Though a box office hit, “Fifty Shades of Grey” will hit too close to home for abused women.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” is a 2011 bestselling novel by author E.L. James that spawned two sequels and a movie deal. The series has reaped many a negative review on whether the book’s themes are ultimately harmful to young women.
The controversy of “Fifty Shades of Grey” is rooted in the relationship of the two main characters that features BDSM (bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism). The plot focuses on a powerful, rich and handsome man who can do what he wants.
In the book and newly released film, the character Christian Grey uses manipulation, jealousy, intimidation and violence to control the naive Anastasia Steele. He uses manipulation and coercion to degrade a young, virginal college student.
The question remains whether main character Anastasia, as a virgin, can actually give informed consent to a relationship that so contrasts what might be termed the typical sexual experience or whether she is manipulated by the more experienced Christian Grey.
Most fans overlook and romanticize this because of his powerful position, handsome looks and nice suits. But women like Ana in real life will tell you that a seemingly perfect exterior does not necessarily mirror one’s psychological health or suggest one has a moral compass. The series normalizes abusive behavior.
Young girls might take things out of context. These girls grow up to think that men have a right to this behavior and that they don’t have a say in it. They forget the importance of a contract and safe word.
Unfortunately, while millions of women are fantasizing about the controlling and abusive Christian Grey, many other women deal with actually living with men like him.
The plot that is portrayed as a love story is romanticizing domestic abuse, according to Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
The center asked moviegoers considering the film to instead donate to a women’s shelter. The National Center for Sexual Exploitation has recently created a website and campaign called fiftyshadesisabuse.com that details 50 problems it has with the film’s message.
The reality is that if you take away the glamour, “Fifty Shades” is just a sensationalized lie. The story tells women that they can and should fix violent and controlling men by being obedient and devoted and that, somehow, this is romantic.
