Reader Question:
“Is it okay to take pleasure from someone else’s pain? By that I mean, I am a Punished Brats customer, so I obviously enjoy watching spanking movies. However, along with the beauty of the spankee’s bottom – I am a bottom “worshipper” - (and the beauty of the spankee in general).. I also enjoy seeing the spankee’s facial expressions (be it smiling or that of grimacing in pain)… as well as hearing their reaction to the spanking. Does enjoying seeing someone in pain make me a bad person?”
Interesting question and not one that I found I could answer easily. Not because I am uncertain on the matter, but because I can understand the feelings of guilt that come in taking pleasure from someone else’s pain. It is a touchy and confusing matter, but let me make an attempt to explain how I view it.
I think enjoyment gained from witnessing a consensual spanking between two adults is fine. The participants are both willing and likely enjoying the activity in some manner. In many cases, such as Punished Brats scenes, the very intent is to bring pleasure to the viewer and the participants readily agree to engage in spanking for this purpose.
I consider consensual spanking in a very different light than I would the torture or intentional injury of another person. When consent is absent and when reasonable limits and safety precautions are not in place, taking pleasure in witnessing pain is more sadistic.
Perhaps what makes it difficult for me to explain my feelings on the matter is that it’s not quite so black and white. Even consensual spankings can go too far but I wouldn’t blame an observer for not realizing the exact moment when the bottom felt it crossed a line. Witnessing a non-consensual spanking such as a real life school punishment may result in arousal, but I wouldn’t deem the witness a bad person for having that response. And I’m sure there are plenty of other exceptions that further land the world of spanking firmly in the shades of grey that all fetishes tend to reside.
However, I don’t generally think there should be any more shame in deriving pleasure from watching consensual spankings any more than there should be any for two consenting adults wishing to participate in them. The pleasure is in the fantasy being acted out while knowing in the back of your mind that all parties are practicing safely and ok with what is taking place. I wouldn’t think less of someone who enjoys watching an exciting bloody boxing match or deem them to be a bad person for liking the considerably violent sport.
Wow. Have I made that clear as mud? Help me out. What are your thoughts on the matter?