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literaryvein-reblogs · 6 months ago

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How to Read a Scientific Article

THE THREE-PASS APPROACH

The key idea is that you should read the paper in up to 3 passes, instead of starting at the beginning and plowing your way to the end.

Each pass accomplishes specific goals and builds upon the previous pass:

The first pass gives you a general idea about the paper.

The second pass lets you grasp the paper’s content, but not its details.

The third pass helps you understand the paper in depth.

At the end of the first pass, you should be able to answer the 5 Cs:

Category: What type of paper is this? A measurement paper? An analysis of an existing system? A description of a research prototype?

Context: Which other papers is it related to? Which theoretical bases were used to analyze the problem?

Correctness: Do the assumptions appear to be valid?

Contributions: What are the paper’s main contributions?

Clarity: Is the paper well written?

Purpose of the Sections of Empirical Articles

Section — Use it for

Abstract — This is a great section to read to find out if the article will be relevant to your own research.

Introduction — This section gives you an overview of work that has been done on topics relating to the hypothesis of the article, and will often lead you to other relevant work that has been done in your area of interest.

Method — This section will help you understand the design of the experiment. This is particularly useful if you'd like to replicate the study.

Results — The results will tell you what the author/s found in the course of their experiment.

Discussion — The discussion section is typically easier to read than the method and results section, and it will help the reader understand the implications of the results of the experiment.

References — This is a great place to look to find articles that are related to the one you are reading. If you're looking to build your own literature review, the references are a great place to start.

The Anatomy of a Scientific Paper

Some initial guidelines for how to read a paper:

Read critically: Reading a research paper must be a critical process. You should not assume that the authors are always correct. Instead, be suspicious. Critical reading involves asking appropriate questions.

Read creatively: Reading a paper critically is easy, in that it is always easier to tear something down than to build it up. Reading creatively involves harder, more positive thinking.

Make notes as you read the paper. Use whatever style you prefer. If you have questions or criticisms, write them down so you do not forget them. Underline key points the authors make. Mark the data that is most important or that appears questionable. Such efforts help the first time you read a paper and pay big dividends when you have to re-read a paper after several months.

After the first read-through, try to summarize the paper in one or two sentence.

If possible, compare the paper to other works.

Write a review that includes:

a one or two sentence summary of the paper.

a deeper, more extensive outline of the main points of the paper, including for example assumptions made, arguments presented, data analyzed, and conclusions drawn.

any limitations or extensions you see for the ideas in the paper.

your opinion of the paper; primarily, the quality of the ideas and its potential impact.

The guide below details how to read a scientific article step-by-step.

First, you should not approach a scientific article like a textbook— reading from beginning to end of the chapter or book without pause for reflection or criticism. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you highlight and take notes as you move through the article.

Skim the article. This should only take you a few minutes. You are not trying to comprehend the entire article at this point, but just get a basic overview. You don’t have to read in order; the discussion/conclusions will help you to determine if the article is relevant to your research. You might then continue on to the Introduction. Pay attention to the structure of the article, headings, and figures.

Grasp the vocabulary. Begin to go through the article and highlight words and phrases you do not understand. Some words or phrases you may be able to get an understanding from the context in which it is used, but for others you may need the assistance of a medical or scientific dictionary. Subject-specific dictionaries available through our Library databases and online are listed below.

Identify the structure of the article and work on your comprehension. Most journals use an IMRD structure: An abstract followed by Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. These sections typically contain conventional features, which you will start to recognize. If you learn to look for these features you will begin to read and comprehend the article more quickly.

Read the bibliography/references section. Reading the references or works cited may lead you to other useful resources. You might also get a better understanding of the basic terminology, main concepts, major researchers, and basic terminology in the area you are researching.

Reflect on what you have read and draw your own conclusions. As you are reading jot down any questions that come to mind. They may be answered later on in the article or you may have stumbled upon something that the authors did not consider. Here are some examples of questions you may ask yourself as you read:

Have I taken time to understand all the terminology?

Am I spending too much time on the less important parts of this article?

Do I have any reason to question the credibility of this research?

What specific problem does the research address and why is it important?

How do these results relate to my research interests or to other works which I have read?

6. Read the article a second time in chronological order. Reading the article a second time will reinforce your overall understanding. You may even start to make connections to other articles that you have read on this topic.

Identify Key Information

Whether you are looking for information that supports the hypothesis in your own paper or carefully analyzing the article and critiquing the research methods or findings, there are important questions that you should answer as you read the article.

What is the main hypothesis?

Why is this research important?

Did the researchers use appropriate measurements and procedures?

What were the variables in the study?

What was the key finding of the research?

Do the findings justify the author’s conclusions?

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

#writing notes #studyblr #writeblr #dark academia #spilled ink #light academia #writers on tumblr #literature #lit #creative writing #writing tips #writing advice #research #writing inspiration #writing reference #writing resources

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andmaybegayer · 15 days ago

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youtube

Rambling: So much of this is just like. It's all the money, you can't get around the money. Engineering is primarily a cost optimisation problem, so is business, where do you buy your parts, how much do you pay your labour. The companies can make equal quality goods cheaper in China because of the industrial base. Western workers don't want to work in manufacturing because it doesn't pay as much or as reliably as other jobs.

I like reading articles and watching videos about factories and a thing you find with a lot of American factories is they're often highly specific niche industries where they don't have much competition or they're really low volume where less intensive manufacturing processes still work or they have big military contracts that give them their base income. Really it's wild how every little engineering shop in the US requires base level security clearance because they make the cable harness for the Hornet or whatever. And crucially, crucially: they employ 100 people. Planning to work for one of these companies is like planning to be a pro baseball player but you make $35/hr.

I studied in South Africa, and I studied electrical engineering, but like. That was my fifth or sixth choice from a personal interest perspective? As a teenager I was really into biochem. I really wanted to work on like. Bioreactor stuff. South Africa has okay industrial chemistry but not that much biochem. So why would I go spend five years getting a biochem Masters and hope I could find a job at one of like six companies. It's a bad move! Once again, baseball player odds! Mostly if you're lucky you'll get to fuck around in a half-related field for a few years and then you'll wind up with some office job that you found because it turns out running tests on paint shearing isn't personally fulfilling enough to make you stay in a lab job.

Hell, even taking the Good Hiring Engineering Job market, it's a goddamn pain in the ass to find any actual engineering work. I applied to dozens of internship positions every semester at engineering firms and workshops and never so much as heard back, whereas I could go to the software job fairs and get two offers and several interviews for a vacation job in a couple weeks. You can swim upstream to get in there but even if you're willing to take the pay cut, engineering jobs are slow moving and slow hiring, and in small departments your professional progression is often gated behind someone retiring or dying.

A while ago someone (was this Reggie? sounds like him EDIT: YEP) was talking about how part of the reason why no one in the US for the past 20 years can do like, epitaxial growth optimisation isn't because there's some philosophical or educational divison, but because anyone committed and driven enough to spend months optimizing that would just put that energy and commitment into going into software or becoming a quant or some other higher yield option. Meanwhile if you're a driven and focussed ladder climber in China there's dozens of factories looking for someone to do exactly this. The people in the West who are so into this that they still do it are often in academia, not industry, and that's an even more competitive and impenetrable sector to get into. Getting a PhD grad job in academic chip manufacturing is miserable, it's basically a six year long interview process that costs you hundreds of thousands of dollars that has a 0.1% chance of panning out.

Actually, I did once do a factory internship, it was my only nepotism internship, at a construction materials factory where my dad was a manager, and it was really interesting work! I had a lot of freedom in a small engineering team and I spent a while understanding a bag filling machine and reading manuals and tuning the control process and talking to floor workers and designing sheet metal parts to improve their jobs. And when I talked to the engineer supervising me I found out he was on a six month contract that wasn't getting renewed and he would be leaving the company basically the same time my internship ended. That company hadn't hired a full-time process engineer in ages, and probably never would if they could avoid it. Not encouraging!

