Lady Aslana of Turia

Question::  What is Your opinion of the current online Gorean Community?

Aslana::   The Gorean Community, past and present, has always brought to my mind the old neighborhoods of New York or Boston. Clusters of different cultures all living within the same 10 block or so radius; each with their own ideas, customs, traditions, etc. Happy to share and help their neighbor, but also leery of newcomers or those of a different background until they get to know them and accept them into the community. Some people move on to other neighborhoods, others stay and begin the cycle again. The neighborhood is always changing; sometimes for the good, sometimes bad, and yet is always the same. The online Gorean Community is very similar in this respect. The Community changes constantly, yet remains the same.

Question::  Where do You feel the Gorean Philosophy is most misunderstood?

Aslana::  In assuming that there should be more to Gorean Philosophy than: "Everything has its place". To some minds I suppose that's just too simple or easy a way of thinking. "There's got to be more to it than that," some say and try inject their own philosophies into the mix. But eventually, it all condenses down to the same basic priniciple. That principle is there in the books, clearly defined, to anyone who wishes to take the time and find it. Any interpretation of Gorean Philosophy has to include the basic principle that upon Gor, all things are unique, and all have a predetermined role to play in Gorean society.

Question::  Why do most Freewomen feel the need to compete with the Gorean Male?

Aslana::   Freewomen? Compete with a Gorean Male? {laughs} Hmmmm. Interesting concept considering there is NO competition with a Gorean male. A Gorean male will win every time. Period. I can only assume these Freewomen are under the misguided assumption that if they behave or act as men do, they'll win their respect and be accepted as "free"; or that these Freewomen have an Earth "political correctness" engrained in their psyche. Personally, I do not feel the need or desire to compete with a Gorean male; paga's rather foul tasting stuff and I could break a nail trying to wield a sword. As a high-caste Freewoman of the cities, that's just not my style. I'd much rather that men be masculine, women be feminine and never the two shall meet, except within their respective roles.

Question::  Where do You feel Your "Sisters" are making their biggest mistake?

Aslana::   Ignorance and a preconceived Earth notion of "equality of the sexes", I believe are the main causes of most of my fellow Freewomen's mistakes (Personally, I do not care for the word "mistake". There are no mistakes, just "learning experiences".

Question::  What is Your opinion of the mode of dress by most Freewomen? (ie: leathers, daggers, etc)

Aslana::   As far as I know, most Freewomen do not wear leathers. Quite the opposite. The preferred mode of dress for a Freewoman of the high cities is clear: a long-sleeved, ankle length gown with a high necked collar over which a sleeveless, billowing long coat is worn. A headcovering of some sort, be it as simple as a kerchief or an elaborate turban type affair and at least one veil for modesty's sake. (I don't venture out from my cylinder without all five veils securely fastened). Not the most comfortable ensemble to be sure but we wear it all to provide some modicum of protection as well as to be socially acceptable. I add that the books are quite clear about the fact that the veils and robes are customary, but are not required according to Gorean law, particularly in the case of lower caste females who simply cannot afford such finery. Still, to fail to wear the veils and robes is to display to all that you are too poor to dress yourself properly, or suggests that you like to have men stare at your unveiled features (slave behavior). The only Earth comparison I can refer to, in regards to the veils (as well as not being the most comfortable things), would be the brassiere. A cultured Earth woman who ventures out without a bra on while going about her daily business (I'm not referring to a fancy night out in a low backed evening dress), is often looked upon as "low" or "trashy". As far as daggers go, what is a Freewoman going to do with it besides slice tospits, etc.? Try to use it on a Gorean male? Try using it on yourself in that case, you'll get better results.

Question::  Should Freewomen, have the right to claim and be active in such castes as "Warrior", "Assassin"?

Aslana::   A Freewoman has the right to claim she is of the caste of Warriors or Assassins if she were in fact Born into it. However, she cannot play an active role in either of these castes because she is physically incapable of being equal to her male counterpart. (I realize I will undoubtedly take a lot of flak for that last statement from my fellow Freewomen, but I call it as I see it.) The argument of there being female Marines and such on Earth is a moot one as a female's physical requirement to qualify for combat duty is much less than a male Marine's; besides, we're speaking of Gor, not Earth.

Question::  Do You believe Freewomen, should venture into Paga Taverns, and other places they would not normally be, unescorted?

