Resolution 3.8 – Language Standards and the Term “Slave”
Sponsor: Madam Nora
Official Text of the Resolution:
This resolution seeks the opinion of the Conclave regarding an active editorial policy already in place at FemdomU Magazine: the removal of the term “slave” and related terminology from all published content. This includes the glossary, article submissions, captions, and contributor materials. The editorial guide currently in use replaces terms such as “slave” and “slave owner” with alternatives including “property,” “owned and collared,” and “Owner.”
This vote is non-binding and intended solely to provide advisory feedback to the Editor-in-Chief. While Madam Nora retains full editorial authority and final decision-making power, she has requested input from the Conclave. The results of this vote, along with any written commentary, may inform future refinement of this policy.
Voting Options:
- I Support the Editorial Policy
- I Oppose the Editorial Policy
- I Support a Modified Version (please comment)
Note from the Sponsor:
This is not a theoretical change. It is already active policy, and the editorial team continues to implement it as new content is created. That said, I want to hear where the Conclave stands.
As Editor-in-Chief, I believe we must consider the historical and cultural weight of the words we choose. The term “slave” is rooted in centuries of violence, subjugation, and racial trauma. While some within BDSM culture use it to describe consensual dynamics, I find it irresponsible to allow its casual use in our magazine without acknowledging the harm it may evoke.
I am not asking anyone to change their personal language, nor am I invalidating anyone’s dynamic. This policy applies to how we, as a publication, present Femdom to the world. I believe we can express the depth and totality of ownership with more precise and respectful terms – Owner and property being two examples.
But I am open to being convinced. If you believe the Conclave has a strong argument for allowing or reintroducing this language in our publication, I invite you to share it. Your votes and comments will help me understand how this community feels, even if the final call remains mine.
This is definitely one we’ve found challenging to implement… not because we disagree, but because the term is so deeply ingrained in the culture. Still, I believe it’s our responsibility to lead by example and push for more mindful language.
I wonder if we should make a distinction between its use in educational materials versus fiction. Most of our content is about guiding readers through real aspects of the femdom lifestyle. In that context, using terms like “owned” is not only more accurate, but also more compassionate. Fiction, on the other hand, often lives in the realm of fantasy. Maybe that’s a space where the term still fits. Just offering a bit of devil’s advocacy here.
Geena – I get where you’re coming from, but I don’t know if keeping the term for fictional use achieves the full intent of my directive.
I’ve kept subs in my cages for days – even weeks – where their entire lives are spent servicing or locked in the cage. Even these were not referred to as slaves, even in roleplay – because they are their of their own freewill. Subs. Property, yes. Pathetic gimps, yes.
Yes, absolutely. We need to lead the way to a brighter path. Submission is not slavery. We live this life, not the made up stuff in the porn scenes.
Agree with those supporting.
I’m guilty of this because in the moment it’s descriptive. But only in the moment. Nine of my boys has even been a slave in the term’s full historical context.
As a matter of maturity and discipline (Domme discipline), I support labeling the term derogatory and out of place in our context.
I fully support passing this, and I agree with Meghan’s point of view. I would even take it a step further. When we look at our men, including Cody, krissi, Zeek, and duckie, etc, we may have used the word “slave” in the past, but the truth is that their reality has very little in common with the historical meaning of that term.
These men are serving by choice. They are thriving, living with intention, and being true to who they are. What they experience is fulfilling, consensual, and grounded in trust. That stands in complete contrast to the legacy of pain and dehumanization associated with slavery.
We should stop using that word to describe something so positive. It belongs to a history of suffering, not to the lives of people who are freely embracing submission as an act of personal truth and empowerment.
I think this is a wonderful idea too. I can’t say I’ve ever really used this term in play – I’ll tie him up and ask him who’s my good little bitch boy, but I don’t think we’ve really used the slave word ever. I think we should fully support removing this from FemdomU – from what I’ve seen, the content here is really a leader in the niche – and it’s always good to lead by example.
I love it! I’m going to start referring to Zeek as Annie’s bitchboy from now on… 🙂