Since humankind first developed a sense that dominance and the imposition of fear and pain
could yield power and control, the instruments and arts of torture have been developed. Torture has been used
to obtain information, to force submission and, in some cases, for the sheer bloodlust. Torture has been used
in military campaigns, by terrorists, by kings, rulers, soldiers and dictators.
Torture can be a very complex occurance, with psychological as well as physical aspects. In this sense, torture
can be inflicted within families and relationships. Torture can be applied by witholding basic human needs and
desires as well as by the application of physical violence. Some may say we are even capable of torturing ourselves.
There has existed for centuries, a subculture of bondage, discipline and sado-masochism in which the suplication
and domination that occurs between two or more people in a group becomes an exhilarating and desired activity.
There can be no doubt that the body responds to pain with unusual and heightened awareness. Practioners of BDSM will
express that sex is enhanced and climax is made ever more excrutiatingly thrilling when pain and/or bondage are incorporated.
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