Rubberism, Rubberization, and Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays- Ruberization

Rubberism, Rubberization, And Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays
Rubberization

If Rubberism is in fact the overbearing schema, set of rules and boundaries, or methodolgy and system of thought pertaining to rubber, rubberization (or rubberisation, used interchangeably) is the dual-process of moving through and operating in these systems of thoughts toward the ultimate goal.

Note that I referred to it as a 'dual-process'. In essence, it is an all encompassing process of moving through and operating within the realm of Rubberism, and yet it is the individual processes and acts of 'rubbering up' and 'playing' in rubber. Perhaps this can be more clearly illustrated (and therefore explained) by focusing first on the individual instances, and then shifting toward the overall process while tying the two together.

Let us first begin with the actual acts of putting on rubber, or playing/scening in rubber. Most any rubber fetishist can agree that the actual act of putting on rubber puts them in another state of mind, or at least puts them on the road toward that destination. What this state of mind, or destination is, is very personal.

As such, I can only offer my personal take on the feelings that surface, and hope that others can see the rationale behind it, and if not agree with me exactly, at least can identify their own personal feelings with the process.

The process starts when you actually get the rubber out of the closet, drawer, and slip it out of the bag, or off the hanger. To hear it rustle against itself, making that instantly identifiable slippery, sticky, slapping sound as it does so... to watch it catch the light in its glossiness, to catch sight of the distorted reflections its pristine surface can provide.

The act of applying lubricant to both one's self and the rubber garment is yet another level. To watch it get slicker and slicker, shinier and shinier with each pass of the hand or cloth is enticing. I personally associate it as some sort of living entity, its glassy black jaws slavering, awaiting to consume me.

As the lubricant is applied to one's self, there is this feeling of... preparation. As if, you in your 'normal' state isn't fit, or to some degree worthy. Of course, there is the 'selfish' aspect of preparing yourself so that it slides on easier, and doesn't rip... and feels better. While this 'selfish aspect' of wanting it to 'feel better' seems rather dull on its own, I believe (and the thought is there, personally) that this desire to make it 'feel better' is driven because you don't want to 'waste' the opportunity. Essentially, seeing the opportunity of 'rubbering up' as a pleasurable experience, which ties the argument back to my statement that putting rubber on elicits a certain degree of pleasure, of positive apprehension.

And then there is the actual application. The sight of watching a leg, or an arm being devoured by this... alien material, watching it transform before one's own eyes into something almost... otherworldly is an expereince that can drive many to lust-driven fits. I can't count the number of times I've watched people's eyes glean over, or felt my 'conscious' self slowly start slipping away.

The process is a slow one. Often times it is slow out of necessity (so as not to rip or tear the rubber), but at times this is just a guise. For some reason, there is just something more erotic, more visually appealing to a 'transformation' if its done slowly. Perhaps it has something to do with the way the eye, or the mind works in the sense that it processes it or 'sees' the transformation differently, or it allows for more cognitive thought to be more thoroughly focused on the act, or the delay allows for all sorts of wonderous fantasies to form in vivid detail behind the open, glassed-over eyes.

Physically, this slow transformation process allows the wearer to feel it, to associated it with a more sensual sensation, to fully feel the effects of the lubed rubber sliding effortlessly across the slickened flesh.

And then comes the 'enclosing' where the zips are fastened, the buttons buttoned, the straps buckled, the wrinkles smoothed out. It represents the final step in this 'individual' rubberization process, this movement to this new state of mind. As I watch the zip of my catsuit slowly slide up my chest, I get an incredible rush, both physically and mentally.

The cold, lifeless material assimilates with the person, changing the relationship from a symbiotic one between to entities into a manifestation of a new entity altogether. One has discarded the 'normal self', has thrown their flesh aside and exchanged its imperfections and bland appearance for a perfectly smooth, shiny, flawless one. One truly gets the belief that they are no longer human, but something else entirely different, and to some degree entirely superior.

But, this is only the first step in the rubberization process on the 'individual instance' scale. One has only gotten 'dressed', and there is so much more left to do!

This is where the demarkation between submissive, dominant, switch, and 'non-polar' (for lack of a better word) attitudes in regards to rubberization becomes more prominent. Being strictly submissive, I can't elaborate in personal detail as to the dominant process, and so I will do the best I can to identify the relationship between the different, yet inextricably tied, feelings and thought processes.

