The State's Gimp

Original:

British drug trafficker who faces 24 strokes of the cane must bear consequences of committing offences in S’pore: MHA

We all like a bit of dopamine. There are socially 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' ways of getting it. The 'acceptable' usually involve some form of 'earning'. The 'unacceptable' are too easily acquired. What constitutes 'too easily acquired' might be the subject of much controversy, but suffice to say that drugs get straight to the reward, bypassing what may be required in, for example, sport or business.

What I find fascinating about a film like 'Pulp Fiction' is that it functions as mirror on our own World. Seemingly exaggerated from the perspective of the ordinary person's life but, tragically real if you happen to be unfortunate enough to be caught up in the State's mechanisms of oppression.

The Gimp is a 'sub' in BDSM parlance. BDSM is defined as:

'BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or role playing involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics ... Activities and relationships within a BDSM context are often characterized by the participants taking on complementary, but unequal roles; thus, the idea of informed consent of both the partners is essential.'

One objection may be that the State is not an expression of anything 'erotic'. However, most States have extensive laws directing how sexual relations and the 'erotic' should be conducted. 'Often' implies not always, so activities outside the 'erotic' are, technically, covered. The 'erotic' is simply one path, among many, to a dopamine hit. Numerous laws regulate how such hits are achieved - via 'worthy' or 'unworthy' activities.

How often does the State attempt to characterize our relationship to it as 'consensual'? One of the major, and enduring, features of parliamentary democracy is the idea that it represents the 'Will of the People' so that the truly coercive nature of it's false dichotomy can be concealed. The Gimp was broken long ago and has forgotten how to say no. He may go along with the proceedings and even enjoy them; but there can be no doubt he is the 'sub' in this game.

It's time to come out of the closet and take off the mask ...