While some people can't wait to watch their favorite kinky book come to life on the screen, others have more than one complaint. I've seen some people play the moral card on social media, warning their friends to guard their eyes, minds, and children. Others have claimed that it romanticizes abuse and is a feminist nightmare. Some are outraged about the way the BDSM lifestyle is inaccurately portrayed.
My biggest concern is how they are going to transform the book to a movie and maintain an R rating. Last I checked, it would have easily qualified for an NC-17 rating. Like most things though, it will be only a watered down version of it's literary self. So what about you - what is your biggest issue with the new Fifty Shades of Grey movie?
If you are reading this and pondering the moral argument, then you may be on the wrong page. Exploring and embracing your sexuality is a beautiful and healthy thing. Judging what that means for others if it isn't your style is not beautiful or healthy. People have a tendency to fear what they don't understand.
One of the major points of contention with the whole Shades of Grey phenomenon is that it romanticizes abusive relationships. Some say that Christian Grey, one of the main characters, is an abuser. His admitted possession of Anastasia Steele could be seen as proof of the argument. Fans of the books have adamantly defended their favorite character. Feminists have vehemently attacked him. So where does the truth lie?
To be perfectly honest, I can see truth on both sides. I seriously doubt that this type of relationship will become the new romantic ideal for women, no matter how much indulging their fantasies with the story turns them on. Isn't the point of fantasy to be able to explore things that are outside of society's "norm"? Normal is such a subjective term anyway.
Christian and Anastasia have a relationship in which he exerts complete control in all things. His tendencies could even be considered stalking on some occasions. Anastasia rarely stands up to him and seems to rely completely on him for her sense of self worth. I can easily understand how that could give people the 'victim' image of her. However, I think it is important to remember that their relationship is completely consensual at all times.
BDSM is an erotic style embracing bondage, domination, and sado-masochism. It is not accurately represented in Fifty Shades of Grey. Grey is portrayed as cold-hearted in this arena and having a playroom full of scary sex toys. Those who engage in BDSM practices have clearly defined limits and good communication.
Quite damaging to the BDSM reputation is the implication that Christian Grey's particular erotic style developed because he is psychologically "sick" from childhood abuse. "There is no scientific evidence that childhood physical or sexual abuse are more prevalent in the histories of kinky folk than vanilla. Abuse histories are sadly prevalent for everyone, not just kinksters," says Russell Stambaugh, who chairs the AltSex Special Interests Group of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.
Those who enjoy BDSM will tell you that Grey is less than competent judging by his actions. Experienced BDSM practitioners point out that it is glaringly obvious by how he misjudges his potential new submissive's inexperience. His use of the cable ties is his most obvious mistake - even the novices noticed (could cause nerve damage and scarring). Does this make him more abusive or just ignorant?
As the release date nears, you get to decide whether or not you will flock to the theater to truly see for yourself. Me... yes, I will go watch to satisfy my own curiosity. Maybe I will see you there.
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