I found this over on the Pure Gor board and thought it might make an interesting topic for discussion. With Sjona's permission, here is the original post and the link from the PG board
http://infinite-extras.com/puregor/index.php?topic=4612.0Posted by Sjona
I agree that on Gor, women are subject to enslavement for many reasons, or any reason at all, or no reason at all. Its part of the 'beautiful dangers' of Gor. If we are speaking of what is Gorean, however, and holding what we Earth people feel as secondary to -Gorean- action, men are subject to the 'beautiful dangers' and the choice of death or slavery as well. Men at the oars of round ships, men sentenced so slavery in mines, men enslaved while in foreign territory, men shipped out of the Northern Forest with shaved heads, men defeated in battle (and for every victor, there is a defeat) are all examples.
On Gor, this question does not apply only to women. Not only women are subject to Gor's dangers. I think that the difference is that women, on Gor as written, are less able and likely to defend themselves. And I believe, that to understand the question completely in full Gorean context, to understand why the choice of slavery or death is even a part of Gorean philosophy, it might be beneficial to take a look at the question from the perspective of those who 'rule'.
John Norman implies in his books, and specifically in the explanation of warrior codes, that 'honorable' men will choose death to slavery. I suppose this applies to women in only a secondary way. Women are different, of course, but are still subject to the ideals of men and warriors...hence why I think the enslavement of Trevian women who proclaimed themselves slaves is important. They had shamed their men by choosing slavery to the enemy over death. (Witness of Gor, posted on Hura's originating thread.)
But for all of the instances in which we are told that a warrior will choose death over slavery, John Norman illustrates the opposing possibilities of humanity in a Gorean context.
Quote
"We anticipated," said Samos, "that your humanity would assert itself, that faced with a meaningless, ignominious death in the marshes, you would grovel and whine for your life."
In my heart I wept. "I did," I said.
"You chose," said Samos, "as warriors have it, ignominious bondage over the freedom of honorable death."
There were tears in my eyes. "I dishonored my sword, my city. I betrayed my codes."
Raiders of Gor
I think encouraging Gor's beautiful dangers is a good idea. Though I freely admit that I may be wrong, I think many of us came to experience those beautiful dangers, and all of the Gorean possibilities presented in Dr. Lange's books. With that said, and with the support that both men and women are subject to the death or slavery question on Gor per the books...
Do you really want those dangers in Gor? Or ....just for women?