Summary
The purpose of the
article is to explore the mutually constituted relations between avatars,
space, and artifacts depicted in virtual photographs from Second Life's BDSM
(bondage, discipline, and sadomasochism) communities. even though BDSM is a
sexual and social practice that involves consensual relations of domination and
submission, the article hypothesized the BDSM fantasy in Second Life is far
more than a sexual past time; it is a community where sophisticated behavior and
sheer innovation were produced and BDSM combines a potent visual language and
the intense personal desires. To testify the hypothesis of the article, 375
pictures in 57 groups were randomly selected from the BDSM members'
self-portraits. Meanwhile, those pictures were categorized for analysis. To
explore the mutual relationships between images and spectatorships, between
form and meaning, the 375 self-portraits were examined by reviewing their
narrative structure and interaction structure. In conclusion, The visual
language of profile pictures in BDSM reflect the norms and aesthetics of the
substructure, and it is also used for intimate self-expression, self-narration
and identity formation. These are important for participant in virtual world,
because it is used to figure out who they are online. The visual language not
only enables them to identify themselves, but also facilitates expression of
themselves, situates one within a community and respects it. The visual
language of profile pictures in BDSM also add an interesting and paradoxical
dynamic to BDSM imagery. Meanwhile, the existing profiles indoctrinate the new
participants the desirable and undesirable norms of BDSM. The visual language
of virtual is a powerful mode of communication, and its language helps explore
the express their most intimate desires, fears and fantasies. Therefore, the
BDSM is not a simply sexual pastime, but a mode of discourse which empowers
submissives to speak sincerely and profoundly.
Review
Hypotheses
Bardzell clearly
expressed in the article that his hypotheses BDSM fantasy in Second Life is far
more than a sexual pastime.
Data Source and
Method Collection
Visual analysis is
used as a systematic way to collect and categorize groups virtual BDSM members'
self-portraits. Through accessing the Second Life's group search menu, 286
BDSM-related member-operated groups with 6,166 members were yielded.
Randomization was used to finally select 375 pictures in 57 groups for
analysis. The categories of these images were developed based on the central
research predisposition: (1) that visuality depicts and conveys social
relations and emotions, and (2) that quantitative (such as content analysis)
and qualitative (such as semiotics and psychoanalysis)
Methodology
To explore the
mutual relationships between images and spectatorships, between form and
meaning, Bardzell examined the 375 self-portraits by reviewing their narrative
structure and interaction structure.
Major Findings
The visual language
of profile pictures in BDSM reflects the norms and aesthetics of the
substructure, and it is also used for intimate self-expression, self-narration
and identity formation. These are important for participant in virtual world,
because it is used to figure out who they are online. The visual language
enables them to identify themselves, and facilitates expression of them,
situates one within a community and respects it.
The visual language
of profile pictures in BDSM also adds an interesting and paradoxical dynamic to
BDSM imagery. And, the existing profile taught the new participants or we may
say new language learners the desirable and undesirable norms of BDSM.
Critical
Thinking
Indeed, a mass of
innovation was produced in BDSM community. At the same time, it is a community
where people can express their true desires and fears.
However, what cannot be ignored is that it contains a mass of sexual
information. How to prevent children from accessing will be an issue, which
should be concerned by participants.
Reference
Shaowen Bardzell. (2010). The Visual Language of Virtual BDSM Photographs in Second Life. Journal of Virtual Worlds Research. 2(4)
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