Aslana::   As Paga Taverns make up the majority of online Gor channels I fail to see how it could be avoided. Taverns and such are the most populated, the most lively. If a Freewoman enters a tavern unescorted, she should be prepared for some possible harassment by both the Freemen and slaves. If her delicate sensibilities are easily offended, she should just stay home. And above all, she should behave like a lady. You can have a great time "out with the boys" and still maintain your dignity. Just remember to act like a lady, you'll be treated like one... act other than that, well, a Freewoman will know steel; one way or another.

Question::  According to the source books, Gorean Freewomen, are utilized to bear Free children, manage the books, etc.. In Your opinion, what purpose does the Freewoman serve on IRC GOR?

Aslana::   (laughing) What? Besides being a source of amusement for Gorean males? Seriously, I like to consider Freewomen as being the online counterpoint/compliment to the Gorean Freeman; their "feminine side" so to speak. Several Gorean males whom I know and am honored to call friend, seem to geniuinely enjoy my company; be it exchanging ideas, laughing at a good joke, what have you; without the bias of a "collar". A slave can certainly be a brilliant, witty conversationalist; but is a slave's point of view what her Master wants to hear because she is owned and it pleases him? or what he NEEDS to hear? Also, Gorean Freewomen should be allowed to exist on online Gorean channels simply because they exist upon the fictional world of Gor just as Freemen do, just as slaves do. However, I feel it would be a good idea for Gorean Freewomen to have their own channels, which are not paga taverns and brothels, where they are free to hold channel ops, interact with their slaves and Gorean freemen in a dignified manner, etc. An online Bazi Tea shop or channels which represent a Freewoman's Pleasure Gardens might be nice.

Question::  Freewomen, are said to be "cold, frigid" creatures sexually, Your reaction?

Aslana::   "Said" to be, "reported" to be, "refuted" to be...John Norman never comes out and says Freewomen "Are" cold and frigid sexually. The majority of "cold and frigid" Freewomen described in the books are virgins I might add. Even those who are described as no longer virginal are specified as having had little or next to no sexual contact with men. That is not to say that all of the Freewomen of Norman's books are "cold". There are a lot of Freewomen on the planet Gor cranking out babies, and I find it hard to believe that these children are conceived through "immaculate conception" or artificial insemination. Sex in the arms of a Gorean male seems hardly a cold and sterile process...whether you happen to be a slave or are in a Free Companionship. On Gor, Freewomen outnumber female slaves at a ratio of something like 40 to 1, and if all Freewomen were "frigid" then I doubt the institution of Free Companionship would even exist. To say that "all Freewomen are cold and frigid sexually" is similiar to the stereotype that all Earth housewives are frigid. Case in point: the classic "Not tonight honey, I have a headache" myth.

Question::  It is said that "in every woman beats the heart of a slave." Your opinion?

Aslana:: And in every woman also beats the heart of Freedom; you cannot have one without the other. You hear and listen to which heart beats loudest.

Question::  Have You ever, at any time, given thought to what it would be like to be enslaved?

Aslana::   Yes, for all of about 2 Ihn.   FYI this is me smiling behind my veils : I)I

Question::  It is said, that most Freewomen are jealous of slaves, Your reaction?

Aslana::   I believe this is another stereotype, similar to the cold and frigid Freewoman you mentioned earlier. I do not envy a slave's life, it can be a harsh one. I do not believe a collar, virtual or literal, would make me "complete"; quite the opposite. I am quite happy and contented in my life as a Freewoman. While I am not jealous per se of slaves, rather, I admit to admiring them...it takes a special kind of strength to relinquish ALL control as they do. I do not feel the compulsion to do so, but I do not feel any less a woman because of it.

Question::  In Your opinion, is too much attention being paid to slaves?

Aslana::   Most of the females frequenting IRC Gor are slaves, despite the fact we are told in the books that upon Gor Freewomen outnumber slaves. It doesn't really matter in my opinion, though; since most of the women on Gorean IRC are slaves, it only makes sense that they would get the most attention.

Question::  Other than the veils and the robes of concealment, in Your opinion, is there truly any difference in the manner in which a FreeWoman presents herself  vs. the slave presenting herself? (ie: FreeWomen adorn themselves, kneel, serve if no serving slave is available, walk, and create an air of beauty about them, taught dances, etc.)

Aslana::   Yes, there is a difference...a rather big one in my opinion, a slavegirl presents herself in such a way as to please others, particularly men...a Freewoman presents herself in a way that is pleasing to Her; she is expected, however, to maintain certain standards of decorum in order to make clear the difference between herself and her imbonded sisters.