People often say you should get into the trades because they pay well and are material fulfilling work. This is like. It's an elision. Successful tradespeople are in very high demand, but becoming a successful tradesperson is very, very finicky. I worked with a lot of electricians and millwrights and technicians, and for every tech who was successful and running a roaring business there were five guys stuck in eternal apprenticeships or struggling to make a name for themselves in the industry on their own. Some trades are great for this, other trades are 90% training scams where you spend nine months and five thousand dollars on a course that gives you a certificate almost no one cares about.

Every now and then I talk to an installation tech I used to work with who has a bunch of CCTV and security certs he got in the DRC, and he is just absolutely struggling to get by. There's already enough successful companies to serve the demand, why would you take a risk on this fly-by-night? He could find a technical job, and he does, but it's a dead end, everyone wants a base technician forever, they don't want you to upskill and move on. They hire in an external electrician to come in for an hour sign off on your work, and that's all you need.

You can't develop an industrial base unless it's appealing to work in the industrial base. If you're an industrialising nation, the appeal is "It's not farm work and you might get some real money instead of a sack of barley" but in a modern society you need to pay at least as well as the office jobs. If your industrial sector is small it can afford to only hire the most qualified people because it's a labour buyer's market, and that's how you produce a massive knowledge gap.

#Youtube #industrial capacity #engineering #smartereveryday is an interesting example he is a weapons engineer and a weird military guy #which like yeah that's how you do manufacturing in the US. Every little engineering shop needs military clearance #having a weird week re: industry i guess

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mostlysignssomeportents · 9 months ago

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China hacked Verizon, AT&T and Lumen using the FBI’s backdoor

On OCTOBER 23 at 7PM, I'll be in DECATUR, presenting my novel THE BEZZLE at EAGLE EYE BOOKS.

State-affiliated Chinese hackers penetrated AT&T, Verizon, Lumen and others; they entered their networks and spent months intercepting US traffic – from individuals, firms, government officials, etc – and they did it all without having to exploit any code vulnerabilities. Instead, they used the back door that the FBI requires every carrier to furnish:

https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/u-s-wiretap-systems-targeted-in-china-linked-hack-327fc63b?st=C5ywbp&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

In 1994, Bill Clinton signed CALEA into law. The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act requires every US telecommunications network to be designed around facilitating access to law-enforcement wiretaps. Prior to CALEA, telecoms operators were often at pains to design their networks to resist infiltration and interception. Even if a telco didn't go that far, they were at the very least indifferent to the needs of law enforcement, and attuned instead to building efficient, robust networks.

Predictably, CALEA met stiff opposition from powerful telecoms companies as it worked its way through Congress, but the Clinton administration bought them off with hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies to acquire wiretap-facilitation technologies. Immediately, a new industry sprang into being; companies that promised to help the carriers hack themselves, punching back doors into their networks. The pioneers of this dirty business were overwhelmingly founded by ex-Israeli signals intelligence personnel, though they often poached senior American military and intelligence officials to serve as the face of their operations and liase with their former colleagues in law enforcement and intelligence.

Telcos weren't the only opponents of CALEA, of course. Security experts – those who weren't hoping to cash in on government pork, anyways – warned that there was no way to make a back door that was only useful to the "good guys" but would keep the "bad guys" out.

These experts were – then as now – dismissed as neurotic worriers who simultaneously failed to understand the need to facilitate mass surveillance in order to keep the nation safe, and who lacked appropriate faith in American ingenuity. If we can put a man on the moon, surely we can build a security system that selectively fails when a cop needs it to, but stands up to every crook, bully, corporate snoop and foreign government. In other words: "We have faith in you! NERD HARDER!"

NERD HARDER! has been the answer ever since CALEA – and related Clinton-era initiatives, like the failed Clipper Chip program, which would have put a spy chip in every computer, and, eventually, every phone and gadget:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipper_chip

America may have invented NERD HARDER! but plenty of other countries have taken up the cause. The all-time champion is former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who, when informed that the laws of mathematics dictate that it is impossible to make an encryption scheme that only protects good secrets and not bad ones, replied, "The laws of mathematics are very commendable, but the only law that applies in Australia is the law of Australia":

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-laws-of-australia-will-trump-the-laws-of-mathematics-turnbull/

CALEA forced a redesign of the foundational, physical layer of the internet. Thankfully, encryption at the protocol layer – in the programs we use – partially counters this deliberately introduced brittleness in the security of all our communications. CALEA can be used to intercept your communications, but mostly what an attacker gets is "metadata" ("so-and-so sent a message of X bytes to such and such") because the data is scrambled and they can't unscramble it, because cryptography actually works, unlike back doors. Of course, that's why governments in the EU, the US, the UK and all over the world are still trying to ban working encryption, insisting that the back doors they'll install will only let the good guys in:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/05/theyre-still-trying-to-ban-cryptography/

Any back door can be exploited by your adversaries. The Chinese sponsored hacking group know as Salt Typhoon intercepted the communications of hundreds of millions of American residents, businesses, and institutions. From that position, they could do NSA-style metadata-analysis, malware injection, and interception of unencrypted traffic. And they didn't have to hack anything, because the US government insists that all networking gear ship pre-hacked so that cops can get into it.

This isn't even the first time that CALEA back doors have been exploited by a hostile foreign power as a matter of geopolitical skullduggery. In 2004-2005, Greece's telecommunications were under mass surveillance by US spy agencies who wiretapped Greek officials, all the way up to the Prime Minister, in order to mess with the Greek Olympic bid:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_wiretapping_case_2004%E2%80%9305

This is a wild story in so many ways. For one thing, CALEA isn't law in Greece! You can totally sell working, secure networking gear in Greece, and in many other countries around the world where they have not passed a stupid CALEA-style law. However the US telecoms market is so fucking huge that all the manufacturers build CALEA back doors into their gear, no matter where it's destined for. So the US has effectively exported this deliberate insecurity to the whole planet – and used it to screw around with Olympic bids, the most penny-ante bullshit imaginable.

Now Chinese-sponsored hackers with cool names like "Salt Typhoon" are traipsing around inside US telecoms infrastructure, using the back doors the FBI insisted would be safe.

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/07/foreseeable-outcomes/#calea

Image: Kris Duda, modified https://www.flickr.com/photos/ahorcado/5433669707/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

#pluralistic #calea #lawful interception #backdoors #keys under doormats #cold war 2.0 #foreseeable outcomes #jerry berman #greece #olympics #snowden

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themakeupbrush · 2 months ago

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2025 Met Gala Information

Note: all language is direct from Vogue’s articles on the Met Gala. Articles and additional information can all be found on their Met Gala page

Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the upcoming Costume Institute show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will take the Black dandy as its subject, examining the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.

It is the first Met Gala since 2003 to focus on menswear

The exhibit is inspired by Monica Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, in which she establishes Black dandyism as both an aesthetic and political construct. Miller, who is a Professor and Chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, also serves as guest curator for the exhibit alongside Andrew Bolton

Dress code: “Tailored for You” Per The Met, the dress code is a nod to the exhibition’s focus on menswear and is “purposefully designed to provide guidance and invite creative interpretation.”

Where and when to watch: Vogue will be streaming across its platforms on Monday May 5th at 6:00 PM ET, including on YouTube and on their website

About the exhibit: May 10 through October 26, 2025, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will feature 12 sections, each representing defining characteristics of the dandy aesthetic: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook, Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism. Among artists bringing the exhibition to life are Torkwase Dyson, Tanda Francis, and Tyler Mitchell, as well as Iké Udé, who will serve as special consultant.

