I've
been in several room discussions when the question posed for the
topic was: What is the difference between a Dom and a Master.
I most often say (in various words...due to the nature of a chatroom
discussion ) a Master is defined as such, by a group of his peers,
based on his knowledge, skill and application of his Mastery.
This
is often met with great debate. Some saying there are no schools
to "graduate from" or subbies stating their Dom is their
Master, for that is what she calls him, etc.
It
is difficult in a room discussion to expand upon this topic, in
an manner which involves my whole intrepretation and what I base
it upon, thus this posting.
For the purpose of this posting.... my disclaimer:
This
posting does not have anything to do with what you choose to call
a Dominant in your personal relationship.
Also, I write this from my being a real time submissive, who has
engaged in and enjoys BDSM activities; therefore, I write, strictly
from this aspect.
It
is of my opinion,based upon my teachings from my former real life
Master, my former real life Trainer and our/my friends in this
lifestyle and my study over the past year, that:
1.
A Dominant is a person with a dominant trait in their personality.
2.
A Master is a Dominant with substantial knowledge, has practiced
real time Mastership (which may or many not include BDSM experiences)
and he is recognized as a Master amongst his peers.
These two areas~clearly do not mean one and the same.
Yes,
a Master does possess dominant personalities. However, it does
not convey that all Dominant's have earned the title of being
a Master.
To
further clarify the topic of Dom vs Master, I've gone to the Websters
II New Riverside Dictionary, which defines some of the words we
associate with this lifestyle and this posting.
Dominate:
verb 1. To influence, control or rule by superior power or authority.
2. To occupy the most powerful postion in or over.
Dominant:
adj. 1. Having the most control or influence.
Domineer:
verb 1. To rule over arbitrarily or arrogantly: tryrrannize. 2.
To be bossy or overbearing.
Master:
noun 1. One with control or authority over another or others.
2. Someone of great learning, skill or ability. 3. One who teaches
or mentors.
Masterful:
adjective 1. Given to playing the master: domineering. 2. Having
or showing mastery: expert.
Masterly:
adjective 1. Having or showing the skill of a master.
Mastery:
noun 1. Consummate skill or knowledge. 2. Status of a master or
ruler.
Consummate:
verb 1. To complete or conclude. adjective 1. Perfect. 2. Highly
skilled.
Since
I do not know all things in this lifestyle...I do not know if
actual schools exist for one to become a Master in this lifestyle.
However, I do know around the world, if one seeks, you can find
workshops pertaining to this lifestyle and the various activities
which may be involved in Dom/sub and/or BDSM relationships.
I
know of dungeons that offer lectures and demonstra-tions of BDSM
activities for those new to the lifestyle. If you are truly interested
in this lifestyle, you will find what you seek.
I
will always maintain that one does not become a Master, simply
by tacking on the word "master" onto their name. Mastery
of anything, takes time, study, dedication and practical application.
This
submissive, shall not be submit to anyone who simply wishes to
think they are a "Master" because they are "domineering".
This one finds "domineering" to be a self-centered personality
trait and has nothing to do with this actual lifestyle at all.
Most
in this lifestyle, online or real life, has seen how we continually
preach "Safe, Sane and Consensual."
Because
of this, I will not submit to One, who is not a Master, by my
interpretation and desire. Anytime I submit to my Master, my life
is at stake.
If
my life is at stake, due to a medical condition...do I go to a
first month med student? No. I go to a doctor, who is educated,
trained, with actual practical application in medicine and also
known amongst his peers, as being skilled and knowlegable and
capable to practice medicine.
Another
analogy is:
If
one reads books for a year on car repair.....does this make that
person a mechanic? Would you bring your car to this person to
repair the engine?
In
closing I share with you two of my favorite quotes....authors
unknown.
"A dom demands, a Dom teaches, a Master inspires."