asked to write a paper on Gorean Culture... So... i place it here for review.

History of Gor

Gor originated through a series of books created by John Norman (Wikipedia, 2011).  These books combined erotica, philosophy and science fiction and have a clearly delineated set of customs and rituals, which their inhabitants utilize in daily life.  The books about the planet Gor center around an alternate universe, which is similar to Earth, but with a lower center of gravity.  This planet was populated by  Gorean leaders who came to Earth to collect individuals who were fitting to their society.  Many of these individuals mimicked those of Native American, Viking and roman lineage.  This alternate planet has a lower atmospheric pressure and lower center of gravity, hence allowing winged flying creatures to be a part of this society.  Many of the leaders have “insect” like physical qualities, and rule their world in a dictatorship way.  Tall buildings are connected by bridges and the cities themselves run parallel to what we would call the pacific seaboard.  The term “Gor” means “Home Stone,” and this is a key aspect, which is central to all of the books, the characters and the lifestyle within the villages. 

Many of the books center on sexual and military like adventures.  There are several races of people on the planet Gor.  The insect like rulers, Priest Kings, the predatory group called the Kurii, and abducted humans.  In many of the books, the flora and fauna of the planets are detailed as well as are the reasons for the formation of this civilization.  On this planet, there are great technologies which run abound, but most of the lives of those on the planet are lived according to ancient roman times.  While they have many advances greater to that of the Earth, they still remain strong in their historical context. 

Philosophical Ideals

            The common place teachings of the books are central to the theme of casting off societal norms and living a life more so which is congruent with one’s environment.  Being respectful, embracing sexual differences, and role within society are key aspects which are addressed in these books (Wolfcat, 2006).  The idea that generally females are smaller, less dominant and more nurturing run through the stories.  But the series also reflects on the idea that while these are generalities, there are exceptions.  And many women who were born to lead and men who were born to follow, so in these circumstances head of household changes.  The series focuses on following your own path and being proud of who you are as well as living up to what you are supposed to be, rather than following societal norms and requirements.  (i.e., while females are generally submissive, this isnt always the case and one should follow their natural path.)  The books focus on individuals finding inner peace with who they are.

            Honor is a key theme in Gorean ideals.  Honor within yourself, for your family and your society are necessary in Gorean lifestyle.  Belief in natural order of things is another big philosophical ideal.  Respect for the environment, and respect for hierarchy are also large aspects of the philosophy.  The lifestyle also incorporates the ideas of free relationship institutions as well as those of slavery.  Interactions within society should respect these roles and in turn they should be upheld as a sign of respect.  

Gorean Slavery

            Slavery (kajira) is an integral part of Gorean lifestyle.  While not mandatory, it is a central feature and one for which Goreans are known for.  While many individuals look at the “fun” aspects of Gorean slavery such as being forced to have orgasms, going without panties, wearing a gag during play, they seem to forget that while these sexual acts generally are a part of the lifestyle the slaves in Gorean culture also work themselves from the bottom up.  Scrubbing floors, cleaning, forced to go without speaking or whatever the master decides.  Gorean slaves are meant to serve not just the master, but all those in the hierarchy above them.  If a master sees fit to loan out their slave, they are free to do so and the slave has no say in the matter. 

            There are no contracts in Gorean slavery.  Rather the final collaring of the slave consummates the agreement and this seals the oath of the slave to the master.  The slave can request to be released of her collar but if the master says no then the slave must stay and continue to serve.  This being said, a slave must feel nurtured to continue to serve the master in the ways that they desire.  Education, support, emotional and physical attention are necessary for a slave to continue to function fully and in full capacity.  Slave tasks may include not only sexual slavery, but also the ability to maintain a household, possess artistic skills, wear an appealing outfit and address the master in certain manner. Gorean slave women are branded, which means they are marked with certain signs burned into the flesh on being enslaved. To mark a slave as a particular owner's property, a collar with the owner's name is placed upon the slave

            There are slave positions which slaves in the lifestyle must understand and know how to complete at the moments notice.  For many these can be pleasurable, for presentation, or for punishment.  Eyes cast downward typically accompanies each of these slave positions.  A breakdown of many of the positions are liked here http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/positions/.  These positions can cause a number of physical reactions in the slave.  They cause diffuse introspection and causes the slave to reflect on how they feel and how they are perceived by the master. 

BDSM and Gor – Comparisons

            Safe, sane and consensual. They are the watchwords of BDSM. Gor doesn't follow those rules. In Gor, they do want to be physically and mentally safe...being sane is probably a good thing...[grins]...and the slavery we practice is consensual, up to a point. There are no safe words, there are no days they do this and days they don't. It may not be something they do in front of children, but some do. Gor operates on Honor and Trust. The slave must trust her Master enough to give herself into his hands. Trust that he will care for her life and well being as long as she is pleasing to him. A Gorean Master takes the responsibility for his slave in what she does, how she acts, what she wears, what she learns; responsibility for all parts of her as well as her well being and health. A true master does not willingly damage something valuable to him. Like anywhere else, there are pretenders, abusers, and people trying to do something they really are unfit to do. Goreans would say that a man must master himself before he can master a slave. The good Masters do not need to prove themselves to anyone because they have already proved what they are to themselves.

The other big difference is that BDSM seems to be about sex, that a lot of their activities revolve around pleasure and control.  Gorean slavery is about service of a slave to her Master and the pleasing of him. Sex is there but it is not the most important thing. A Gorean slave is not only free to explore and reveal her sexuality, she is required to do so. She is not allowed to withhold any part of her from her Master. Most Goreans do not seem to do much BDSM play. There may be a bit of bondage or things (besides collars) which could be called fetish wear, but they are not central to being Gorean. A Gorean Master does not whip a slave for her erotic enjoyment, or his, but to punish her. To make her understand that she was displeasing in her actions or attitudes and that she needs to change what he found displeasing.

It is hard, though not impossible to do BDSM by yourself. A man or a woman can be Gorean without owning a slave. Being Gorean is an attitude and a way of life, not something you do in the bedroom or when you put on special clothes and go to a play party somewhere. It does not turn on or turn off when convenient.  Gor just is. 

Some people involved in BDSM use Gor to spice up their play at times, sometimes Gorean use BDSM to spice up their sex. However, if a slave's hands are bound behind her back, for example, it is because the master does not want her to use her hands at that point in time. Or it could be as punishment for doing something with them that she was not supposed to do. It could also be for training purposes. Many different reasons, but her sexual enjoyment of being bound is likely to be very low on or totally off of the list of reasons.

Individuals who practice Gor all the time need to remember that they live on Earth, not Gor.  They live within the confines and legalities of our society. They do what we can to recreate parts of the Gorean philosophies and Master/slave system, but more importantly for men; they look to the books as a guide to our behavior and existence as men. It has been said that a man can be Gorean and never own a slave. A free woman can be Gorean and never be a slave. A slave can be Gorean only while she is a slave to a Gorean Master.

Telling the difference between those who might properly be called Gorean and those who only play or pretend to be Gorean can be hard at times. It is not easy to tell in all cases.   It takes much practice on the behalves of those who live the lifestyle.  While Gorean culture is very seriously ventured into by persons who identify with the culture, it isn’t for everyone.  Rather, many choose to incorporate pieces of both BDSM and Gor lifestyles into their practices.  Its all about what works for the individual and incorporating the pieces that are important while remaining safe and consentual.