Objectification of Gay African American Males in the Bondage Discipline Sadism Masochism Community

Objectification of Gay African American Males in the Bondage Discipline Sadism Masochism Community by Gregory W. Jackson, Jr. MS, Walden University, 2011 MS, Walsh College, 2009 BA, University of Michigan, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2017 Abstract The purpose of this phenomenological study was to improve the understanding of Sexual Objectification (SO) of gay African American males in the bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism (BDSM) community. Although many studies have been conducted on SO of women and other minority populations, there is a lack of research on the lived experience of gay African American males participating in the BDSM community. The theoretical framework for this study was Fredrickson and Roberts’s objectification theory, with a conceptual framework focused on SO that gay African American males experienced while participating in the BDSM community. The research questions were designed to elicit the participants' experiences about their participation in the BDSM community. Ten gay African American males, selected through purposive sampling, described their reasons for participating in the BDSM community, what the participants gained from participating in the BDSM community, how they experienced SO, how they handled these experiences, and how these experiences changed them. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed by hand. The data were analyzed in 3 stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding techniques. Five themes emerged from the interviews: community, gained knowledge and freedom, verbal objectification, avoidance, and mistrust. This study contributes to the existing body of literature and promotes social change by fostering dialog about objectification. Through this dialog, behavioral patterns and cultural norms can be altered over time by increasing awareness about objectification and its effects on people. This study provided gay African American males a voice to discuss a phenomenon that impacts their lives.The purpose of this phenomenological study was to improve the understanding of Sexual Objectification (SO) of gay African American males in the bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism (BDSM) community. Although many studies have been conducted on SO of women and other minority populations, there is a lack of research on the lived experience of gay African American males participating in the BDSM community. The theoretical framework for this study was Fredrickson and Roberts’s objectification theory, with a conceptual framework focused on SO that gay African American males experienced while participating in the BDSM community. The research questions were designed to elicit the participants' experiences about their participation in the BDSM community. Ten gay African American males, selected through purposive sampling, described their reasons for participating in the BDSM community, what the participants gained from participating in the BDSM community, how they experienced SO, how they handled these experiences, and how these experiences changed them. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed by hand. The data were analyzed in 3 stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding techniques. Five themes emerged from the interviews: community, gained knowledge and freedom, verbal objectification, avoidance, and mistrust. This study contributes to the existing body of literature and promotes social change by fostering dialog about objectification. Through this dialog, behavioral patterns and cultural norms can be altered over time by increasing awareness about objectification and its effects on people. This study provided gay African American males a voice to discuss a phenomenon that impacts their lives. Objectification of Gay African American Males in the Bondage Discipline Sadism Masochism Community by Gregory W. Jackson, Jr. MS, Walden University, 2011 MS, Walsh College, 2009 BA, University of Michigan, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to the gay men of color who participate in the BDSM community and shared their experiences of being viewed as a means to an end rather than a whole person. Spending time getting to know these brave and courageous men allowed me to see their resolve to be their authentic self. I began to understand what they experience during their sexual exploration. However, I must point out that these men are not just resolved to sit back and take what is given to them. Instead, they opened their mouths and voiced their truths. They are resolved to gain knowledge and personal growth in a community that has not always seen their wealth and contributions. This is also dedicated to my loving and supportive mom, Dr. Anita M. Haynes. She loved me before I even entered this world. Her selflessness that she showed taking care of me and my brother can never be fully expressed. I hope that I have made you proud. To my one and only son, Justice. If I could.I’d give you the world. You are such an amazing person. Dad is so proud of the man you have become. To my Godmother, Dr. Darlene M. Harris.Thank you for your love and support. I always know where I can get sound advice. To my brother Darris Butler, you have always been an inspiration. I hope that I have been as great of a brother to you as you have been to me. Last but certainly not least, to my spouse, my partner in life Walter. Thank you for pushing me to complete this journey. I know this has taken a lot of time from ‘us’ but you knew what lies on the other side. Words cannot express my love and appreciation for you. I would like to dedicate this study to four individuals who are now resting with the Ancestors. My step-mother Cecelia “Poochie” Butler, my Aunt Carol Canole, my cousin Anthony “Tony” Matthews and my Grandmother Lula M. McMorris-Thomas. Your presence is sorely missed but your impact still remains. Acknowledgments There is a saying that I like. No man is an island. This study could not be completed without assistance from many people. First, I wish to acknowledge the contributions of my dissertation chair and committee members Dr. Tracy Marsh, Dr. Nina Nabors, and Dr. Bonnie Nastasi. When I thought that my doctorate journey was over, you stepped in and made all the difference. Thank you for being patient with me and keeping me calm when anxiety came. Thank you for being my cheerleader at every accomplishment during this journey. You have been instrumental in helping my thoughts and ideas become scholarly. I have to acknowledge a friend in life and in academia, Kevin “KG” Smith. Thank you for reaching out to me and giving me words of encouragement. I was at a standstill and you helped push me through. I appreciate you. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge those who have supported me in this journey. There are too many to name but you know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.