33 Comments

I don't want to sound like a quote unquote "psychopath". I.e. the unrealistic hollywood version. But wtf is the point of these weirdos that are running haunted houses and getting all bent out of shape if someone doesn't get frightened of them and whatnot? Wouldn't the world be simpler if someone had dressed up as John Wick on Halloween and taken their role a little too seriously around some of these people? The Netflix documentary you mentioned mentioned waterboarding... Waterboarding! Seriously?

Expand full comment

Yes, waterboarding. That they had film of. It is voluntary torture, and as much as people sign the waiver, it is clear that they didn't understand what they were in for. Also, it seems that the guy who ran the house never intended to pay anyone out the $20,000 prize for surviving it. If it looked like a person would succeed in completing the house, he would wash them out, "for their safety". In short, the prize was having willing victims to torture, and leaving them with less than nothing in the end. In case you want to watch the documentary, I believe it is only on Hulu, though.

Expand full comment

Wow, so a guy that gets his rocks off torturing people displayed the non virtuous behaviour of lying? Man, that is a shock.

Dangerous though, someone with a schizophrenic leaning might "snap" and go round believing they are possessed by demons or something and go round biting people and such. There have been cases like that when people respond badly to weed.

Expand full comment

Indeed, if you have a family history of psychosis, marijuana is heavily discouraged as it may induce psychosis in those predisposed to it.

Expand full comment

I recall a story by an old school pro wrestler about challenge matches. If someone from the audience could last a given period of time they’d win $1000 . It happened once that a young guy who was particularly lean and flexible had no difficulty enduring even the worst holds.

The promoter was attempting to figure a way to avoid paying but before he could just refuse which the wrestler telling the story expected a couple of the local cops showed up to tell the promoter they should they leave there would be a riot by the audience. The promoter paid off and never issued a challenge again

Expand full comment

Love the John Wick idea, I'd be on board to perform the necessary role.

Expand full comment

I also think that when I see anyone walking their dog and not giving it time to sniff and such. Just dragging it along. Two shots to the back of the head.

Expand full comment

I recently had a young woman who is an acquaintance of my current girlfriend begin teasing about BDSM. I told her flat out that I was didn't have words to express how little interest I have in being handcuffed much less anything that she had in mind with it. I'm fairly certain that she's a sadist and my lack of interest really riled her up. I completely dropped my mask and according to gf I snarled at the woman and she only got more excited. Scared everyone except for her. well and me of course. I got blamed for "starting it". I've always known that sadist, real sadists, are truly dark and evil. Just because I can do really terrible things doesn't mean that I've got any motivation to just do terrible dark things

Expand full comment

Yes, very true. True sadists are in a league of their own when it comes to the damage that they can do. There is no counterpart to them, either. No masochist is going to be able to deal with a true sadist. They think that they can, but a true sadist doesn't care about their safe word. Much like the haunted house.

Expand full comment

Well, the counterpart is someone that allows their masochism to interfer with their everyday life. Like, do they get prostitutes that do that on the side of their relationships? A fair few people have died from hanging themselves because it is possible (apparently) to get a better E.R. 3ction when the body is almost dead from suffocating. But sometimes they get it wrong and hang themselves.

There was once a guy who put an ad in a paper for people to volunteer to be hung on meat hooks and then eaten alive, and he got hundreds of responses. Then he did it with someone.

With almost all degeneracy there is a line. Whether someone crosses it is a balance between the desire and the self control.

Expand full comment

I wonder if that is the case where they ate part of the guy together, then he was killed and the other guy finished butchering him

Expand full comment

That is the important distinction there - true sadists. Popular media places the label on people who are anything but. Nobody is going to enjoy catching the attention of a true sadist, as Athena said. I don't understand people who try to play around with them either. It is like standing over a bear trap and saying, "Huh. I wonder what this will do if I stick my foot in it?"

Expand full comment

Exactly right

Expand full comment

Ahh yess Athena has posted. What a great way to end my day

Expand full comment

Excellent

Expand full comment

" There are some people that can keep themselves under control when they have someone’s entire being at their disposal, but that is a far more rare individual. "

This is the description of my accountability when I was a Pro-Domme. My client was under my protection; there was mutual trust between us.

I never had an issue maintaining my responsibilities. I respected my clients and they respected me.

Going further, if anyone tried that shit on me, I'd react pretty much as you, Athena.

So, I'm going to watch this sick, sad movie... Lord help us all.

Edit 1: Said movie induced excessive boredom within 23 minutes.

Expand full comment

It is a bit boring, I agree. I am interested in the psychological aspects. That said, I have yet to finish it. I watched about half, and have intended to go back, but haven't prioritized it yet.

Expand full comment

OK, same here. It's the psychological aspects that also interest me, especially the personality makeup of the individuals involved in the acts.

I'll carry on with the movie.

Expand full comment

Look at that, he's still torturing people

Expand full comment

Well, there ya go. Basically the entire movie, which I finished... even took some vague notes.

Expand full comment

I really need to finish that thing. I am currently rewatching a documentary on Willowbrook School for this week's post.

Expand full comment

I'll post my vague notes in a separate comment.

No need to finish it. There are no insights, just the downward spiral of a person who, I hope, eventually will receive the Darwin Award.

Expand full comment

Damn Athena it’s hard to believe people would subject themselves to torture like this. I mean yes there are masochists but surly not all the participants are true masochists. I’m really surprised that any of that waiver is legal in anyway. I’m interested in seeing the documentary though. What a trip

Expand full comment

According to lawyers, it isn't legal. You can't sign away illegal acts, much like you can't volunteer to be murdered. The documentary is interesting. It speaks to people that participated in the house, and their reasoning.

Expand full comment

Stockholm Syndrome

Expand full comment

No, it's not legal.

Expand full comment

Great work: I didn't know about this.

Yet, I imagine you: Followed, and your action.

I look forward to more like this!

Thanks again

Expand full comment

I played the first 4 parts on PS1 and PS2 as a kid,its a good game.Mainly action and horror.I also played Outlast 1 and 2 and having a good expirience,but its very psychological fear.So your vievers if they decide to play it should be known.Headphones on made sure that my room is dark and go.Adrenalin rush.

Expand full comment

Sounds like a fun time. I have played all of the Silent Hill games, except Shattered Memories. What a trash heap of a game that was. I played part, and then returned it. Some people should never be allowed to do a franchise installment.

Expand full comment

I know,like the last joker...

Expand full comment

Yeah... totally agree with that one

Expand full comment

Not a haunted house, but I worked at an escape room and that was really fun. It was a lot of the staff and visitors trying to outsmart each other and we would give them some scares here and there. I can't do horror stuff, I get scared so easily it is truly embarrassing.

Expand full comment