Hi, it's Kim! I run a D/s dynamic group on social media, and part of our screening process involves making sure that the applicant has a solid understanding of the tenets of kink. I've heard some people here may be unfamiliar, and @thetravelingmaster invited me to write a little post, so here I go.
Let's talk about safety principles, folks!
We all know about safewords and the traffic light system (hopefully), but what about SSC, RACK and PRICK?
Let me break them all down.
SSC = Safe, Sane and Consensual
SSC proposes that kink should be exactly that. A person should be in their right mind (i.e. not inebriated) to engage in kink. The acts involved should be safe. And of course, everything must always be consensual. The inherent problem with SSC is that some of the acts we do are inherently *not* safe. Suspension bondage can slip. Needle play, sounding, and knife play all have their hazards. So, how does one lay out a safety principle that takes these risks into consideration?
RACK = Risk-Aware Consensual Kink
And thus RACK was formed. RACK proposes that, in a dynamic or scene, one should be aware of the risks involved, and ideally take precautions to mitigate those risks. Have some scissors on hand in the event of a panic attack or mistake during bondage. Provide aftercare on both ends to prevent sub and Dom drop. Be knowledgeable of risk and prepared for consequences. But, whose responsibility is it to be informed? Should a Dom(me) always be the one doing their research to prevent harm? Or...
PRICK = Personal Responsibility, Informed Consensual Kink
In the newest evolution, PRICK proposes that everyone involved in a scene should take their own responsibility in being informed of the kinks, risks and consequences. As a hypnosub, I should know my mind and its vulnerabilities to be able to communicate those to a Hypnodom(me). I should be aware of what can go wrong with hypnosis, and be okay taking those risks after making a very personal conclusion about them. It is not on solely the Dom(me) or sub to do their research -- everyone should have some knowledge and understanding of what they're getting into.
I wrote my screening question as, "What does RACK mean to you?" Sometimes I hear in response, "That's not really for me. I practice SSC. I'm not that extreme." This has been the most common misunderstanding I've seen. RACK is a safety principle, not a kink, and being risk-aware is fundamentally important with *all* kinks, regardless of how "safe" they are considered by the parties involved.
Thanks for coming to my kinky TED talk; have a fantastic day!
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