadomasochism,” it has great value. Many consider the book a core text reading to this day by academics in the sex research field seeking to understand the BDSM lifestyle.
Proceed With A Critical Mind
These two books are just a sample of the veritable treasure trove of academic writings about BDSM. However, readers should proceed with caution and a critical mind. When wading through academic publications on BDSM, there are many consierations. Plenty of publications reflect the older public view of kink as a kind of psychopathy. Even some of the more forward-thinking writings promote cis and heteronormative ideas. These ideas often do not consider the many queer BDSM practitioners out there. Fortunately, several passionate people have made the effort to comb through BDSM literature and compile readings lists. These lists of kink friendly resources are great for both the curious and the active practitioners.
The Future Is Looking Bright – BDSM On The Rise
Overall, the future is looking bright for BDSM. There are more resources than ever available for people seeking to learn about kink practices. Whether you seek memoirs or academic works or education-oriented community spaces, the information is out there. Now, the normalization of kink in the public eye is helping to teach people that it’s okay to be interested in BDSM. Kink is fun and can offer catharsis to people seeking to explore. How they and other people interact with pain is less of a mystery. There’s never been a better time to either dip your tow in or take a deep dive into the world of BDSM.
Other Notes – Kink In Michigan
When looking for Michigan BDSM fun, Opening Gateways is here to help. Find the best BDSM events in Detroit, Royal Oak kink events, Ann Arbor BDSM, and more. With BDSM on the rise, there is tons to explore, and doing so safely is a top priority. There are kink events in Michigan found in many cities, with Ypsilanti BDSM, Ann Arbor kink classes, plus many kink events in Michigan in other cities. The virtual resources here are excellent as well, and with Kalamazoo BDSM events, Grand Rapids kink events, and more, your options are plentiful. Take a look at the Opening Gateways Schedule of Events, and reach out if you have questions on events in other places as well!
