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What does the BDSM Emblem mean?
The BDSM emblem has no "obvious" symbolism
because it was created to be enigmatic. To the vanilla
observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely an
attractive piece of jewelry. Thus, we can wear it freely as
a friendly salute, nod, and wink to other BDSMers we should
happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the hallways of our
daily lives.
To the insider, however, the Emblem is full of meaning.
The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM.
First of all, the three divisions of BDSM itself: B&D, D&S,
and S&M. Secondly, the three-way creed of BDSM behavior:
Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Thirdly, the three divisions of
our community: Tops, Bottoms, and Switches.
It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes
in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style
and at its greatest a love style, the holes represent the
incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context.
However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there
remains a void within them that can only be filled by a
complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done alone.
The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang
symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and
Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and
the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent
the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M.
The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the
chains or irons of BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner
fields are black, representing a celebration of the
controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality.
The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized
depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion
to deliver an erotic spanking. The all-embracing circle, of
course, represents the overlying unity of it all and the
oneness of a community that protects its own
.
copyright 1995, 1997, Quagmyr@aol.com
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