From both ends, the 'rubberization' process is heavily influenced by play, whether in regards to a Power Exchange relationship (which I feel more dynamically impacts the process), a 'non-polar rubbery sex' relationship, or even solo play. That being said, different aspects of play drives different people, but all to the same goal.

For some, it is the systematic 'layering' of more rubber in conjunction with being bound and objectified into an 'artificial'... almost 'inorganic' object to a certain degree. Of course, the process of submitting and serving is just as important to this process as the rather 'static' process of being bound, and being left in this bound state. There are literally hundreds of other aspects of play that drive folks to the same end, however these hundreds of aspects still operate within the 'bounds' of rubberism (as defined in part 1). But, the cruxt of the argument, is that the process is there, and that play moves this process along.

And now we move from the 'individual instances' to the more long-term, overbearing process of rubberization. The best analogy I can come up with... is that it is very much akin to... a slow acclimation into the 'world of rubber' on increasingly deeper scales, leading to an assimilation into a sort of 'other' existence.

Just with anything in life, be it fetishistic, or vanilla, or anything in-between- one can not go 'whole hog' from the very beginning. It of course takes time, effort, constant self-evaluation (and re-evaluation), and the movement through different stages as new opportunities open and interests present themselves.

While rubberization happens on an individual, isolated scale to the person each and every time they 'rubber up' and play, it is the collective set of various 'rubber sessions' that form the broad scale of rubberization.

To draw off of the 'well' example from the previous essay, rubberization is the process which moves someone down the well, toward the ultimate goal. By the definition of the concept of the broad form of rubberization, it is the sum of the experiences which constitute steps deeper into the well.

Another way to analogize it, is to think of it as the production process of a car in an assembly line. There is the initial interest in the fetish, which is represented by the frame. Production has yet to start on the car, it is more or less lying dormant in the line, awaiting the various parts and accessories to be equipped and installed.

And then the frame is moved to the conveyer belt, where necessary items are put on, and features added. While I admit that I am not well versed in the intricacies of car assembly, I ask for some degree of leeway in forming the rest of the analogy.

As the car moves onto the assembly line, the fist things that are added to it are those which are vital to its construction, more or less 'base parts' such as tires, doors, seats, engine parts,etc. This is representative of experiencing the initial (and often times most important) steps in the rubberization process. Things like, trying on your first catsuit, shining your rubber for the first time, slipping a hood on for the first time; essentially, activities which are staples of the fetish, and staples in terms of helping the process move along. Just as in the assembly of a car, one can not move to the next step without experiencing this aspects first.

As the car moves along the assembly lines, additional items and features are installed. While not a necessity to the base functionality of the car, they in essence are 'improvements' to the car, and set it apart from others. It is the 'stops along the assembly line' that constitute the aforementioned 'individual instances', or 'scenes'.

Similarly, the individual experiences new and exciting things during this rubberization process. And with each new experience, the person begins to define their likes and dislikes, essentially deciding on what 'features' to equip themselves with, which helps them identify themselves in relation to other rubberists.

At long last, the assembly is finished...totally kitted out to a finished product. The production is complete. This rings true for the individual as much as the car. They have been... transformed from a 'blank shell' into something entirely different. Just as the car is entirely different from what the frame it had started out as, the individual has transformed into something else entirely.

The same analogy can be used for instances of play as well. As more and more layers of rubber, or activities, or... anything else, is introduced into the scene, the participants move farther and farther away from what they initially entered the scene as.

And as the individual is repeatedly 'transformed' into that new entity, they add to the collective sense of the rubberization process. And it is through this process that they have reached their final goal.

Rubberspace...

End Part 2; Rubberization

Rubberism, Rubberization, and Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays- Rubberism

Rubberism, Rubberization, and Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays
Rubberism

As I alluded to earlier, I believe that every fetish, while being outside the realm of cognition, follows some set of causality, a series of logical steps and progressions. These steps come together to form a process, a flow of sorts which moves the individual along in their realization, comfort, and practice of the fetish. But, the process is far deeper than that. Its a mode of transit, to a higher state of awareness, of comfort, of perception; a state so high that it is essentially rationally incomprehensible, and instead can only be felt.

