Slave/Master Reversal

Summary

The website content discusses the concept of role reversal, particularly focusing on the slave/master dynamic during historical Saturnalia festivities, and invites writers to explore this theme in their work.

Abstract

The undefined website presents a reflection on the historical practice of slave/master role reversal during the Roman festival of Saturnalia, as highlighted in the poetry prompt titled "Slave/Master Reversal" dated 12 December 2020. The text delves into the psychological and social implications of such a reversal, emphasizing the internalization of societal roles and the impact of temporarily altering these roles. It suggests that the reversal is not merely a break from the norm but a complex shift that affects the perception beyond the festive period. The prompt encourages writers to engage with the theme of role reversal, not limited to the Saturnalia context, and to consider its effects on human relationships and identity. The piece concludes with a call to action for writers to contribute their interpretations of role reversal, excluding Christmas, and to tag the author J.D. Harms in their submissions.

Opinions

The author views the internalization of roles as a significant aspect of human identity and social interaction.
The text implies that the slave/master reversal during Saturnalia is a profound commentary on the nature of power dynamics and societal structures.
There is a suggestion that the role reversal, while temporary, has lasting effects on the perception of the individual and the collective.
The prompt expresses an interest in the exploration of role reversal beyond historical contexts, invading a broader application to other societal roles and celebrations.
The piece seems to critique the entitlement and inhumane treatment that can be associated with rigid social hierarchies.
It acknowledges the complexity of human reactions to role reversal, ranging from reward to disdain, and the subsequent discussions that arise from such experiences.

12 December 2020 Saturday Poetry Prompt: role reversal prompt

Flip the board, queen becomes pawn, becomes the naked musician, the orgy of the winter raises its head, slaps the palms of those that had, and had, and took, and the servant is master for five days.

The relation of human inhumanity to more inhumane decor, the scoffing spitting reversal shame pleading beating scorn heat heat heat damned by the posting of entitlement, stripped to the individual, not the aristocracy that was initially dreamed of.

And is this a reward, or just a break? The licks all taken then discussed for the rest of the year by the oppressed portion, so many more of them, the disdain for a kind of life, or life in general by the constant reduction of the person.

Flip the board, the king becomes rook, becomes a pole to use, to haul in the next batch of wine. And the darkness doesn’t subsist. And no one gets what they paid for.

Prompt:

Though perhaps not the only/main portion of Saturnalia, for some reason the reversal of the slave/master position for this festival has always gripped me. It’s remarkable just how much a part of us our internalization of roles is (adult/child, man/woman, etc., etc.). For today’s prompt, write a poem or other piece of writing that reflects on the notion of role reversal. It’s absolutely okay to do a reflection on the relationship explored in this piece. You could also do a fantasy reversal of another winter celebration (except for Christmas!), even if roles don’t typically reverse in it. Tag me in it (J.D. Harms). As always, rock on, write on.

Happy Saturnalia from The Scrittura Team