Was browsing through catch up TV stuff for something to watch while having my cuppa and found this:
http://www.channel4.com/video/upstairs-downstairs-love/catchup.html
"The remarkable real-life story of barrister Arthur Munby and his servant lover Hannah Cullwick whose relationship transgressed the strict moral codes of 19th-century Britain."
it was intriguing for soical history perspective and emphasis on how the classes were practically different species in the 19th century and reminder that 'respectability' was central to defining the emerging middle classes at that time.
As an erotic masochist I was intrigued by the BDSM perspective which was covert and overt. Hannah like many modern subs and slaves relished literal boot-licking and wore a chain with pride. A reminder that institutionalised ideas (collaring)that are part of so-called 'scene' have universal significance and can be just as easily thought up by individuals as groups.
It was amusing that academic commentators wrestled with same issues as society in general - Can kinks/fetishists in power of kink find true love? Hannah and Arthur revelled in their erotic love of her filth and slavery, but obviously loved each other as well.
Modern issue of who's in charge in sub/Dom (Sub/dom?) relationship also explored.
Class is no longer such an issue but still with us in a big way. I've not thought of it as possible fetish/kink, but can see it as a possibility. Wonder if there are subs and Dom/mes who relish partners from different class? Whole 'bit of rough' and 'up-town girl' stuff are eroticisation of other, but not thought of it in fetish terms before - interesting...
Wot a thought! 
http://www.usksider.co.uk
2008-06-28 @ 17:56