The rubber fetish is no different- and that is where the term Rubberism comes into play.
I believe that analyzing the actual definitions of words and phrases is an excellent place to start when trying to ascertain the words connotative meanings. Of course while connotations are more or less socially constructed, theoften times rigidity of these social constructs more or less provides a standard, even when connotations are concerned. For an example, look no further than the word fetish itself.

In its original context, a fetish was related to religion. And now, through social constructs, the word has become connotated with matters of a sexual nature. So firmly connotated, that it has in essence replaced the original definition.

But I digress, and will return the focus to the word at hand, Rubberism.

As I stated, pure definitions are often times the best place to start. I am sure that the pure definition of rubber is not in question, but mayhaps we can direct our attentions to the latter portion of the word, namely the '-ism'. Definitively, the suffix '-ism' means, or entails an understanding of 'A distinctive doctrine, system, or theory; especially, a wild or visionary theory. A belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school.' While the rubber fetish has no set 'rules' or 'systems', it still can be classified as a more formalized arrangements of thoughts, and the feelings that these thoughts manifest.

Connotatively, the '-ism' suffix, is a way of providing some degree of 'form' to an otherwise formless, abstract notion. It seems that once a method of feeling or thought transcends its abstraction and becomes an ism, it becomes formalized. Through this formalization, one can identify some semblance of paramaters of what the thought does and does not entail. From there, the practitioners can operate within these parameters. More simply, its determining how wide the well is before determining how deep it goes.And it is through this process determining how deep the metaphorical well goes, that individuals become more and more involved in its practice. It is nearly impossible to immerse ones self in the explanation of an ambiguity without become attached to the very thing which one is trying to explain. And it is at that point that the -ism truly gains its form.

Of course, the form can take many shapes while still being bound by the initial parameters originally laid out. That is to say, the -ism in question is distinctly personal, and yet entirely universal to those practitioners. To return to the analogy of the well, each person who seeks the limits of the well's depth, while still moving toward the same ultimate end can, and often times will, utilize a wide array of tools they see fit for their respective positions. Furthermore, during the process of digging (again, to continue the analogy), there is always the inevitable instance that the individual will get sidetracked, and branch off from the main thoroughfare which, while an offshoot from the original path, can ultimately lead to the same destination.

Of course, by the nature of digging straight down, any variance from the prescribed path constitutes operating outside of the initial parameters. However, that is not to say that doing so would be erroneous. By virtue of the fact that the tangential endeavour occured below the surface, it stands to reason that the sidetrack was caused by the initial pursuit as opposed to wild fancy.

These offshoots can be abandoned, or pursued to wild lengths and depths that can entirely conflict with the original goal, or they can (more often than not) reroute themselves so as to be moving toward the original end.

To tie general fetish to these analogy, let us presume that the initial interest in whatever subsect of fetishistic endevour is synonymous with the initial hole of the well. The individual can discern the limits of what constitutes this fetish- that is to say that they understand the boundary between that fetish, and another distinctly different one.

As they begin to get to the proverbial bottom of the fetish, its practice, and how it relates to them- they in turn get more and more involved with it. They begin to connect to it, and after delving so far down the well, the light of the surface is barely noticeable. They've reached the point wherein they realize that there is the proverbial 'no going back', or more simply- that they are too immersed, and too satisfied with that immersion to want to return.

Its at this point that the normal 'introductory' phases of said fetish no longer can provide the sense of completeness that they previously found at shallower depths. As one would expect, this can cause a bit of personal confusion and can often times result in the aforementioned offshoots. That is to say, that while they are seeking for the depths of the fetish, looking for their ultimate understanding and peacefulness with it, they begin exploring either tangentially related, or seemingly unrelated activities. These activities, while they can be markedly different from the original line of thought, in essence serve to facilitate that very end. To be more concrete, we can draw parallels to the development of interest in other activites. As an example, using rubber as the subject- an activity that may be the offshoot of the initial search could be an interest in medical scenes wherein rubber plays a huge role, or breathplay utilizing gasmasks and breathing apparati, items commonly associated with the rubber fetish.

The important thing to note is that the development of these new interests, that metaphorically 'digging deeper' within these offshoots still is aimed at the goal of complete understanding and comfort with the initial interest.

