The difference between SSC and RACK

SSC and RACK are known acronyms in the BDSM community, and both these acronyms are in reference to BDSM activities and scenes; they form part of the fundamental BDSM principles.

What is SSC?

SSC stands for safe, sane, and consensual. It came about in the 1980s as a way to practice BDSM safely within the community.

What is RACK?

RACK stands for risk aware consensual kink; this acronym became more popular towards the new millennium.

Although both these acronyms are commonly used in the BDSM community, they differ, and many people either agree with a particular term or are against it. One thing mutually agreed upon is that both practices call on enthusiastic consent to be part of all BDSM activities or scenes; both partners need to agree on safewords and be aware of each other’s limits and boundaries.

So you might be wondering why there are two different terms and how they might apply to you or your dynamic. So let us dig a bit deeper into the nitty-gritty of these terms.

SSC says safe, sane, and consensual. Nothing in life is safe; you could get hurt or die in a car accident or get shot while shopping or having your hair done. We risk our lives every day while doing mundane things. BDSM has risks involved, whether it be Shabari or being suspended during rope play, not to forget how dangerous choking is. People, however, enjoy these kinks and are willing to risk it. Sane, who in this world is truly sane? What I consider sane might be utterly insane to you, so how do you define sane if it varies by person.

RACK is risk aware consensual kink; this allows participants to engage in BDSM even though risks are involved in specific BDSM kinks. Activities like impact play or edgeplay are more aligned to the RACK mindset, and the most popular kink aligned to RACK would be CNC. Many people enjoy chemsex or even being intoxicated while playing, even though this is frowned upon by many as long as you are aware of the risks and consent to it, you are a grown-ass adult and can make your own decisions.

There will be many people in the BDSM community that insist you follow either principle in your dynamic, but it is entirely up to you. Personally, I believe that both partners must discuss their limits and boundaries in-depth with each other. It would be best always to discuss scenes beforehand, so both of you are aware of any potential risks that might arise during a scene. As a partner in the dynamic, you should always be mindful of possible triggers and past trauma.

BDSM is something both of you enjoy, and you need always to be aware of the risks and make sure that both partners enthusiastically consent to all activities. This way, you are both responsible for your dynamic, and if anything was to go wrong, neither partner could be accused of assault or domestic violence.

S.S.C and R.A.C.K. are known acronyms in the BDSM community, and both these acronyms are in reference to BDSM activities and scenes; they form part of the fundamental BDSM principles.