Ok, wanna throw a wrench in the whole thing? I am gay. And I identify fully with Dominique in that scene. I too, disagree that what happend was "Rape" as defined by "Law & Order: SVU". However, as was stated early, power attracts power. As a strong and self assured man, I look for the same in my partners. Being the "Dominique" of the partnership, I am attracted to men who can assert their power over me. I have found in my life, that like Dominique, that the "Peter Keatings" of the world BORE ME. They may give me everything my "heart" desires. But, they don't give me that which my mind seeks. It reminds of the whole "Casting your pearls before swine, without so much as a pork chop in return." Though a Peter Keating can appreciate who I am and what I have to offer. He cannot give me back in the manner in which I give. That takes a Howard Roark (Though I am partial to Hank Rearden myself).

In a relationship, where two strong people come together (The only kind I would want). One person MUST assert dominance. I truly believe that ALL relationships in life are based on Dom/sub or Aggressive/Passive dynamics. Look at any friendship you have, any lover, anyone in your life. Are you equals? No. If you don't see this, you are likely the "Sub" (Sorry!).

What Roark did was part of a dance (as referred to in an earlier post, like "Animals"). The mistake many people make is that this began when Roark entered her room that night. It did not. It began when she first saw him, when their eyes first met. At the start, her eyes gave her away. Her motivations were clear. Roark knew what he must do, because she would not have respected him had he just "Laid her down by the broken fireplace". It required a show of his power. To surrender without that is not logical. If you are strong, why would you allow anyone to dominate you who was not stronger?

It seems simplistic to write it all of in terms of animalistic behavior. But, you have to understand that I am not. It's just the simplest route to understanding the dynamic.

"Rape" is predicated on causing damage, to the psyche, to the ego, to the body. It is done not out of respect, but a lack thereof. Roark respected Dominique, in fact he treasured her. And like any WORTH having, you must fight for it. If she had fallen like a limp noodle in his arms, why would he want her? She laid down the gauntlet earlier in the book (if you pay attention) he just picked it up, and won.

I think the scene is glorious. As an Objectivist who deeply explores my D/s tendencies, and is active in BDSM, I find it to be the CLEAREST example of what TRUE Domination is about. Why would you want to own something anyone can have? What good is submission that can be had at a word? Or, back to what I said, "Anything worth having is worth fighting for" (in fact it is almost required).

Ok, thats my rant.

boy christopher