Have you found yourself sucked into a sub-culture you were actually trying to study? "Gone native"?

Question

How did you cope with that and get back to "normal"? Did you feel guilt?

Answer 1

No, but I believe it's quite common.

Answer 2

I have been a photographer for some time. I have been studying models. The study has been forthright as I have not resorted to blinds or camouflage.  I simply contact models on Internet sites like Model Mayhem and One Model Place. I have even tried Craig's List. That was an adventure!

In my study of these exotic creatures I have learned much. I studied and have continued to study those who pose for artistic nude and glam work. I started with having them pose without much makeup, only using Mardi Gras masks and such. However, I have slowly been pulled into the insidious world of makeup, eyeliner, eye shadow, lip stick.

I am a straight, old, bald guy. Not exactly Davey or Jade from AFI. Now I can walk into Sephora or Max and buy concealer or Urban Decay eyeshadow without blinking or feeling the least bit queasy. I can discuss Primer and how it makes the colors pop and why you should always have a pencil sharpener with you (for the eyeliner, silly!) I have more sponges than Jacques Cousteau ever knew. I hate Tyra Banks. I know that _Making Faces_ is THE BOOK!

I can make pretty hand gestures. Put your middle and ring finger together, separate the other fingers, cup your hand like you were grasping a grapefruit, bend your wrist just so, point with your index... oh, never mind. You get the point.

So, I figure I have to deprogram myself. Not sure how. Maybe watch Road Warrior and Mad Max, avoid any David Bowie music, no sushi and no bottled water.

Pray for me.

Magic time! Every body! Big eyes now for the camera! Oh, shoot!!!

Answer 3

Yep, but why feel guilty? Turns out I've got native blood in me, so I guess thats one way to not feel guilty. It all started out studying arrowheads and how they were made and has turned into something more deeper, I can't say here what it was as its quite personal, but to answer your question again, yes.

Answer 4

I think you're talking more in the psychological study... but as far as D/s goes, it was an interest of mine that I studied, yes, then evolved into it and felt at home.  I say "evolved" because it was a gradual releasing of my preconceptions of what "those" people were like.  Not sure if I explained that right, but you know what I mean.  Normal is relative... and for me, I'm normal now... for me. :D

Answer 5

I got adopted by a bunch of American Bald eagles last year and pretty much went native with their culture.  Six of them.  Humongous gorgeous birds.  I work out in marshes in my canoe every day that I can and for the last two years these eagles have been keeping me company during the summer.  Before I knew it, they were landing on my bow and riding along with me.  I watched them so much that their world became more important to me than my world, that is, until one day for absolutely no good reason whatsoever because they have plenty of fish the size of Nebraska to eat, they plucked this huge gosling out of the water right before my eyes and tore it apart as an afternoon snack.  I was shocked.  It was a long time before I went to see them again after that.  And, I no longer felt like a part of their stupid "sub-culture", although they may have gotten the idea for that wanton slaughter from watching me eat fried little bird arms and Pringles all summer in my canoe for lunch.

Answer 6

nope.

but do love to live in the sun.

Answer 7

You've lost your objectivity and began personalizing what you were studying.  To get back to "normal" you have to remove yourself from the equation.  Guilt has to be addressed first (because until its dealt with, no progress can be made.)

Answer 8

Becoming concerned. I'll listen.