The principles for safe BDSM play are subject to various views.
The biggest mishaps in BDSM occur when participants lack a clear grasp of the other participant's identity, level of trustworthiness, and BDSM experience.
For a long time, the phrase „Safe, Sane, and Consensual“ (aka SSC) held dominance for being a significant phrase translating into a message of comfort and safety between players. Recently another dominant philosophy has arisen with the mantra of „Risk Aware Consensual Kink“ (also known as R.A.C.K).
Both of these phrases boil down to the same message, and for many it is a matter of personal preference, but here we will explore the meanings behind both and highlight any differences between the two schools of thought at the present time.
“I increasingly started to choke, slap, and spank the girls whom I’ve had sex with. I do so usually without asking if it’s ok I just sort of read the girl and assume what she is ok with.” —Reddit
Safe, Sane, Consensual (SSC)
The phrase „Safe, Sane, and Consensual“ can be traced back to the GMSMA report in August of 1983, which appears to be its earliest mention. It is thought that the „safe“ and „sane“ originated from the sayings of having a „safe and sane“ 4th of July celebration. The idea of having a good time while being careful seemed appropriate for BDSM and began to pick up in popularity.
The BDSM lifestyle may appear unsafe or unhealthy to someone who is not living it, and they may ask how it fits within the description of "safe, sane, and consensual."
Safe is defined as "secure from responsibility to harm, injury, danger, or risk" in the common lexicon.
In this sense, kinksters define safe BDSM as taking good care of their partner to ensure that no unwanted harm or disease transfer occurs, regardless of how intense the scene may be; that all safety measures have been done to reduce any potential risks.
To protect both yourself and your partner, this entails doing your homework and becoming knowledgeable about the kink activities you've selected.
In general, being sane is understood to mean having a sound mind and being unaffected by psychological disorders.
This indicates that players behave properly and use sound judgment from a BDSM perspective.
The "sane" aspect of this ideology places a lot of emphasis on the capacity for proper self control.
If you can't control yourself, avoid situations where power exchange is a major factor.
Last but not least, the term "consensual" refers to the requirement that all parties involved have provided informed consent.
It is crucial that it be consensual in order to uphold BDSM standards.
Prior to a session, rather than during or after, consent must be obtained.
Risk Aware Consensual Kink (R.A.C.K)
According to rumors, Gary Switch first proposed this motto on the TES mailing list in an effort to offer a more precise definition of the kinds of play that individuals engage in.This ideology is based on the notion that every activity has some level of risk, and that what constitutes "safe" depends most on the individual.
Understanding that the activity or activities you are involved in carry some level of hazard and the potential for unintended injury is being risk aware. Some kinksters compare choosing to participate in BDSM play to pursuits like skydiving or mountain climbing because both involve knowledge of potential results. The remainder of this mantra focuses on ethics and consent.
What is the Distinction?
What, therefore, is the distinction between the two viewpoints in the end?The distinction between how each concept defines "sane" or "safe" is brought out.
These concepts are defined independently by SSC and are purposefully left with some ambiguity.
It is possible to infer that what is deemed "safe" and "sane" is determined by shared beliefs in the community and society.
R.A.C.K, in contrast, invites players to decide for themselves what level of risk they choose to accept while acknowledging that everyone has a different perspective on what is "safe." It gives people who want to play while using drugs or alcohol or who want to play in particular ways that carry a lot more risk more freedom to do so.
What is Superior?
This author believes that neither phrase is superior to the other. The most crucial point is sufficiently conveyed by both terms: BDSM play should only be conducted by informed, consenting people who are taking all safety precautions they think appropriate for the activity. The rest of the difference is semantics, which can (and presumably will) be extensively discussed within the BDSM lifestyle.
Understanding the underlying message is crucial when deciding which term is best for you in this situation. Depending on their comfort level and experience, each person will decide which is preferable.
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