11120323 I found that the documentary "Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist" brilliantly illustrated how one should not pathologize those who participate in BDSM activities by relating them to those who suffer from the paraphilias of sexual sadism and sexual masochism. Bob Flanagan and Sheree Rose, while participating in some of the more extreme SM activities, showed that SM is not about wanting to kill each other or one's self, nor is it about hate or weakness. Bob explains how masochists are stereotyped by society as being weak for wanting to suffer pain, force, or humiliation, when in fact masochists must know their own bodies and limitations, as well as be trusting enough in their relationship to be willing to give all of themselves to someone else. Bob proved that a lot of love and trust must be in place in the relationship in order for the masochist become a sadist's "submissive." In one scene, Sheree also explained how Bob would have been willing to give up everything, including his art, for her, if she had wanted him to. I feel that that in itself proves again that masochists are not weak, because it would take a lot of courage and selflessness to give up everything for someone else. It also must have taken a lot of love and selflessness on Sheree's part to allow him to continue with his art and even help him with it, which is not what one would stereotype a sadist as being capable of doing. All aspects of their relationship demonstrated how much they loved and cared for one another, as well as how their SM activities were an extension of their love. However, I feel that it should be noted that their SM relationship and childhood backgrounds were unique to them and that not all who participate in SM activities will have a serious medical condition or be willing to hammer a nail through their genitalia.
Review of Sick
