BDSM is defined as “an umbrella term, for bondage, domination, and sadomasochism in consensual sexual relationships” (Walden 2016). BDSM sexuality and the practices within the BDSM culture challenge hegemonic heterosexuality. Heterosexuality is not a characteristic of BDSM sexuality, meaning there are various types of sexual encounters that may be had during BDSM sex. The BDSM supplement explains roles, stating, “the parts each person plays in a negotiated scene or relationship, these are not dependent upon gender or a necessary number of people involved in the scene” (Walden 2016). In this, gender is not specifically written out as it may be in hegemonic heterosexuality, or the DCS for ideal sex. BDSM sexual encounters can entail a man and …show more content…
Specifically, the BDSM “checklist that may be covered in an extensive negotiation conversation to determine where ‘hard limits’ are, ‘soft limits’, requests, and conditions of satisfaction for the encounter” deconstructs the DCS for ideal sex (Walden 2016). Considering that the DCS for ideal sex states that romantic encounters are supposed to be spontaneous the concept of even having a conversation or negotiation prior to a sexual experience is considered taboo (Walden 2016). In this, the BDSM supplement discusses important terms of the culture, and states, “consensual – not much spontaneity, much negotiation, check in consistently, safeword in place, risks known and worked out, this also requires honesty” (Walden 2016). The idea of continuous consent is also a challenge to hegemonic heterosexuality due to the fact that asking and/or talking about a sexual experience is not ideal due to lack of spontaneity. Additionally, BDSM, as mentioned in lecture, focuses on play and pleasure (Walden 2016). The “why” in the DCS for ideal sex is based off of the concept of love that does not entirely illustrate the “play and pleasure” focus of BDSM sexual encounters. In addition to the lack of spontaneity and love in BDSM sexuality, the “who” aspect of the DCS for ideal sex is challenged (as discussed above in hegemonic …show more content…
For example, the BDSM supplement discusses time, stating “no such thing as a SM quickie except maybe in established relationships” (Walden 2016). This reinforces the DCS for ideal sex due to the fact that “quickies” are not considered ideal sex according to the dominant cultural script. The BDSM supplement also discusses different levels of “play” one being vanilla sex described as, “any sexual activity that does not involve acknowledgment and negotiation” (Walden 2016). This level in BDSM sexuality illustrates a sexual encounter that seems spontaneous, and requires no communication. In this, the level of “vanilla sex” reinforces the DCS for ideal sex due to the lack of negotiation, making it more romantic (Walden 2016). Additionally, BDSM includes an experience of emotional intimacy, which supports the DCS. The DCS for ideal sex states that sexual encounters happen because of love, although BDSM sexuality does not specifically mention love the idea of “emotional intimacy” can compare. An interesting observation of both the BDSM sexuality and DCS for ideal sex display similarities in the format of guidelines they both possess. Although this may not be a reinforcement of hegemonic heterosexuality, the two share similarities in embodying specific rules to follow. Overall, the dominant cultural script for ideal sex (DCS) receives reinforcement from certain