Are you saying that Helen's story accurately reflects being a sub? To me the story can't be reflecting badly on submissives or bringing up negative notions of what it means to be submissive, because it really has nothing to do with what being a submissive is about.
I mean, I'm certainly not an expert on how one lives a 24/7 sub lifestyle, but I didn't see any indication that John was that kind of sub, nor did I see the cultural, institutionalized harrassment he was subjected to as anything like what people in the BDSM lifestyle do. Are there specific examples you find troubling, or is it the story's overall use of D/s as a backdrop? I think I understand where you're coming from, but it would be clearer if you gave some examples where you feel the story reflects badly on subs.
I agree with you about the real difficulties of working out relationships. Writing prickly, uncomfortable romance and relationships is one of Helen's strengths, I think.
no subject
I mean, I'm certainly not an expert on how one lives a 24/7 sub lifestyle, but I didn't see any indication that John was that kind of sub, nor did I see the cultural, institutionalized harrassment he was subjected to as anything like what people in the BDSM lifestyle do. Are there specific examples you find troubling, or is it the story's overall use of D/s as a backdrop? I think I understand where you're coming from, but it would be clearer if you gave some examples where you feel the story reflects badly on subs.
I agree with you about the real difficulties of working out relationships. Writing prickly, uncomfortable romance and relationships is one of Helen's strengths, I think.