BDSM: Slavery Vs. Submission

There are many schools of thought in regard to the difference between submission and slavery in the BDSM lifestyle. Slaves and submissives argue among themselves, defending their particular point of view. Some slaves look down upon submissives, calling them "wanna-be slaves". Others believe there is no difference at all between the two, and that "slave" is just a glorified name for a submissive. Some people call themselves a "slave" or aspire to be a "slave". The truth is that a slave is a very special person born with a slave heart who seeks a Master to totally surrender to.

There is a distinct difference between a slave and a submissive. One is not better than the other, however. There is no hierarchy. They are just two completely different types. A slave has no reason to look down upon a submissive, and a submissive has no reason to look down upon a slave.

In looking at the differences between a slave and a submissive, it is also important to look at the similarities.

Similarities

-A slave is also a submissive. Many slaves first begin their journey as submissives as they are coming to discover who they are. They often find within their submission a longing for more.

-They both give up control. Both a submissive and a slave give up control. They enjoy that feeling of being controlled by another.

-They both can be either male or female. Just as there are both male and female dominants, there are also male and female slaves, as well as male and female submissives.

Differences

-Although a slave is also a submissive -- a submissive is not always a slave. Many a submissive will go throughout his or her life perfectly content with no desire to become a slave.

-Although they both give up control, a submissive has moments of wanting some control -- whereas a slave wants to permanently give up control

-A submissive submits, whereas a slave surrenders her entire being to the Master he or she has come to trust. A submissive may submit in certain circumstances or during a play session. A slave surrenders his or her entire being to the Master, and that surrender is ongoing.

It is important to become knowledgeable about the many terms that fall under the area of BDSM. Submission and slavery are only two of the terms that often confuse people. With knowledge comes understanding, and with understanding comes acceptance.