Against sadomasochism

Not all sadomasochists identify themselves publicly, however. Thus, it is difficult to differentiate sadomasochists from others in the Castro or to hazard a guess at the prevalence of sadomasochism in San Francisco. Certainly not all gay men and even fewer lesbians practice sadomasochism, although the straight media have presented a contrary, sensationalist picture. But in my neighborhood, the visibility of these symbols and images is so normalized that sadomasochism not only appears to be beyond reproach but also omnipresent. What is sadomasochism? Why has it emerged as a concern of feminists and women's communities in recent years? Why does opposition to the practice of sadomasochism invoke allegations of censorship, civil liberties and First Amendment infringements, antieroticism and sexual repression? How is sadomasochism related to violence, pain and power? Against Sadomasochism: A Radical Feminist Analysis is an effort to pose and critically explore these questions.