On its face this statement is true, but an explanation is necessary. This is a blanket one size fits all general statement and as most stereotypical statements it doesn’t hold up when truly analyzed. Using the logic that made this statement you could argue that shooting fireworks, cooking a roast in a pressure cooker, or crossing the street in downtown New Orleans are inherently dangerous. Any of these activities (and others) can cause serious injury or death if you’re not properly informed, aware, and acting with safety in mind.
To the ignorant population, it would make sense to believe that all BDSM activities are inherently dangerous. Many people have no working knowledge of what all goes into BDSM play and dynamics. Many believe what they’ve seen in porn and 50 shades of grey is exactly how it is in real life. They don’t know what SSC, RACK, PRICK, negotiation, and communication are. These principles coupled with honesty, and knowing and respecting limits are the foundations to safe BDSM play.
So first we need to define these acronyms so everyone understands how we remove the “inherent danger”. Let’s be honest we all may be into kinky things, but no one likes to be in dangerous situations. SSC stands for Safe, Sane, and Consensual. RACK is for Risk Aware Consensual Kink, PRICK is for Personal Responsibility Informed Consensual Kink. Hmm how interesting the word consensual appears over and over again. Like it’s a flashword or something lol. Each of these acronyms have different interpretations to people but as a whole they state that involved parties of any kink activity:
1. Know what is happening
2. AGREE to what is happening. And not just a simple “Uh-huh, ok sure whack me with a whip til I can’t walk anymore”. Everything that will happen has been discussed. The types of contact (if impact is happening), the type of wax or duration if doing temperature play, the types of words or names used if doing verbal things. It’s all agreed to by both parties based on their experience and limits.
3. Safety, safety, safety!! Any safety equipment is on hand and checked. First aid kits are available. Aftercare kits are on hand and discussed so that they can be used properly to help either a top or bottom during a “drop”. Safewords and signals (for when that gag just gets in the way) are discussed and reviewed before. Scissors and other means of quick release and/or rescue are not only available but usage reviewed and checked.
4. The actions have been researched and both parties are informed of not only the activity, but also the potential hazards, how to mitigate the hazards, and possible consequences in case of an accident.
In short it’s almost like a well directed movie. Trust, honesty and communication between a top and bottom are a must for BDSM play to be done safely. Any potential health issues are discussed and certain play or parts of the body may be deemed off limits because of health concerns. Even after all these checks are done before a scene commences both parties should talk to see where each other’s mindset is. A sub may have had a kink performed dozens of times but if they are in an anxious or angry mindset they should pass on play at that time. A sub should be properly hydrated and well fed and rested before engaging in play because it can be very taxing on the body and mind. We are all able bodied adults who need to actively and honestly gauge our physical, emotional, and mental states before playing. We all have a personal responsibility to make our needs, wants, and limits known. Ignorance is not always bliss and an uninformed person can have tragic consequences when engaging in any activity in life. BDSM is no different. By being aware of what we are doing and how we are doing it we can effectively remove 99% of the danger. So yes for the uninitiated or lazy people BDSM is indeed inherently dangerous. For the rational able bodied kinkster it is a pleasurable erotic escape that can be fun, sexy and completely safe.
https://ayeshasark.weebly.com/ayeshas-ark-blog/what-do-the-acronyms-ssc-rack-ccc-prick-stand-for-and-how-are-they-inculcated-into-the-bdsm-lifestyle
http://www.keepingitkinky.net/bdsm/kink-basics/consent/ssc-vs-rack/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/out-the-ordinary/200904/whats-dangerous-about-bdsm?amp
Risks, Whips and Pleasure: 4 Common Myths About Kink and BDSM
https://www.bustle.com/articles/121570-the-bdsm-motto-is-safe-sane-and-consensual-but-is-that-good-enough