Ranged throughout will be artifacts—photos of W.E.B. Du Bois; works by Zora Neale Hurston and Nikki Giovanni; archival issues of Jet magazine—and of course, lots of fashion: pieces worn by Frederick Douglass and Harlem Renaissance–era performers, suiting from the wardrobe of André Leon Talley, and designs by Virgil Abloh, Dapper Dan, Foday Dumbuya, and more. Prior to the May opening, The Met will host a series of exhibition-related talks and programs for all ages, both at the museum and various institutions across New York City, including the Apollo Theater.

Co-chairs: Pharrell Williams, actor Colman Domingo, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, musician A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, with basketball star Lebron James acting as honorary co-chair

Host committee: André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Grace Wales Bonner, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens, Jordan Casteel, Dapper Dan, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Edward Enninful, Jeremy O. Harris, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Rashid Johnson, Regina King, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Olivier Rousteing, Tyla, Usher, and Kara Walker

Chef: Kwame Onwuachi

Decor: Cy Gavin, Derek McLane, and Raúl Àvila.

#met gala #met gala 2025 #this is literally all I’m doing for this

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talxns · 11 months ago

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Academic Articles that Analyze Queer Readings of Batman and Robin (Brudick)

There actually exist multiple!…but the ones I want to introduce right now talk specifically about how the creation of the batfamily was DC’s attempt to dissuade brudick readings. and that it can be argued that DC is still doing the same thing today.

The first article is called “All in the Family: Homophobia and Batman Comics in the 1950s”, published in the International Journal of Comics Art in Fall 2000 by Chris York. It was not available for free online, but I bought a digital copy of the volume it was published in and provided screenshots because it’s been 24 years and I hate the fact that academics are behind paywalls so I’m sharing.

This article was actually infamous because DC refused to grant permission for the use of their panels in this article.

Click for better quality.

Notable Quotes:

“National [Periodical Publications]’s biggest step, however, was the introduction of other members of the Bat-family, which would give them permanent female counterparts and solidify their heterosexual status.”

“It is clear that, although Batman and Robin remain partners, their interests are no longer as the Dynamic Duo, but as a Bat-family.”

“Taking the focus of the comic away from Batman and Robin was exactly what these superfluous characters were designed to do.”

The second article, published in the Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies in 2005, is called "Domesticity, Homosociality, and Male Power in Superhero Comics of the 1950s" by Mark Best.

Good news! This article is available online for free and it’s a great read.

Notable Quotes:

“In contrast to the Marvel family, however, the Batman and Superman families were modeled more after the familial relations of the nuclear family and the gender expectations of the domestic ideology.”

“One way the genre attempted to contain any “subversive” potential, including the possibility of homosexual readings of the comics, was through the narrative device of the “super hero family.””

Here is more academic reading with the themes of Batman and homophobia, written in 1991. This article is referenced in the former piece.

In summary:

(lest we forget) Batman has had queer readings since its inception, specifically between Bruce and Dick.

The creation of the batfamily served to curtail those brudick readings

It seems pretty obvious that the same attempts are STILL being made by DC, now with the exaggerated push for explicit familial titles like “father” and “son”. And are still working if you see any discourse online from fans who strictly oppose brudick on the basis of their “father/son” relationship (which seems to me a more modern emphasis compared to in the past, maybe i’ll make a different post about that later.) They are unknowingly parroting Freddy Wertham’s concerns and eating up DC’s new strategy of distancing Bruce and Dick, just under an accusation harder to argue against nowadays. It’s gauche to criticize queerness nowadays, but consider it incest and suddenly it’s acceptable to bash again.

I just find it incredibly fascinating that brudick had been discussed and analyzed in multiple academic articles! And reading some comments I saw lately of people exclaiming “I can’t believe Brudick is this popular!/Who on earth is shipping Brudick!?!” made me sigh and really want to pull these out. Brudick has been a thing before all of us were born. DC’s propaganda/internet purity culture has been doing too good of a job lately. We have to remember our roots.

#brudick #brucedick #batman meta

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zeichannnnn · 1 year ago

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⚠️ In regards to the natlan controversy (and Sumeru by proxy)

Do NOT accuse people of being racist just because your skin colour cannot be found in a game. Learn to know that people don't live in the same situation as you.

Please read this fully for the reality of things I'm sorry for getting political, skip if you don't want to interact

I’m kinda sad at the fact that a lot of people are quick to hate, judge, and scrutinise Hoyo without understanding the situation.

With recent teaser of Natlan characters, people are rightfully upset at the fact that the characters shown to hail from Natlan… don’t exactly look the part. With characters lighter than my own skin tone (I’m a Chinese Southeast Asian by the way, heya) people are calling hoyo bullshit and accusing them of being a racist for failing time and time again at giving us characters with POC shades of skin. Now I’m not here to defend Mihoyo for their actions, or to tell you to stop being mad at the situation being the way they are. No, I’m here to shed you some light of how life is as a game company under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Xin Jin Ping (XJP cause I won’t be bothered to type his whole ass name)

I've highlighted points of each section

Any pages that requires translations, I recommend using DeepL instead of google translate because you can check the meanings of specific words and it's translation are better (imo)

Skip to the last part if you just want a summarised version

Before we get into the nitty gritty that is Genshin drama, I'll give you a run-down on what and how China works.

check the part "In relation to Genshin's design choices and how China's beauty standard influences it" if you want to go straight on to the point

People’s Republic of China

is a Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic. This means that China is under a one-party (Chinese Communist Party) rule with communism ideology on how they rule and govern the country and socialist standards for how they manage their economy and everything else. [.]

The CCP holds a very nationalistic view

[.] which is commonly used as propaganda [.] for them to garner either sympathy or control over the people of China. These nationalistic view, in its raw and most rudest form, simply states that Chinese people are pure by upholding traditional Chinese culture (that's not even traditionally Chinese, more or less more catered towards communism and the CCP's ideologies which are that they're great and everyone else is wrong) and not mixing themselves or tainting themselves with things that are not pure (i.e. anything that isn't Chinese, from China, belongs to China) This nationalistic views, which glorifies China and detests anything foreign (i.e. culture, language, people, etc.) have led to a lot of xenophobia being built and nurtured inside of China's society [1] [2] [3]

Aside from the CCP's nationalistic views,

China's society is very censored and monitored by the CCP

[.] Google, YouTube, or more specifically, the internet itself is heavily banned by the government, electing the people to use the CCP's private internet that allows them to be monitored 24/7 through IP location and private information. [1] [2] [3] [4] Aside from heavily monitored and controlled internet access, people in the real world are also actively being watched and monitored through CCTV with facial recognition features and an AI that can predict people's action (yes, exactly like the akasha, and yes, Sumeru arc is based on reality, I won't talk about it here but feel free to read between the lines and compare it with the sources and news articles I'm about to drop on you) [1] [2. Behind paywall] [3] [4] [5]

With its censorship in mind, let us talk about what brings us all here:

the gaming censorship in China.

In order for a game to be published in China, whether it's made by an indie or a multi-billion dollar company, the game has to go through a complicated preliminary test made and assigned by the CCP to play, test, and go through your game before publishing it anywhere in Chinese media [.] This test includes you company's paperwork, your game's paperwork, the things you're displaying in your game, and the story it's trying to tell. There are not that many rules on what should and should not appear inside of your game, such as: polyamory, the undead (in both graphic and non-graphic manner), etc. That should be considered tame and should cause no problem, however, we do have a problem with one of the rule given which is: Emphasizing Cultural Sensitivity.

