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