In a lifestyle dynamic such as this, it would almost appear that the dominant has all of the power. The dominant sets the scene, makes the decisions and sets the rules right? Well the simple answer to this is, the dominant does not have all of the power.
Submissives are human beings. They are not less of a person just because they are a submissive or a slave. In the united states, un-consensual slavery has been abolished and is now illegal. You cannot hold anyone against their will. In the BDSM lifestyle we live by a code of honor known as SSC, Safe Sane and Consensual. We use things like safe words and safe gestures for submissives to be able to say no, because they have that very right, they have the right to say no and walk away.
Submissives are equal. When we look and consider submissives outside of our household, they are not inferior to ourselves. They are not there to be looked down upon or to be chastised. They are on equal footing. Their thoughts, feelings, opinions, suggestions are just as important as our own. They have the same rights for which we have.
Treating a submissive as inferior and less then what they are can lead to some serious self esteem and self awareness situations. This is not including those who are into plays which have a humiliation factor and dehumanizing factor to the play. Those are concepts for which are only in scene type play and not something for which you would see in every day life.
Keeping someone against their will can have extreme psychological ramifications which can lead to some really bad mental issues with that tsubmissive or slave.
I am your Owner only after earning your trust and I embrace your submissiveness. You have given me total access to your soul and I accept the responsibility with honor. You are a woman, you are not weak or inferior and I have the strength of body mind and soul to instinctively protect, possess, defend, and provide for you. My desire to dominate you is instinctive. Your belief in me gives me courage and direction. Your strength disperses my doubt. Your needs and desires encourage and give purpose to my efforts. I dominate you because you have allowed me to and when I see your body kneel before me, in my mind and heart you are raised above all other women and all the treasures of the earth. — Mikhail Borgan