Emphasizing Cultural Sensitivity

in the article I've mentioned before, describes it as "Games should impart “correct” information on politics, law, and history, as interpreted by the authorizing agency." Now what does "correct" information entail? Who fucking knows because truth is relative. Facts, when in the eyes of the CCP, are relative to what they believe is to be right and what they want us to believe is right.

Now with that out of the way, let us get into the main deal.

MiHoYo

(not to be confused with Hoyoverse/Cognosphere which is their international branch) is a is a Chinese video game development and publishing company, founded by three classmates from university Cai Haoyu, Liu Wei, and Luo Yuhao [.] That means that Genshin Impact's development, ever since it was at its infancy, first-established days, and updates until the near future, are all subjected onto that game censorship law that I mentioned earlier. Now you might all be wondering, what does all of those rules have to do with genshin characters having dark skins? To that I point you towards the fact that MiHoYo and the CCP are and have been actively working together ever since around September 2021. [1] [2]

Cooperation between MiHoYo and the CCP

Ever since Genshin Impact's massive hit both nationally and internationally, its massive fanbase has hit the internet no one has ever seen before. It is the first ever Chinese game that has gotten world wide acclaim and with that, new eyes begin to look upon China. It is no surprise to anyone that Genshin is very particular about showing and promoting Chinese culture to the outside world. Genshin has somehow become the face to Chinese culture in just a year, with limited events such as Lantern Rite and Moonchase festival to showcase China's cultural beauty. With world-wide acclaim comes a price, wherein the CCP no longer treats Genshin as "another game" but a tool that they can use to promote and advertise themselves into the global population.

Begin the censorship and micro-manipulation of things in Genshin

New gaming censorship dropped after the Genshin Impact became a hit in the industry, with even Venti and Gorou as examples of characters that should not appear in media published in China (effeminate man) [.] In additional to the list I've linked in the "the gaming censorship in China" section, a lot more additional rules have been added to that list, such as: queer representation, morally grey character, but I what I want you to look at more is the section where "historical elements, including characters, maps and clothing, should conform with mainstream accounts." in addition to that, a self-regulation pact was made between game companies and the CCP that bans any and all content that is deemed "politically harmful" and "historically nihilistic." Now focus more onto that "historically nihilistic" point, what does that mean?

Historical nihilism

is a term used by the CCP and many Chinese scholars to describe research or discussions deemed to contradict an official state version of history in a manner perceived to question or challenge the legitimacy of the CCP [.] TLDR; it's a term used for when what you're saying clashes or goes against what the CCP said. Why is this important you may ask? It's because that now, at this point, if anything Genshin does something—whether that'd be plotline, design etc.—that the CCP thinks shouldn't exist or be represented, they have the lawful right to block or stop it from reaching the final product. Now this, this is what happened to Genshin's Sumeru and Natlan cast.

In relation to Genshin's design choices and how China's beauty standard influences it

white has always been a predominant part of modern Chinese beauty culture, for some reason (I don't know and I'm not going to go that deep into it, research it on your own if you're curious) In fact, it's not only China but also Asian culture in general. White skin has always been hailed as pure and beautiful here in Asia, where the line "as pale as the moon" is a common compliment to give to someone. Skin colour that are tan or even darker are connected to being dirty or stinky. Despite the younger generation not really adhering to that view, the older generation (calling out the CCP here) upholds that standard till this day. Pin straight hair, round eyes, pale white skin, and a thin figure are the standards put upon those born as female. Their male counterpart are not that different, with lean and fit being the preferred body type rather than big muscles or bulky forms.

The reason behind why this is the case is because of Asia's strict social code in rules and appearances. We must appear prim and clean, that means no dyed hair, no tattoos, no piercings, and minimal make-up. Anyone that goes against those rules are regarded as delinquents or deviants that usually break the rules and do criminal activities (despite it not being the case) Having a bulky stature also applies to that list, regardless of what gender you are, and especially for men. You're regarded as dangerous, criminal, bad influence if you look like that in public (this is why we don't have that much bulky characters gang and why we were robbed of heavy muscles Itto orz) (he deffo was very bulky in the original design, probably similar to the Nobushi but it got nerfed in final product)

Given all of that in mind, it's no wonder that Sumeru's and and Natlan's casts are mostly white... but were they always that way?

The original skin colour design for Natlan cast might've been darker than what we have in the final product.

As a lot of people have mentioned (especially with the many beautiful edits I'm very fond of) the character designs for Natlan's new up-coming rosters looks better with darker skin tone. Take for examples this edit right here:

taken from @ rarepairz on twitter [source]

Their designs (with darker skin tones) seem to pop more, giving highlights onto their clothes and accessories in comparison to the original design. Here are more examples of this happening:

taken from @ Wabs_nabs on twitter [source]

It is especially clear to anyone with basic colour theory that the colour used for designing the clothes and accessories and highlights in the hair look better with darker skin colour. There is *intent* on making it this way in comparison to woeful ignorance of making them look white as hell. If they were to intentionally to make the characters look white, they would've chosen a better colour for the clothes, less bolder ones and eye-popping ones to contrast with the already luminescent light that's emitting from the skin.

And this is not the case for only Natlan, by the way! The same thing happened when the Sumeru cast was first leaked. Case in point this:

taken from @ animuswonder on twitter [source]

and my personal art of Cyno and Nari:

Look at how much contrast there is between their colour palette or how much resonance there is, with Cyno his more cold-colour attire and hair, in comparison to his deep dark warm skin or Tighnari that's the epitome of a "spring girl" like come on man. There's INTENT in those designs, to have more darker shades than they are in the game. Sadly, they just can't do it due to censorships. Why? Because, as I have mentioned before, darker shades of skin are represented as dirt here in Asia as we glorify pale skin more.

The representation of uniqueness and differences in Chinese game is not common due the fact that most Asian countries are homogenous, which means they prefer everyone and everything to be the same, to look the same, and follow and do the same things. They do not advocate for uniqueness, they do not advocate for individuality, they advocate for us to conform and to follow like a sheep in a herd. Because of that, most people spend their whole life trying to whiten up their skin, keeping them light, and those who are darker than most are shown prejudiced and scrutinised.

Mentioning again the fact that MiHoYo and the CCP are working closely together, Genshin Impact is currently being used as a cultural weapon by the government. With MiHoYo showing numerous time that they've donate and support Chinese cultural heritage, the CCP is using that fact and holding control over Genshin as a way to promote and advertise sympathy towards Chinese culture and the Communist regime by proxy. It's like how your parents are getting you to eat broccoli brownies in hopes that you'd eat normal broccolis and other vegetables by proxy. Everything and anything that Genshin shows in its game are now under close inspections of the CCP and colourism especially will not fly-by their radar.

In conclusion

Your anger and hatred towards the new characters’ designs are justified, however the person you aim those anger and hatred should not be towards Mihoyo, or Liu Wei, or any of the staff members but towards the situation and the laws and the local government MiHoYo has to adhere to.

We're already lucky to have MiHoYo even wanting to represent and shpw different cultures from different parts of the world, telling us engaging stories, and incentivising us to think more and to be be more of us instead of following the crowd and to judge those in power (if you are literate and have the ability of a 6th grader, you know the theme Genshin Impact is showing in its story). In a world where they aren't able to live as freely as people outside of mainland do, they shouldn't have to put their life at risk by creating a game that goes against the CCP's laws that will lead to a deduction to their social points (yes, those actually exist, WAKE UP). Yet they do, they update every month, telling stories, creating characters with many characteristics that goes against Chinese gaming laws, just for us to enjoy.

Do NOT accuse people of being racist just because your skin colour cannot be found in a game. Learn to know that people don't live in the same situation as you.

