Shibari and Gender Stereotypes

A gender stereotype is a generalized view about men and women, and their proper activities. Gender stereotypes frequently lead to prejudice, since they establish what a person can or cannot do according to their gender. Shibari, on the other hand, has an essentially kink vision. That is, it allows diversity, creativity, and freedom. Therefore, it is important to understand the opposition between Shibari and gender stereotypes.

According to stereotypes, the rigger should be a super-macho: a very strong man who couldn’t care less about the bottom, since rope bondage is, in his view, only a vehicle for oppression. In the same manner, a bottom should be a woman without any right to express her opinion about the scene.

Bondage enthusiasts know this is very far from reality.

To begin with, a rigger can be a man or a woman. Even though most riggers are male, there are no restrictions for female riggers. Secondly, a rigger is not a careless macho. Quite the opposite, his main concern is the bottom’s welfare and their positive reaction to the scene. And, it is very important to distinguish oppression from submission, because they are hardly the same. Oppression means abuse and violence, whereas domination is part of a power dynamic which is not inherently unhealthy, and which can be quite satisfactory for all parties involved.

As for the bottom, it doesn’t necessarily has to be a woman. Actually, there are as much men who enjoyed being tied as there are women who like to play bunny. And for a successful Shibari scene, the bottom must be as participative and active as the top. A passive, silent person will never make a good bottom.

As you can see, it is important to distinguish the genuine art of Shibari from predatory or abusive behaviors that have nothing to do with rope bondage.

Now you know everything you need about Shibari and gender stereotypes.