In BDSM, consent is the non-negotiable foundation upon which all activities are built. It is explicit, enthusiastic, and ongoing. Without it, an activity is not BDSM; it is abuse. Two common frameworks for understanding this are SSC and RACK.
SSC: Safe, Sane, and Consensual
This is the oldest and most well-known motto in the BDSM community. It breaks down as follows:
- Safe: The activity should be performed with an understanding of the risks involved. This includes using proper equipment, understanding anatomy (e.g., for impact play), and taking precautions to prevent physical or emotional harm.
- Sane: All participants are of sound mind and are not impaired by substances that would prevent them from making clear decisions or giving informed consent.
- Consensual: All parties involved have enthusiastically and freely agreed to participate in the activity, and they can revoke that consent at any time.
RACK: Risk-Aware Consensual Kink
RACK is a more modern framework that many find more accurate. It acknowledges that not all BDSM activities are objectively "safe" (e.g., breath play, needle play). Instead, it emphasizes awareness:
- Risk-Aware: Participants understand the potential risks (physical, emotional, social) of the activity they are engaging in.
- Consensual: Consent remains the paramount requirement.
- Kink: It identifies the activity as a "kink" practice.
Ultimately, both frameworks emphasize that consent is king. It must be informed, freely given, and can be withdrawn at any moment.