But this begs the question as to the overall purpose of this metaphorical digging. To put it simply while relating it to actual practice of the fetish, in this case rubber, it is to tap the wealth of 'water' (again to bring up the analogy of the well) at the bottom- or rather, the personal goal. This goal can be a myriad of things, and is largely contingent upon the person. Examples can include a true understanding of the fetish as it relates to the individuals mind, spirit, or physical body; or the expansion of ones limits, or a sense of peacefulness, or even the ultime instance of sub-space.

It seems evident now, that terming something as an '-ism' provides a systematic approach to understanding it. The previously elaborated upon analogy is an example of this seemingly universal systematic approach. What has been done is essentially defining the schematics, the... logistics if you will, of the phrase Rubberism, but the analysis would be severely lacking without defining what Rubberism is.

And while that is certainly the proverbial lynchpin of the analysis, it is certainly the hardest to elaborate clearly upon due to the intensely personal nature of it to some degree. While I am in no capacity to elaborate on these intensely personal experiences, I can to some extent elaborate upon the seemingly universal aspects of it.

In my estimation, Rubberism is the overbearing set of 'rules' and 'standards' that governs the pursuit of the ultimate end to the rubber fetish. It is more or less the pattern of thought and actions, a 'discipline' to some degree. It is important to note the use of 'discipline' not as a stringent, rigid set of doctrines and rules, but more or less a systematic method of thought and action.

To speak again in analogies, if the rubber fetish was the sport of American football- Rubberism would be the term 'football'. Its more or less a word which illicits a schema of thoughts, connotations, and associations which constitute the generality of the concept. If one were to play the 'word association game', Rubberism would be the topic upon which the respondent would use as a focal point from which to draw these associations from.

The important thing to note, is that the associations drawn from this word are far from loosely bound. In effect, these associations are closely tied to the word itself. Just as the words 'touchdown', 'fumble', 'punt', and 'linebacker' are inextricably tied to the subject of football.

In simpler terms, the best way to explain what Rubberism is, is to define it as the what itself. It is more than slightly paradoxical.

It is more than just a term which defines a kink or general fetish such as podophilia (foot fetishism) or algolaginia (deriving sexual pleasure from pain), or corophilia (scat). By listing these terms, it is much easier to ascertain the difference. These terms or more or less labels given to specific behaviors, wherein Rubberism is beyond a label. It is an attempt to term a multitude of behaviors, and more importantly the stream of conscious and unconscious thoughts that tie these behaviors together in a systematic fashion.

It is something deeper than a mere definition. The forthcoming parts of the essay will serve a double purpose- to explain and clarify the aforementioned topical words, while at the same time illustrating Rubberism as the binds which inextricably fasten the words together.

At the risk of blasphemy, perhaps the best analogy to draw between the terms is that of the Christian Holy Trinity. It is almost impossible to understand one without the corresponding parts. Although an attempt can be made to clearly define it in autonomy, the definition becomes much clearer when it is paired with its corresponding parts.

And so, while the forthcoming entries will no doubt mention Rubberism, it is important to note that no further attempt will be made at defining the term, as the connections of the topical words and their explanations when tied to the term Rubberism paints a clearer picture.

End Part 1; Rubberism

Rubberism, Rubberization, and Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays- An Introduction

Rubberism, Rubberization, Rubber-Space
Introduction

Thes are words that are commonly spoken within the rubber/latex fetish circles. Perhaps "commonly spoken" is a bit of an understatement. In my opinion, they are thrown around carelessly. Just like the phrase 'sub-space'/head-space' is thrown around in the more traditional circles of BDSM.

As mentioned, I feel that the terms are tossed around carelessly. I suppose that since 'rubberism' has become more mainstreamed, at least mainstreamed within the world of kink, it has of course gained some level of purely aesthetic and markedly fantastical connotations.

This is where I feel that the community has in large part has grossly erred. I tend to take a step back, and look at things as a logical progression. While fetishism as a whole is a phenomena which I believe resides outside the realm of cognition, it begets a series of behaviors- behaviors which follow a causal path to a certain degree.

