BEHIND THE SCENES
Chapter 2
What is high protocol, really?
1. High Protocol in Diplomatic and Social Etiquette
Emily Post (1922, Etiquette) vs. Letitia Baldrige (New Manners for New Times, 2003)
- Emily Post, a leading authority on etiquette in the early 20th century, described high protocol as the strict adherence to formal rules governing social interaction, especially among the elite. She emphasized hierarchy, formality, and ritualized behaviors as key elements of proper high society etiquette.
- Letitia Baldrige, a later etiquette expert, modernized the concept, recognizing the need for flexibility within high protocol settings. She suggested that while high protocol remains essential in state dinners and formal diplomatic events, modern high society has softened strict adherence to rigid rules in favor of approachable elegance.
🔹 Comparison: Post’s version of high protocol was rigid and hierarchical, whereas Baldrige saw it as a framework that allows for some degree of adaptation while maintaining respect for traditions.
2. High Protocol in BDSM and Power Dynamics
John Warren (The Loving Dominant, 1998) vs. Raven Kaldera (Mastering the Art of Protocol, 2010)
- John Warren discusses high protocol in BDSM as a relationship structure where submissives follow a strict set of behavioral rules defined by their Dominant. This includes speech restrictions, postural rules, dress codes, and rituals, reinforcing a sense of deep commitment and power exchange. He views high protocol as a tool for intensifying intimacy and respect rather than an arbitrary system of control.
- Raven Kaldera, in contrast, delves deeper into high protocol as a form of structured discipline and spiritual devotion. He compares it to monastic traditions where submissives (or slaves) find meaning in ritualized service. His approach integrates historical and spiritual perspectives, drawing parallels between BDSM protocols and feudal service models.
🔹 Comparison: Warren presents high protocol as a practical tool for relationship depth, while Kaldera treats it as a philosophical and almost religious practice, akin to knightly chivalry or monastic discipline.
3. High Protocol in Historical and Political Contexts
Norbert Elias (The Civilizing Process, 1939) vs. Richard Sennett (The Fall of Public Man, 1977)
- Norbert Elias explores high protocol through the lens of courtly behavior and social control in aristocratic societies. He argues that highly ritualized etiquette, table manners, and speech patterns in royal courts (especially in Louis XIV’s Versailles) were not merely about politeness but served as tools for maintaining power hierarchies and social order.
- Richard Sennett, on the other hand, critiques the decline of public formalities and high protocol. He suggests that while protocol historically structured social interactions, modern societies have dismantled formal public behavior in favor of personal authenticity, leading to a loss of refined social interaction.
Summary
| Context | Definition |
|---|---|
| Etiquette & Diplomacy | Formal rules governing high-status social or diplomatic events to maintain hierarchy and respect. |
| BDSM & Power Dynamics | A structured system of behaviour where the submissive follows strict rituals and rules dictated by the Dominant. |
| Historical & Political Structures | A system of ritualised behaviour used to enforce hierarchy and maintain social order, often in royal courts or government institutions. |
Emphasis on positions
There is a good reason for this long intro. It is to show you that protocol is etiquette. Etiquette in the shape and form of ritualised behaviour and rules. As everyone is different, so are their rituals and rules. Jutta is teaching Sylvia a set of slave postions. A vague description is given of a number of these positions. Does Jutta loves them, or is she doing that for Koen? In the book it seems like Koen really loves them. Lots of men think that if they bark a certain position to their woman, it’s very erotic if that woman immediately without thinking assumes that position.
There are lots and lots of photos on the Internet about slave positions, often refered to as GOR-positions. To show you some of those, I loved this YouTube video where a woman shows you some of them.
Comments