Is lifting always domination?

Hidddman · March 19th, 2019, 17:43

For the most part, lifting someone is commonly seen as a very explicit demonstration of strength and dominance because it locks the liftee into a very vulnerable and defenceless position, which is very common in professional wrestling. When lifting is shown to be a demonstration of submission, it's usually because it is an order for the lifter to dedicate most of their energy into the liftee, as if the liftee is something that is meant to be protected and preserved under the lifter's oath.

Certain lifting positions also determine the power dynamic between the two parties due to the common perception in media. Pony-rides and piggybacks are often the most sub-like lifting positions, with cradles and OTSes being more dependent on circumstances, and overheads and under-arm carries being seen as the most explicitly dominant.

The same lifting position (the over-the-shoulder carry) can be used as either as mentioned before, it mostly depends on the context and facial expressions.

Here's one where the lifter is seen as more submissive, or at the very least, beleaguered. (From the Red Sonja comics)

And here's one where the lifter is explicitly seen as the dominant one. (From one of the cards in Fire Emblem trading card game.)

March 19th, 2019, 17:43	#11
Hidddman VIP Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 233 : 1 For This Post 640 Total	For the most part, lifting someone is commonly seen as a very explicit demonstration of strength and dominance because it locks the liftee into a very vulnerable and defenceless position, which is very common in professional wrestling. When lifting is shown to be a demonstration of submission, it's usually because it is an order for the lifter to dedicate most of their energy into the liftee, as if the liftee is something that is meant to be protected and preserved under the lifter's oath. Certain lifting positions also determine the power dynamic between the two parties due to the common perception in media. Pony-rides and piggybacks are often the most sub-like lifting positions, with cradles and OTSes being more dependent on circumstances, and overheads and under-arm carries being seen as the most explicitly dominant. The same lifting position (the over-the-shoulder carry) can be used as either as mentioned before, it mostly depends on the context and facial expressions. Here's one where the lifter is seen as more submissive, or at the very least, beleaguered. (From the Red Sonja comics) And here's one where the lifter is explicitly seen as the dominant one. (From one of the cards in Fire Emblem trading card game.)