You are right to be mad, you are right to be upset, but do not condemn them for something they hold no power to. It's between their lives and your fantasies and if you choose to value your delusion over their livelihood then that just shows what kind of a person you are.

Where's this conviction towards other game companies aside from MiHoYo? Where's the rightful air when it comes to companies that breathe much fresher air? Do they not have the same responsibility? Or is it because you actually do not care and merely want to point your unbridled emotions towards something or someone? If so, you're pointing at the wrong person.

#genshin impact #genshin natlan #natlan #zei's rant

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deadbeat-motel · 1 year ago

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ᐯᗩGGIE ᗩᑎᗪ ᑕᕼᗩᖇᒪIE ᖇEᗪEᔕIGᑎ

These two are simpler than the angel dust design I did since I didn't have a lot to go off of. Posted on Valentine's Day because yes I can.

I don't think Charlie is significantly different from her Pilot design because I genuinely think it was the best design from the cast (before the redesign).

Thoughts below, though TW for the creepy charlie image at the end:

My issues with their Original designs:

Vaggie:

The giant "X" over her eye is really distracting and even world-breaking because

1. Why had no one put 2 and 2 together that the only character in Hell who has a visible 'X' mark on her face might be related to the angels who also sport that X mark on their faces.

2. Why is it shaped like an X? Her eye was taken out via a single slash.

3. If the hair's purpose was to cover it, why would it show through it? What's the point of the hair then?

The hair that was supposed to cover that wounded eye looked so ugly and confused as to what it should be doing. I mean every shot that showed that thing in a sideview shot of Vaggie felt like the animators had to make their own guesses as to how that was supposed to look like. It was distracting for me personally and I hated it so much.

It's been said over and over again, but her clothes look like she works at McDonalds. I get needing to change her outfit so that she looks like she works at the hotel, but it's just been poorly designed.

Why change her clothes' colors from white to red? the white helped her stand out from Hell and the Hotel's majority red background. (In the finale, she at least has a non-red attire)

She's also one of the very few women in HH and she falls under the skinny stick side of it despite being an angel exterminator.

Her hair is kind of hard to visualize looking at in any way other than what it is when it's static. However, when it changed into a ponytail or a bob, it's actually really nice to look at.

Unsure of what that bow's purpose is for the design.

Charlie:

Charlie is a simple but very confused design. The pilot design was a lot more coherent than the current show design

It's disappointing to see the bouncy Pilot hair go and be replaced by that boring bubble braid of all things.

Her undershirt peaks out of her tuxedo.... why???? to separate the top jacket and the pants? You wouldn't need to do that if her pants were a different color like the pilot design.

Thought about it and was confused, as a demon with an angelic father, why didn't she have wings as well? She didn't need the 6 wings like Lucifer but maybe a pair of one would appear?

Out of all the characters for the show's redesign, Her's was by far the MOST infuriating to me. Her pilot design wasn't perfect but it was good, they had to downgrade her for some reason.

I didn't have much to say about Charlie. it basically sums up to "the Pilot design was better".

On to the thought process for these two:

Valerie the fallen:

Yes, she got a rename. Sue me.

I had to remove the moth aspect of her design because it doesn't seem like it makes sense for a heaven-born to follow the sinner's rule of "gaining features based on the life you lived" since she basically never lived right?

In this redesign (and eventual rewrite), Valerie is not ashamed of her exterminator background. In fact, she was known as the most recent "fallen" in hell. her short stature doesn't make her less of a threat to the demons.

She's also visually thick with muscle because why not let one of the show's women have a body type that isn't stick-thin?

She's using the wings that were torn off of her as both an interesting article of clothing and as a way to remind others and her that she is (or more accurately 'was') an angel who could kill them if she wanted to.

Her clothes are pure black underneath the pale feathers to show that while she is an "angel", deep down, she is far from a good person.

She's also getting an actual skin color because from what I gathered myself from the show's heaven. Most of the souls there still retain a human appearance (Adam, Lute, St. Peter, and the other random human angels up there still look human..... but just don't mind the fact that most of them are white.)

Her hair is that ponytail she had in the finale because as much as I didn't like that episode, some designs looked actually decent.

Also, her hair actually covers the eye scar properly.

I wanted to keep her ribbon as a splash of brightness on her design but the OG ribbon looks a little out of place on a warrior so It became that (Plus it pays homage to her OG moth influence with its shape looking like the fluffy antennas of the moth)

Gave the spearhead a little bit of detail on it plus a chipped side so that it has a bit of charm as an old weapon she still decides to keep around.

A note about Valerie's design is that I haven't tackled the armor of angels yet so I was unsure of what pieces of the undesigned armor to give Valerie as of now.

Charlie:

I honestly actually enjoyed her Pilot hair, so I tried to put it back and also simplify it a bit so there are not a lot of strands for me to keep track of. Plus it was a genuinely cute design for her. (There's a reason that version was used in the Verbalase video.) <- I'M JOKING

Replaced her button nose with a goat's because a friend has commented how it looked like the noses of the women in a Goofy Movie and I will never be able to unsee that.

Her hair is also a lot brighter compared to her washed-out blonde color.

She has the same design thought process as Valerie, Covering the darkness of her true nature with white fluffy fur which is stylized like feathers at its ends. She has pitch-black skin underneath and looks like a proper nightmarish demon like the image below.

I ditched the tuxedo look, since almost all the cast has a similar outfit already, and gave her a jumpersuit instead. (Idk what it's really called but that's what I think it is). It's a light grey because she's a mix of bad and good (though a bright grey because she prefers to be on the good side)

Her horns are there and visible because yeah it's cute but also helps her read as the half-angel/half-demon character she is.

Tiny goat tail because can you imagine every time Valerie holds the rare angel smile of approval, her tail is visibly wagging in glee and excitement???? My heart would die. I love these lesbians with my life.

Has wings from her father.

Anyways, those are my thoughts and redesigns... I wanted to add more details to them but I didn't really know what to add that didn't feel unnecessary.

Also bonus! Concept art of Charlie's true form:

#vivziepop critical #hazbin hotel redesign #hazbin hotel criticism #hazbin hotel critical #deadbeat motel rewrite #deadbeat motel redesign #deadbeat motel charlie #deadbeat motel valerie

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mommyownsmee · 28 days ago

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Non-Verbal Communication in BDSM: Navigating Scenes with a Deaf Submissive

╰┈➤ Strategies for Building Trust, Clarity, and Consent Without Spoken Words

BDSM is built upon trust, consent, and clear communication. These elements are essential for ensuring that both partners can fully engage in the dynamic while feeling secure and empowered. For a submissive who is deaf or hard of hearing, traditional verbal communication methods are either limited or entirely unavailable, necessitating alternative strategies to ensure a safe, effective, and immersive experience.

Non-verbal communication in BDSM is not merely a workaround for the absence of spoken words—it is an opportunity to cultivate deeper connection, enhance awareness, and refine the nuances of a power exchange. By developing a structured, reliable system of signals, adjusting sensory engagement, and prioritizing pre-scene negotiations, both Dominant and submissive can achieve a dynamic that is not only inclusive but also intensely rewarding.

In This Article:

Establishing a Non-Verbal Safeword System

Enhancing Sensory Awareness & Adjusting Play

Pre-Scene Talk & Tailoring Play for Individual Needs

Aftercare Requirements – What Is Needed for a Smooth Transition Out of the Scene?

Ensuring Emotional & Physical Safety

A Deaf Submissive is Not a Burden—They Are a Gift

1. Establishing a Non-Verbal Safeword System

BDSM relies heavily on safewords and signals to regulate intensity, provide real-time feedback, and ensure that both partners feel safe, in control, and able to communicate their needs effectively. When engaging in play with a deaf submissive or a partner unable to use verbal safewords, traditional vocal cues are ineffective. This necessitates the use of alternative, equally clear, and instantly recognizable communication methods.

