Safety Philosophy CIS – If you’re into BDSM, you’ve probably already come across at least one of these terms.
- Safe, Sane, Consensual (SSC)
- Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK)
- Personal Responsibility, Informed Consensual Kink (PRICK)
- Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific (FRIES)
- Total Power Exchange (TPE)
- Complete and Irrevocable Submission (CIS)
The mysterious acronyms represent different safety philosophies, models by which BDSM can be practised. SSC (Safe, Sane and Consensual) is one of the most well-known and consensual. The other terms similarly express what should be allowed and what should not be acceptable in BDSM. The choice of guiding philosophies depends on your philosophical beliefs as well as your willingness to take risks. Read the rest of the article to learn more about the principle of CIS.
What does Safety Philosophy CIS mean?
In order to understand CIS, another guiding philosophy needs to be addressed first, TPE.
TPE, or Total Power Exchange, refers to an intense expression of dominance and submission in role play in which the submissive partner submits completely to the dominant partner, creating a strong feeling of power. This submission can either be accepted voluntarily and demurely, as an acknowledgement of the dominant partner’s position, or it can also be achieved through coercion, if agreed and desired. The passive participant is dominated because he or she desires and needs this.
Building on this, CIS has developed an even more intense level of submission called Complete and Irrevocable Submission (CIS), or “complete and irrevocable submission”. Here, submission can be either passive, where the submissive person submits to the dominant person, or active, where the dominant person submits to the passive person. Both types of role play occur in BDSM and are part of the power play in sadomasochistic role play. The subjugated serves the ruler, and the ruler commands the subjugated.
Metaconsent refers to role-play between consensual and non-consensual behaviour. The passive partner allows the active partner to determine the boundaries of the game. In a CIS relationship, the passive partner is seen as property and the dominant partner as the owner. Permanent markings such as brands or tattoos are often part of this relationship. This practice can be considered a fictional BDSM scenario or a potential violation of human rights, as it represents permanent submission with no possibility of withdrawal.
So CIS now? Yes, no, why?
CIS is the first guiding model, within BDSM practices, in which consent is not emphasised as one of the central elements. The idea is to get consent at the beginning, which is basically permission to dominate the submissive person, also known as the “sub”, for the rest of their life. This model is one of the most criticised within BDSM. Although there is some form of consent, it consists of an irreversible decision on the part of the sub. The sub is often (but not always) treated as a servant or object with no rights and no needs.
The main criticism of this model lies in the fact that people are often unaware of the far-reaching consequences such decisions can have, even if conditions remain constant.
In addition, both the sub’s expectations of himself, his life, his career, etc., and the wishes of the dominant partner, also called “Dom”, can change. Therefore, the sub basically agrees to non-fixed terms.
The most common defence of this model is that people often make long-term commitments in their lives, the effects of which they may not be able to fully assess at the time of the decision.
It should be noted, however, that the CIS model is mainly interested in fantasy and stories and is difficult to implement in reality. Moreover, under German law, it is not possible to draw up a legally valid contract that would grant the necessary rights to the Dom.
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Here are some points that still need to be considered with CIS:
- Consent: Consent is at the core of any BDSM practice. Both parties must explicitly consent, and this consent can be revoked at any time. With CIS, this principle could be challenged as it is based on “irrevocable” submission. It is therefore extremely important that both parties fully understand and agree to what this means before engaging in it.
- Safety: CIS can involve physical and psychological risks. Both parties need to be aware of the potential dangers and take measures to minimise these risks. This may include regular health checks, safe practices and emergency plans.
- Communication: Open and honest communication is essential. Both parties must feel comfortable to share their feelings, concerns and boundaries.
- Trust: A CIS relationship requires an extremely high level of trust. The submissive partner trusts the dominant partner with their physical and emotional safety. This is not to be taken lightly.
- Legal aspects: Depending on the legal system, irrevocable consent to physical violence may not be legally binding. Even if both parties consent to a CIS relationship, there may be legal consequences, especially if injuries occur.
- Psychological health: Such an intense form of submission can have a strong impact on mental health. It is important that both the dominant and submissive partners have support and resources to deal with these challenges.
Finally, it is important to remember that although CIS is practised in some parts of the BDSM community, it is a very extreme form of giving power and control and is not suitable for everyone. It should only be entered into by fully consenting, informed and responsible parties.
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