A NYT article from two weeks ago (“A Hush-Hush Topic
No More”) describes how aficionados of kinky sexual practices, partly inspired
by the 50 Shades phenomenon, are
seeking to come out and join the social mainstream. They claim they are
“normal” in every other way, and even taking pleasure in sadomasochism (a
denigrating term in itself which will probably be replaced by the more neutral
acronym mentioned in the article) should not be viewed with reproach when practiced
by consenting adults. If the L.G.B.T. community has achieved it, why not the
sadomasochists?
There is no legitimate reason, really. But, as I wrote recently
in a brief column for the AUBG student newspaper, once the revolt against all
authority, social norms, and constraints on individual choice has been
unleashed, it may not know where to stop. In fact, there is a long list of
groups beyond the “sadomasochists” who are clamoring for mainstreaming: the
asexuals (who argue they should not be marginalized for their lack of sexual
desire); the polyamorous (who think society should not frown upon multiple
sexual relationships and related patterns of cohabitation); the champions of
incest (at least among siblings who take measures to prevent procreation); those
who enjoy sex with animals (and claim it should not be banned, or even
stigmatized with archaic labels such as “bestiality”); etc.
I think I know where this is all headed – toward a bright
future where, short of pedophiles, the only “deviants” in society will be the
bigots who see others displaying non-standard sexual behaviors as somehow
deviant.