A well-designed non-verbal safeword system should be accessible, intuitive, and effortlessly executable under a variety of play conditions—including physical restraint, sensory deprivation, and high-intensity scenarios.

Designing an Effective Non-Verbal Safeword System

An effective non-verbal safeword system must meet the following criteria:

Easily Executed: The submissive should be able to signal distress or a limit effortlessly, even when tied, blindfolded, or physically overwhelmed.

Recognizable & Distinct: The chosen signal must be clear and intentional to avoid misinterpretation or confusion.

Consistently Visible or Tangible: The safeword system should function seamlessly in all play environments, whether in dim lighting, restrictive positions, or immersive scenarios.

By integrating these principles into non-verbal safeword alternatives, both partners can maintain a fluid, uninterrupted scene while ensuring that safety and consent remain at the forefront.

Other Non-Verbal Safeword Techniques

Hand Signals

Hand signals provide an instant, visible method of communication and are particularly effective when the submissive has full use of their hands. These are best suited for well-lit settings, close-contact play, or when visual communication is a natural part of the scene.

Standard Hand Signals:

Green (“Continue”) → A thumbs-up or an “OK” gesture to indicate full consent and readiness to proceed.

Yellow (“Slow Down, Check In”) → Wiggling fingers, tapping twice on the Dominant’s body, or making a waving gesture to indicate the need for a pause or check-in.

Blue (“Pause for Non-Scene Needs”) → Pointing to the mouth, miming a drinking gesture, or raising a flat hand palm-up to indicate a need to pause the scene for practical or physical reasons—such as using the restroom, hydrating, or addressing a non-play-related concern.

Red (“Stop Immediately”) → Holding up a closed fist or crossing the arms in an X shape over the chest to signal an immediate halt to the scene.

Hand signals are simple, widely recognized, and highly effective for maintaining real-time communication during immersive play, allowing for quick feedback without disrupting the intensity of the moment.

Tactile Signals (Tapping & Squeezing)

For scenarios where the submissive’s hands are restrained, occupied, or limited in movement, tactile communication (based on controlled pressure) provides a reliable alternative.

Three Firm Taps: Tapping on any accessible surface—such as the bed, floor, or the Dominant’s body—signals an immediate stop.

Sustained, Tight Squeeze: A firm, prolonged squeeze on the Dominant’s wrist, thigh, or hand indicates the need for a pause or check-in.

This method is particularly useful in low-visibility or sensory-deprivation scenes where visual signals may not be possible. It ensures that the submissive always has a tangible way to communicate distress or discomfort.

Drop Method (Using a Physical Object)

In scenes where the submissive’s mobility is highly restricted, a physical object can serve as an unmistakable emergency stop mechanism.

The submissive holds a small, lightweight item in their hand—such as a soft ball, a bell, a piece of fabric, or a ribbon.

If the object is dropped, the scene stops immediately.

This method requires minimal effort from the submissive and provides a clear, immediate safeword alternative for scenarios involving rope bondage, immobilization, or restrictive positions.

Visual Cues (Lighting & Written Cards)

For low-light environments, sensory-deprivation play, or immersive scenes where gestures may be difficult to perceive, visual indicators can replace verbal cues.

Traffic Light System Lamps:

Red = Immediate Stop

(Blue = Pause)

Yellow = Slow Down, Check-In

Green = Continue

Pre-Written Cards or Signs:

Cards with phrases such as “Stop,” (“Pause,”) “Slow Down,” and “More” can be kept within reach, allowing the submissive to communicate quickly and clearly.

Visual cues ensure that consent and communication remain intact even in altered sensory conditions, allowing both partners to stay fully engaged in the scene while maintaining clear boundaries.

The Significance of a Non-Verbal Safeword System

A robust, non-verbal communication system fosters a deep sense of trust, confidence, and security within the BDSM dynamic. It eliminates ambiguity and ensures that the submissive retains full control over their boundaries—even in scenarios where verbal speech is not an option.

By implementing these carefully structured, adaptable methods, both partners can create an experience that is not only safe and intuitive but also allows for uninhibited immersion and deeper emotional connection.

2. Enhancing Sensory Awareness & Adjusting Play

If verbal cues are not available, sensory modalities—touch, sight, and pressure—become the primary means of communication during play. By heightening these elements, the Dominant can craft a deeply immersive and controlled experience that not only ensures clarity and understanding but also intensifies connection, trust, and submission.

Without words, the language of the body takes precedence, and every movement, glance, and touch becomes an essential part of guiding, commanding, and reinforcing the dynamic.

Tactile Communication & Physical Guidance

Physical touch is no longer just a form of sensation—it becomes the voice of control. Every stroke, grip, and press serves as an unspoken command, reinforcing authority, presence, and intention.

Leading through touch: Instead of spoken directives, the Dominant can use firm, intentional movements to guide the submissive’s body into position. A press between the shoulder blades could signal a bowing motion, while a guiding hand on the hips could direct a change in stance.

Attention cues: Without the ability to call a submissive’s name to demand focus, the Dominant must instead use calculated touches to command their attention.

A light tap on the shoulder could indicate a shift in direction.

A firm grip on the chin could demand eye contact and stillness.

Fingertips tracing along the skin could both redirect and tease simultaneously, reinforcing control through sensation alone.

Writing on the skin: The Dominant’s fingers could trace commands, symbols, or even teasing messages onto the submissive’s body, letting them feel each word like an intimate whisper.

Spelling out “good girl” along the curve of their spine.

Drawing an arrow on their thigh to tell them where they should be feeling the most.

Physical communication ensures the submissive always knows what is expected, maintaining the intensity of the scene without breaking immersion.

Eye Contact & Body Language

Since auditory processing is not an option, the most powerful form of communication becomes visual. The eyes, the posture, the deliberate shifts in movement—all become a dominant force of unspoken instruction.

Prolonged eye contact: In the absence of spoken words, a commanding gaze can do everything a verbal order can—if not more.

A locked stare can mean “don’t move.”

A sharp glance downward can order the submissive to kneel.

A raised eyebrow can silently question whether they are hesitating, or disobeying.

Exaggerated gestures & clear body language: To ensure nothing is lost in translation, the Dominant’s movements must be clear, strong, and deliberate.

Pauses between actions allow the submissive to process, react, and internalize what’s happening without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Gestures should feel natural, intentional, and commanding—just like the touch-based instructions.

Every movement should have meaning, reinforcing authority without needing words.

A single glance, a well-timed pause, a shift in stance—these elements create an unbreakable psychological hold without ever needing verbal confirmation.

Incorporating Vibrations & Pressure

In the absence of vocal cues, other sensory-based feedback methods can be used to signal changes in rhythm, pace, or intensity.

Vibrations as a signal: Using a vibrating device (this one also works with one bracelet + an apple watch; and there are vibrating cat toys that can be bought that work too) pressed against the body\wrist of the Dominant could create a coded system for guidance:

One quick pulse → “Hold still.”

A steady vibration → “You’re doing good, but don’t stop.”

A sudden, stronger vibration → “Brace yourself. I’m about to take you deeper.”

Pressure-based commands: Since touch is the foundation of control in non-verbal communication, varying the level of pressure applied to the skin can establish an intuitive system of commands.

A slow, dragging stroke could mean “breathe, relax.”

A sharp squeeze on the wrist or thigh could signal “brace yourself.”

A firm press between the shoulder blades could command “deeper, lower, submit.”

Pre-determined touch-based signals: Just as verbal commands would be used in a typical scene, these signals become the unspoken rules that govern the dynamic:

A single tap could mean “pause and wait.”

