Creepy Fetish = Literary Gold

This is going to be a short one today, folks.

As for the subject of this post, well, think about it. How many times have you been reading or watching something, and there was something that the main character dealt with with a smile on his or her face, and you were like wtf? Obviously I'm talking about Masochism for the most part: gratification gained from pain, deprivation, degradation, etc., inflicted or imposed on oneself, either as a result of one's own actions or the actions of others. (Thank you Mr. Dictionary)
Surprisingly enough, whereas it's a disturbing thing to see someone have in the real world, in the world of fiction, a masochistic character can add many levels of interesting development. As a protagonist, a masochist can be odd, humorous, and even heroic (enduring the pain of one of their trials to save the world because they like it). As an antagonist, however, this is usually portrayed as Sadomasochism: gratification, esp. sexual, gained through inflicting or receiving pain; sadism and masochism combined. This combination provides readers with an interestingly terrifying antagonist: A disturbed monster who enjoys causing pain to others and has no problem taking it him or herself.My point is, that in music, literature, film, etc., Masochism, Sadism, and Sadomasochism sells. Which is odd, because you don't see any other fetishes out there making the big bucks and being socially acceptable to make characters deep. I just think it's funny, is all. Furries can't get away with that (except among themselves), but to be fair no one cares about furries except for other furries. Tarantino tries to put his foot fetish in almost every movie he makes, it doesn't add any psychological levels to the movies, it just makes Tarantino look like a pervert.
But in all fairness he probably is just a pervert... A pervert who can make some damn good films.
I wonder how much he had to pay Salma Hayak to do that scene...

All in all, if you want to make your shit sell, add a crazy sadist or masochist and you'll get a few extra bucks.

-Arlon The Enigma