In 2011, author E. L. James published the first book of her Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Over the last four years, it has grossed over $90 million dollars.
It all starts when Anastasia Steele goes to interview successful entrepreneur Christian Grey.
Ana quickly learns that Christian is solely interested in controlling the relationship on his own terms.
The story is told from the point of view of the main character, Anastasia Steele. The plot is based around the supposed romantic relationship between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Since the first book was published, much controversy has followed the series.
The central idea is that only a physical relationship with another person matters. Many problems already arise when a couple bases their love off of a physical stance.
Love is more complex than looks and the ability to satisfy the other’s desires, which is something that Fifty Shades fails to grasp.
There is also the issue of the abusive physical relationship between the two main characters. It can also be seen as emotionally abusive as well.
When the time comes for Ana to sign her contract of servitude to Mr. Grey, it is stated that she is not allowed to look at Christian in the eye and it also forbids her from telling anyone what she and Christian do. She is treated less than equal, less than human.
Megan Walker, the executive director of the London Abused Women Centre, pointed out that “in Canada, 1 in 4 women will be abused by her partner and 50 percent of all women over the age of 16 will be sexually violated at some point in their life. These women walk amongst us every day. It is an issue of epidemic proportions.”
Studies have shown that women who read the book are more likely to have a partner who sends unwanted calls and texts, compared to those who did not.
Those who read the trilogy are more likely to have at least five different sexual partners.
The book “Fifty Shades of Grey” implies that a woman should give up everything for a man. For example, the main character is a young mouse like woman who is being manipulated by an older man into becoming his sexual submissive.
He also controls what she wears, eats and how much time she spends exercising.
This can lead to women believing that abusive relationships are normal and acceptable.
It also implies that men have a right to be abusive to their significant other in order to fulfill their physical desires and fantasies.
For centuries women have been fighting for the right to be seen as strong individuals and to be respected, but this franchise defames the point of feminism and the image that many women are fighting to represent.
Despite the idea that Christian loves Ana and she loves him, “Fifty Shades of Grey” glamorizes and legitimizes violence against women through sexual submission, abuse of power and female inequality.
Not only are the pros of the book terrible, but so is the message behind the storyline.
It tries to convey to both young women and adolescents that being abused is okay if you truly love someone.
Behind every beautiful lie there is a disturbing truth. The lie is “Fifty Shades of Grey is a story about a love affair,” while the truth is the story is about grooming a young girl for sadistic sexual intercourse.
Instead of supporting the movie, people should support organizations that help women who have had their own “Fifty Shades of Grey” experience.
When we turn our backs on the victims, we turn our backs on the problems at hand.
“Fifty Shades of Grey,” in the eyes of sexually manipulated victims, is a story of abuse and assault.
When we sugarcoat a problem like sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, we run the risk of an increase in similar situations occurring.