A long, lingering touch could mean “keep going, just like that.”

A grip on the back of the neck could mean “you’re mine, and I want you to feel it.”

Sensory-based commands create a seamless and intuitive exchange of power where the submissive can feel every shift in control, even without verbal confirmation.

When verbal communication is not an option, BDSM play must be adjusted to heighten sensory awareness, redefine control, and strengthen the connection between Dominant and submissive.

Touch replaces words.

Eye contact replaces spoken commands.

Pressure and/or vibration replace tone and inflection.

This doesn’t just maintain the integrity of a scene—it enhances it. By removing verbal language, we allow the body to speak for itself—to respond, to react, to surrender. And in that silence, every touch, every glance, every breath becomes an order waiting to be obeyed.

3. Pre-Scene Talk & Tailoring Play for Individual Needs

A well-defined negotiation process is the foundation of any BDSM scene, ensuring that both partners share a clear understanding of expectations, boundaries, and safety measures before play begins. For a deaf submissive, these discussions take on an added layer of importance, as non-verbal communication, sensory adjustments, and accessibility considerations become essential to a seamless, safe, and immersive experience.

By taking the time to discuss and personalize every aspect of the scene, both partners can enter play with confidence, trust, and a fully developed system for maintaining control and consent.

Key Areas of Discussion

Each submissive’s preferences, needs, and limitations are unique, making pre-scene discussions critical for establishing the right environment where communication, safety, and pleasure remain uninterrupted.

Cochlear Implants – Should They Remain On or Be Removed During Play?

For submissives who wear cochlear implants or hearing aids, deciding whether they should remain on or be removed is a vital part of scene planning.

- If left on, this allows for partial auditory awareness during play, ensuring that the submissive can still detect some environmental cues, vibrations, or sounds. However, it may also cause sensory distractions or discomfort, depending on the intensity of the scene.

- If removed, the submissive experiences a fully silent scene, which can heighten other sensory experiences (e.g., touch, pressure, visual cues). This choice may enhance immersion but also requires clear non-verbal communication systems to be in place.

- Some submissives alternate between having them on during the beginning of the scene and removing them as play intensifies.

Deciding on this beforehand prevents unexpected interruptions, discomfort, or miscommunication during play.

Subspace Experience – How Does It Affect Sensory Processing?

Subspace can alter perception, awareness, and response time, making it essential to understand how it uniquely affects a deaf submissive.

- Does subspace cause heightened sensitivity to touch and pressure, or does it numb certain sensations?

- Do they tend to lose track of time, movement, or control when deep in submission?

- Does the submissive experience delayed response time when transitioning into or out of subspace?

- What grounding techniques (touch, breath, visual focus) help them stay connected during intense play?

A submissive in subspace may struggle to use safeword signals, making pre-determined safety measures even more crucial.

Preferred Grounding Techniques – What Physical Sensations Provide Security?

Since a deaf submissive’s experience of sensory processing may differ, pre-negotiation should include discussing what physical sensations offer grounding, reassurance, or stability during play.

- Does deep pressure touch (gripping the waist, holding the wrist, steady weight against the body) provide security?

- Do they respond well to rhythmic tapping, stroking, or repeated gestures as a way to maintain awareness?

- Do they find comfort in eye contact and facial cues, or does too much visual intensity become overwhelming?

- Are there certain types of touch (e.g., soft stroking vs. firm grasping) that help them regulate their emotions when deep in submission?

Understanding the submissive’s grounding needs helps the Dominant maintain a controlled, safe, and immersive experience without disrupting the flow of the scene.

Triggers & Comfort Cues – What Actions Promote Relaxation or Distress?

Because communication is primarily non-verbal, identifying potential triggers, comfort cues, and emotional responses is necessary to prevent distress and reinforce trust.

- Are there specific touches, positions, or actions that may cause panic, discomfort, or overstimulation?

- Does sudden loss of eye contact, restraint, or silence create anxiety?

- Are there preferred calming cues that help the submissive reset if a moment of distress occurs?

- Are there rituals (e.g., a comforting physical gesture, a specific reassuring signal) that help the submissive feel safe?

By recognizing and respecting triggers, the Dominant can ensure that play remains within an enjoyable and safe framework while fostering emotional connection and security.

4. Aftercare Requirements – What Is Needed for a Smooth Transition Out of the Scene?

For a deaf submissive, aftercare should be tailored to their sensory, physical, and emotional needs post-scene.

Do they prefer physical touch (hugs, weighted blankets, gentle stroking) to help them transition?

Does visual reassurance (written affirmations, comforting gestures) provide a better emotional grounding than spoken words?

Are there specific comfort items, foods, drinks, or routines that help them recover?

If they’ve removed cochlear implants or hearing aids, would they prefer to put them back on immediately, or do they need gradual reintegration into their usual sensory environment?

Tailoring aftercare to individual needs ensures that the submissive feels valued, safe, and emotionally supported after an intense experience.

The Importance of Pre-Scene Negotiation

A well-established pre-scene discussion ensures that both partners enter play with absolute clarity, confidence, and trust. For a deaf submissive, this process is not just about safety—it’s about accessibility, emotional connection, and creating a space where communication is effortless.

By addressing every sensory aspect of the experience, the Dominant can tailor the scene to heighten pleasure, eliminate uncertainty, and reinforce trust at every level.

Because BDSM is not just about control—it’s about understanding, adaptation, and ensuring that every moment feels intentional, immersive, and profoundly satisfying.

5. Ensuring Emotional & Physical Safety

The Dominant’s responsibility extends beyond control and intensity—it is about ensuring that their submissive feels physically safe, emotionally secure, and fully supported throughout the scene. When engaging with a deaf submissive, this requires an even higher level of attentiveness, as verbal cues are not available to signal distress or discomfort.

Safety in BDSM is not just about preventing harm—it’s about fostering an environment of absolute trust, where both partners can engage in play with confidence, security, and full awareness of each other’s needs.

Key Safety Measures

Because non-verbal communication is the primary method of maintaining control and consent, the Dominant must incorporate multiple layers of safety measures to ensure that the submissive’s well-being is continuously monitored, respected, and prioritized.

Constant Body Language Monitoring to Assess Distress

Without spoken words, body language becomes the most critical indicator of the submissive’s comfort, arousal, or distress. The Dominant must develop an acute awareness of their partner’s non-verbal cues, recognizing even the smallest changes in movement, breathing, or expression.

Key signs to monitor:

Tension in the muscles → A sudden or prolonged stiffness may indicate discomfort, pain, or distress.

Changes in breathing patterns → Shallow, rapid breathing could be a sign of panic or overstimulation, while sudden breath-holding could indicate hesitation or uncertainty.

Avoiding eye contact → If a submissive typically maintains eye contact but suddenly avoids it, this may indicate emotional withdrawal, distress, or discomfort.

Involuntary flinching or freezing → If the submissive stops reacting naturally, their body may be signaling that something feels unsafe or overwhelming.

Submissive’s physical engagement → A responsive, fluid movement indicates comfort and enjoyment, while rigidity, shrinking away, or lack of response could signal distress.

A Dominant must be able to detect distress even before the submissive consciously recognizes it, allowing for immediate adjustments without breaking the intensity of the scene.

Frequent Check-Ins Using Non-Verbal Cues

If the submissive cannot verbally communicate discomfort, the Dominant must implement regular, non-disruptive check-ins throughout the scene. These should be subtle yet effective, allowing for immediate response without breaking immersion.

Placing a reassuring hand on the submissive’s lower back, thigh, or wrist → This can act as both a grounding touch and a silent “Are you okay?” check-in.

