there is a LOT of ignorance on the subject. i could go on about that at length (and might later, but now i am short on time). to most people, outside at least, it IS all about sex - kinky sex with bondage and spankings, and the sub is viewed in a 'victim-esque' way and as weak while the Domme is some bitch with a stick up her ass who is sadistic and likes to beat people - it's sad, but i believe that 90% of Americans have some form of that veiwpoint. my own experiences, btw, have been mixed - i have been involved in some very questionalbe D/s relationships - that said, i have found MOST Dom/mes to be warm, loving, generous, patient, intelligent people and most GOOD D/s relationships being about SO much more then the sex - speaking as a sub, i find a lot of comfort in having a Dom/me around, even if (s)he's not mine... a saftey, a warmth, and have had some lovely times just having someone take an interest in me as a person, not as some sort of potential plaything... THAT said i should add, that there are times when being viewed as a potential play thing an amazing and wonderful feeling that makes me feel loved and cherished beyond belief.
hope that made some sense...