Rubber fascination, or addiction- depending on how one wants to look at it, is no different. And so, I have set out to try and more clearly explain my thoughts and feelings on the aforementioned terms and the process to which these words serve as cogs. I will admit beforehand that the endeavour is just as personally explorative as it is critical, and as such I apologize ahead of time for any ambiguity or repition or even the occasional inconsistency.

The 'critique', for lack of a better term, will be broken into several parts. These parts will be the words "Rubberism", "Rubberization", and "Rubber-Space" respectively, with an additional part that will attempt to draw the understandings and insights gained from the preceding parts together in a more concrete summation. It goes without saying that this entry is designed as an introductory part- and as such, stay 'tuned' for the subsequent parts as I publish them.

A Rubber Puppet?

"A Rubber Puppet?"

Before one can even begin to step into my mind, before they can toil about the cogs, press all the buttons and pull all the levers, before any understanding of my motives and thoughts can be gained, answering the question of why I chose to deem myself a rubber puppet as opposed to rubber slave, rubber toy, or any of the other myriad of possible descriptions antecedent to rubber, gummi, or latex, is paramount. And what better early entry than one designed to address this very question?

It is reasonable to assume in our case that rubber/latex is a fetish. Bearing that in mind, in order to fully apprehend the depth of my reasoning behind the issue of addressing myself as a 'rubber puppet' the we must first begin by addressing the word 'fetish'.

The dictionary defines a fetish as "any object or non-genital part of the body that causes a habitual erotic response or fixation". The peculiar aspect of this definition is that it actually very 'recent' in the grand scheme of etymology, and that such a meaning has been 'socially constructed' to some extent. To borrow from the field of sociology, and more specifically the study of symbolic interactionism, the meanings of symbols (in this case words) are socially constructed. This hints that there was, or is, a definition which outdates this common connotation with the word 'fetish'.

So, let us look a bit farther back in the word's etymology. Doing so gives us the following definition: 'an object believed to contain supernatural power that can be manipulated or used by those who have mastery over it.' In this case, it pertains to religion, and more specifically those ancient religions where it was believed that such objects as feathers, claws, pipes, leopard skins, and the like held within them some manner of channeling the abounding, impersonal, supernatural power that pervades all living and non-living things- mana.

Now, let us combine the two definitions and identify their similarities. Bearing in mind that they each refers to completely different spheres of society (sexuality & religion, respectively). I certainly hope that I'm not confusing my 'language games' but I believe that the two are connected closely enough so as comparison is acceptable.

• Objects: In both definitions, there is the presence of an 'object'
• That Object Has Power: There is a certain degree (whether stated, or not) that these objects contain.
• The Object's Power Is 'Supernatural': The ability of a mere object to a certain degree, 'control' the world around it can be deemed 'supernatural'.
• Manipulation: These objects can both be manipulated and also manipulate.
  

All of this means that rubber possesses this strange, inexplicable power over those who deem themselves 'rubberists', (that is to exclude the casual wearers of latex/rubber, those who find it arousing, with their experiences stopping just there, as well as those who have no interest in rubber- while including those for whom rubber is 'something else') a power which they can be controlled by, or use to control others.

And it is that power of both giving, and taking away control that serves as the foundation for deeming myself a 'rubber puppet'. The power it has to 'perfect' the human form, freeing it of all its markings, scars, inadequacies. The power it has to 'dehumanize' those who wear it, transforming that individual from a human into a seemingly mass produced item. The power of 'confinement' as it clings to the flesh. It has the power to be 'transitional' in the regard that it can be either the embodiment of dominance, submission, or perfect neutrality. These powers all derive from both the aesthetics, or mere appearance of rubber, its shine, its tightness, its creaking, slapping sound; and from something far deeper than, but inherently related to those aesthetics.

And now, how all of this applies to me. The power that rubber has, it has a hold of me. It envelops me. Applying this metaphorically, if I am the 'puppet' then rubber is the strings which bind me. Regardless of whether or not there is someone pulling the strings, using that power to manipulate me, they are still present.

That isn't to say that I view the concept of a 'puppeteer' as extraneous, or secondary; no, it is actually quite the opposite. The rubber itself can only do so much. Despite the manipulative power it has, that power can only be fully utilized when someone manipulates the rubber. As grand as it may be to wear rubber by yourself, there's something far better in knowing that someone shares in that desire.

