THE WORD

I came across a new word yesterday. Well, not actually a new word but more of a new useage of an old word.

REDUCTIONISM. The dictionary definition states that it means (1)the theory that every complex phenomenon, esp. in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon, and (2)the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, esp. to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it. And if you look up the word on Wikipedia then there is a shit load more to it!

However, what I came across last night was using the word to describe, for example, billboard adverts, whereby a person is reduced to no more than a body part. This, I suppose, fits in roughly with the second dictionary definition and also gives a better title to certain scenarios within my BDSM life.

This vetwrapped me for example:

or perhaps the scenario here could both be described as being reductionism in the sexual and/or BDSM sense. This word actually sits extremely well with me in cases like the examples given, more so than the term 'objectification', as 'reductionism' narrows the act down to one body part.

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