Question::  Why do You feel that the Gorean Male sees the face-stripping of a FreeWoman as a "trophy"?

Aslana::   That's an odd question. While I understand the "macho" concept of such a thing, no Gorean Male of my acquaintance face-strips a Freewoman without just cause. It's the ultimate insult to a Freewoman to have her veils removed by force, it's done because she has proven herself unworthy of retaining her free status; either by consistantly exhibiting slave-like behavior or by stepping way beyond the boundaries of her sex. A Male who face-strips a Freewoman on IRC just for the heck of it or to "count coup," as they say; is not Gorean in my opinion; he's an insecure person who feels he has to prove to himself and others he's a man.

Question::  Do You feel a standardized system of "virtual" monetary exchange would be a good idea? bad idea?

Aslana::  "Virtual" money in exchange for "virtual" goods. Hmmm. Nothing for nothing is still nothing, no matter what planet you're on. How could such money be valuated? Who would regulate it? And how could "goods" be purchased or received for that matter? For example: A slave is sold between two Freepeople. "Money" is exchanged, and the transaction; for all intents and purposes, is complete. Right? But what if the slave's harddrive crashes? You're out both your property and your money. So, what's next? "Virtual" lawsuits? "Virtual" loansharks? While it's all well and good to say that Gorean "money" is exchanging hands, in the end since IRC is in effect a medium for the free exchange of information, anything you can obtain online is just that: Free.

Question::  When seeking a FreeCompanion, what qualities does a FreeWoman look for in her Mate?

Aslana::   I can only speak for myself as all people are differerent, with different ideals and tastes. The qualities that immediately come to my mind are intelligence, a sense of humor, strength and respect. I've always been attracted to a well-read, well-spoken man. Often, I've sat in awe of my Free Companion's ability to speak on a variety of different subjects, his willingness to share his experience and knowledge with myself and others, without coming off as patronizing. His sense of humor runs the gamut from the self-deprecating to the situational. His ability to make people laugh makes him pretty okay in my book. When I speak of strength, I do not mean just the physical kind. I speak more of emotional strengths like self confidence, compassion and the ability to admit wrong. The words "I'm Sorry" are an easy cop out for those are too weak to take responsibility for their own shortcomings; a truly strong man, in my opinion, will make the realization and have the guts to say "I was Wrong". Those words alone are enough, no apology necessary.

My Free Companion and I respect each other completely, be it our intelligence, bodies, personal belongings and spaces, etc. We are partners, he and I. 95% of the time we stand beside one another, the other 5% we defer to the other's better judgement, whether it's his or mine is not the issue but rather what is best for Both of us.

(Laughing) And oh, I almost forgot those Really Important Qualities...easy on the eyes and great in the sack!

*lassy drools, wriggling and squirming*

Question::  Do You feel it is appropriate for a Gorean to maintain more than one nick at a time?

Aslana::   No, I don't think it's appropriate at all except under special circumstances. It is particularly inappropriate if the person in question is maintaining more than one nick to "switch" personas from channel to channel.

Question::  Which of the source books are Your favorite? Why?

Aslana::   The first 10 in the series are my favorites for various reasons. But my personal favorite is Book 4 - Nomads of Gor. This is the first of the books that delves into another Gorean culture, namely the Wagon Peoples. It also introduced the first Earth female brought to Gor (Elizabeth Cardwell) and her absorption into Gorean society. And then there's Aphris of Turia, one of my favorite Freewoman characters; not so much for her maliciousness, but definitely for her wit and sense of style. (You have to admit, she did have a "flair").  Besides, Nomads is a great read start to finish.

Question::  What advice would You give to a newcomer to Gor?

Aslana::   I know this will sound rather like an oxymoron because the medium of IRC is a way to explore your inner "fantasy", but I've found that just Being Yourself works best. Picture yourself as you are in r/l as seen on the planet Gor. A bit of research never hurts either, read the books...if you can't get or find the books, go to one of the many websites; at least you'll get a sample of what you'll most likely find on Gor. When you do decide to join a channel, get to know the "regulars". Watch and learn, observation alone is a great way to get into the spirit of things, but don't just sit there either. If you are a Freeperson, strike up conversations with other Freepersons as often slaves are not permitted to chat privately. After a while, you'll become a regular too and be a welcomed member of the Gorean community.