I suppose it is an adequate time to state, if it hasn't been inferred already, that I consider myself on the sub/slave end of the spectrum. I have this unquenched urge to submit. To be used for the pleasure of another, in whatever way would manifest that pleasure. Pairing the power that rubber has when manipulated properly, and my urge to submit results in my desire to submit to Mistress who excel in bringing out that power of rubber- using that power to mold me into what they wish, to have me serve them however they desire, to transform me (either willingly, or against that will) into something inhuman. A mere object... their own puppet.

How It All Started

How It All Started

I suppose that any fetish oriented blog would be lacking without an explanation of sorts of how that fetish started. I, of course have many- but all of them are superceded by the presence of rubber. That is to say, that while I consider them fetishes, I consider rubber far more important- and truly can't appreciate those others unless rubber is involved. Also, let me clarify that personally... I don't think fetishes are formed per say, but awakened. This is quite an interesting topic to me, and will be given due justice in another entry (hopefully). Bearing all this in mind, let's get started shall we?

The very first 'contact' I had with rubber clothing, was through the movie Batman Returns. And if you are between the ages of 19-26 and have a rubber fetish, I would venture to say that its a safe bet to assume that that movie at least played a role in it. For those of you who don't know what I'm referring to, four words; Michelle Pfeiffer As Catwoman. While those four words might not mean anything to you- perhaps this photo will...

Better?

There was just something about how it hugged her figure, the glossy perfection it gave her. How it seemed to add to her 'evil' and dominant personna. Consequently, this also got the ball rolling on my desire to submit. Of course, I was probably around ten years old at the time (I had rented the video with my dad), and had no idea what the material was, and I was almost ashamed to ask my dad- as for some reason I already knew that the sort of attraction I had wasn't 'normal', so to speak.

In time, I forgot about it- or rather, forced it out of my mind. But, several years later when I was in the 6th grade, and 12 years old, it all came to the surface again. I remember that I stayed home one day from school, it might have been a vacation or I might have just been playing hookie. Either way, I was flipping through the channels and came across Jerry Springer.

I can't remember the title of the episode, but what does stand out is that a husband was cheating on his wife with a Dominatrix. They brought the husband and Dominatrix out as a pair, with her wearing a pair of latex hot pants, a rubber corset, a pair of wrist length rubber gloves, and a pair of knee high stiletto boots. The husband was led out on a dog collar and leash, on all fours, wearing a pair of latex shorts.

I got my first erection at that very moment. It was amazing to see how beautiful she was, and how powerful she was. Up until that point I had always seen the male as the dominant sex, the central power, the Alpha dog. It shocked me how this lithe, somewhat pale woman was able to totally control the male not not through brute force- but through a mixture of humiliation, degradation, and mere assertion of her will. I wanted to be that man.

But, that hardly answers the question as to the origin of my love for latex. Or, does it? You see, the image of Catwoman came into my head again, and I imagined her in her latex catsuit- treating me like that woman treated the unfaithful husband.And so I started to research, through the wonders of the internet, all I could about this new desire in me. And it was through the knowledge I gained that I came to give concrete terms and definitions to the emotions, urges, and desires I was feeling.

Humans are insatiable creatures. No matter how much of something they get- they crave more. And so did I. I craved knowledge... and was that knowledge was gained, I craved experience. When I was in high school, I dated a girl for about three and a half years who was a year and a half older than I, and confessed all my fetishes to her. I was lucky enough to be able to experiment, to experience many of these desires (though on a much smaller scale than in my fantasies). She even bought a pair of latex stockings, gloves, and a latex dress.

I was in heaven... though midly dissapointed that they had no men's clothing. (It was just a local porn shop, nothing extensive). But one day, I simply couldn't take it anymore. She left the clothes at my house... I tried them on. I couldn't bear NOT knowing what it looked like on me, what it felt like... even if it was women's clothing. And obviously, I was not dissapointed. I began to imagine myself- shoved into a full body suit of latex, forced to submit to... well, anyone. I wasn't gay, or bi... but, the desire to submit in latex to someone was so overpowering that it made me want to do things that I had before deemed incorrigble. It made me look, and feel... 'not-human' and that anything that happened, or anything that I did... wasn't me doing... it was that alien form in rubber. And so began my spiralling descent into the world of rubber slavery.....