A pre-established squeeze system → The Dominant squeezes the submissive’s hand or wrist lightly, prompting them to respond with one squeeze for ‘I’m okay’ and two for ‘I need a break.’

Eye contact confirmation → A subtle lift of the chin, a slight nod, or an intentional pause while holding eye contact can serve as a silent check-in, allowing the submissive to affirm their comfort through physical response.

Slow, intentional changes in intensity → By easing into any escalation of sensation, the Dominant provides the submissive with time to adjust, process, and indicate their comfort levels.

These check-ins ensure that the submissive remains present, engaged, and within their limits, while still allowing the scene to maintain its intensity and fluidity.

Immediate Cessation of Play if Uncertainty Arises

If there is any uncertainty about the submissive’s safety or comfort, the scene should pause or stop immediately. Because verbal reassurance is unavailable, the Dominant must trust their instincts and never ignore signs of hesitation, discomfort, or distress.

Key indicators that warrant an immediate stop:

Failure to respond to a non-verbal check-in.

A loss of responsiveness (e.g., submissive appears frozen, unreactive, or emotionally disconnected).

Rapid, shallow breathing or physical distress beyond what was agreed upon.

A safeword signal being given (hand gesture, tapping, dropping an object, etc.).

Upon stopping the scene, the Dominant should immediately engage in grounding and reassurance, using pre-established techniques to help the submissive transition out of the heightened state.

No scene is worth pushing past uncertainty. It is always better to pause, reassess, and ensure safety rather than risk emotional or physical harm.

Customized Aftercare Protocols for Grounding & Emotional Security

Aftercare is not optional—it is essential. Particularly for a deaf submissive, aftercare should be highly personalized to accommodate their unique sensory and emotional needs.

Key aftercare considerations:

Does the submissive need immediate touch or space? Some prefer tight, grounding pressure (hugs, holding hands, weighted blankets), while others need a moment to regulate alone before engaging in post-scene care.

Do they rely on visual cues to feel connected post-play? If verbal aftercare is unavailable, written affirmations, hand signals, or intentional facial expressions can help reassure them.

Reintroducing cochlear implants or hearing aids (if applicable). If they were removed during play, allowing them time to readjust before speaking or engaging can provide a smoother transition.

Physical comfort items. Blankets, favorite snacks, temperature regulation, or a preferred relaxation activity (watching a movie, drinking tea, cuddling, or journaling) can help bring them back to equilibrium.

Emotional reassurance. Without verbal confirmation, intentional, repeated physical gestures (tracing soft circles on their skin, kissing their forehead, stroking their hair) can reinforce security, care, and connection.

Proper aftercare prevents emotional drop, ensures the submissive feels valued and cared for, and reinforces a sense of safety and belonging within the dynamic.

The Role of a Dominant in Ensuring Safety

A responsible Dominant does not just control—they care, observe, adapt, and protect.

For a deaf submissive, the absence of verbal communication means that every movement, every response, and every adjustment carries weight.

It is the Dominant’s duty to understand their submissive’s body language as fluently as spoken words.

It is their role to read between the lines—to recognize hesitation before it turns into distress.

It is their responsibility to create an environment where silence is never a barrier to safety, trust, or pleasure.

Because true dominance is not about power alone—it is about the ability to hold that power with care, responsibility, and unwavering attention.

6. A Deaf Submissive is Not a Burden—They Are a Gift

BDSM is not about forcing individuals to conform to a singular mold—it is about building experiences that honor, respect, and embrace the unique needs of each participant. Power exchange is not limited to verbal commands or conventional communication; rather, it thrives on adaptability, trust, and mutual understanding.

A deaf submissive does not “complicate” a dynamic—they enrich it. They bring an intensely immersive and uniquely sensory-driven approach to submission that can transform the way power is exchanged, heightening awareness and connection between both partners. Instead of viewing accommodation as a barrier, it should be recognized for what it truly is: an opportunity to deepen trust, sharpen dominance, and explore new dimensions of control and surrender.

Reframing the Perspective

Instead of perceiving non-verbal communication as a challenge to overcome, it should be recognized as a privilege—an invitation to expand the boundaries of power exchange and experience submission in a profoundly intimate and intentional way.

6.1. Accommodation is an Honor, Not an Inconvenience

BDSM is built on trust, mutual respect, and unwavering attentiveness—qualities that are heightened, not hindered, when accommodating a deaf submissive.

Learning a new method of command is not a burden—it is a privilege. Whether through touch, eye contact, or pre-established non-verbal signals, the process of refining communication strengthens the Dominant-submissive connection in ways that verbal interactions alone never could.

Accessibility is not “extra effort”—it is an act of devotion, an affirmation of care that proves a Dominant’s commitment to their submissive’s safety and pleasure.

An adaptable Dominant is a skilled Dominant. Adjusting to silent command, sensory-based cues, and body language control only sharpens a Dominant’s ability to lead, instruct, and maintain presence without relying on words.

True Dominance is not about ease—it is about precision, awareness, and the ability to command in any circumstance. A submissive’s needs are not an obstacle; they are a doorway to a richer, more profound dynamic.

6.2. BDSM is Infinitely Adaptable—Every Dynamic is Unique

There is no single “correct” way to engage in power exchange. The most meaningful dynamics are those that evolve, shift, and adapt to fit the desires and boundaries of those involved.

A deaf submissive is not excluded from traditional BDSM structures—they are simply engaging in them through a different sensory lens.

Scenes that rely on silent command, physical guidance, and intuitive control can be even more intense and immersive than those built around verbal exchange.

The removal of verbal cues heightens the importance of non-verbal connection—a Dominant must study their submissive’s breathing, posture, muscle tension, and microexpressions to gauge their comfort, limits, and readiness.

Without words, a single glance becomes a command. A single touch becomes an order. A single moment of stillness becomes an entire conversation.

BDSM is not about limitation—it is about limitless creativity, adaptation, and mutual understanding. A submissive’s ability to hear is irrelevant to their ability to submit, obey, and surrender.

6.3. Deaf Submissives Offer a Distinctive and Enriching Perspective on Power Exchange

A deaf submissive does not “miss out” on traditional BDSM—they redefine it, reshape it, and bring an entirely unique perspective to the experience.

Their submission is deeply sensory. Without spoken words, they respond to touch, movement, breath, and unspoken intention.

They heighten a Dominant’s awareness. A Dominant must be more attuned to their partner’s body language, developing an almost instinctual understanding of their needs, reactions, and desires.

They bring a new depth to discipline and control. The absence of spoken safewords or commands demands that every movement be precise, every rule be deeply understood, and every expectation be unmistakably clear.

They create a new kind of intimacy. Communication through unspoken cues, skin-to-skin direction, and silent obedience creates a level of submission that is incredibly raw, deeply immersive, and profoundly intimate.

A deaf submissive’s presence in BDSM is not a deviation from the norm—it is a reminder that power exchange is about more than words. It is about control, trust, and the ability to command and surrender on a level that transcends language.

6.4. The True Gift of a Deaf Submissive

A deaf submissive is not a limitation, not an exception, not an accommodation to “work around.” They are a gift.

They offer a unique, powerful, and deeply enriching experience of submission—one that pushes past the limits of spoken commands and into a realm where communication is built entirely on presence, connection, and sensation.

They challenge a Dominant to be better—to be sharper, more precise, more attuned to their partner’s body and mind.

They prove that BDSM is not about fitting into a predefined role, but about redefining what power, control, and surrender can look like.

Because at its core, BDSM is not about whether a submissive can hear a command. It is about whether they can feel it.

And with the right Dominant, they will feel it in every fiber of their being.

[I do not earn any money with the links in my articles. The links provided are there to keep all of you safe!]

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