Why a Gorean slave Calls a Master... "Master"

To those who understand what the Gorean lifestyle is, it's readily apparent that Gor and BDSM are not the same thing and do not even belong in the same grouping. But since the two at times share similar terminology there is the misconception that they are somehow related. Not only is this untrue, but the meanings behind the similar terms used are often also quite different.

BDSM utilizes a variety of titles to designate the different roles people chose in their activities. Words like "Sir," "Master," "Daddy," "Mistress," "Goddess," and others are all used for specific reasons, referring to different people and their station within the scene. Even "Dominant" and "submissive" are seen as categories selected by those wishing to participate, instead of just being traits that all human beings possess to different degrees. A "Dom" is the one taking the dominant role in the activities, and a "sub" is the one assuming the submissive position for the duration of the scene. "Submissives" are sometimes called "slaves" as this heightens the effect and reflects what they portray, if to a limited degree.

"Master" itself is a title in BDSM, one that the person earns through the display of his abilities and receives in recognition of his proven skills. Not all people are "Masters" because not all have the right to claim this title, and only those who are part of the BDSM scene have the potential to.

When a BDSM submissive says the word "Master", she is indicating the person whom she is allowing to take the dominant role over her, either for a limited time or in the relationship she is a part of. Normally, it is not considered proper in the BDSM community for the "slave" of one man to call another "Master" other than her "owner." The word "Sir" is commonly applied to those people who are a part of the scene and are not "slaves."

The submissive may further take it upon herself to decide who is worthy of her recognition as a "Master." When the word is used it is after the "slave" has decided that the other person is capable of dominating her and someone she wants to do so.

These words are normally used only within the accepted confines of the BDSM community - usually various clubs and private locations where practitioners can gather together. Home use is also employed when the participants assume their roles.

Some who find Gor often come to it with the impression that these terms will mean the same here, and that their application will also remain consistent. This is not at all true, for the Gorean lifestyle is not a collection of kinks participated in by people taking on different roles. Its rationale is much more deeply rooted and defined, and hierarchal titles are of little need or importance.

The only "titles" in the Gorean lifestyle are "Free" and "Slave." That is it. And they are not even titles, but words used to indicate different kinds of people.

"Master" is a word used to denote the free. That is all. It is not something earned with the right to use a flogger or intricately tie a girl up. It is just a sign of spoken respect. The girl calls the other person Master because she is a slave and he is not.

A Gorean slave does not judge who is worthy of being called Master. Anyone who is free could be called that and should be seen in that way. The word is not a title, it is just a recognition of her own slavery and the other's freedom.

Slaves of course must at times decide when it is appropriate to use the word Master, but this judgment is not of the worth of the man, but the appropriateness of the situation. The workplace is likely not an appropriate location, but in not calling men Master at work, the slave is not judging those free persons there as not being worthy in her eyes. She is just reacting to the expectations of the location, and she can do so without forgetting her slavery.

A Gorean slave calling a free person Master does not mean she has to move in with him. It does not mean she has to give him her phone number and address. It does not mean she has to jump off a bridge if he commands. A slave calling a free person Master is just that slave recognizing that he is free, and she is a slave.