I taught a college class, using the Fifty Shades trilogy as a case study. How can you watch the movie with a critical eye?
1. This Is Fan Fiction, Not Rocket Science: E.L. James, the author of Fifty Shades of Grey, isn't a writer by trade. She derived inspiration from Twilight and wrote the book entirely online. She never intended for her words to be read by millions or become an international phenomenon. Feel free to enjoy the fictional trilogy or regard it as literary drivel. Watch the movie or cringe at each and every notification about the premiere. The world will go on whether you love, hate or never see Fifty Shades of Grey.
2. Fifty Shades of Green: From a marketing and publishing perspective, the trilogy deserves our praise! Since 2011, the Fifty Shades series has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The trilogy demonstrated that erotic romances appeal to multiple demographics and changed how these novels are packaged and marketed. Fifty Shades of Grey, the movie, is expected to boast an impressive $60 million in ticket sales in its opening weekend. With two sequels to follow, the Fifty Shades train isn't stopping anytime soon!
3. Far from a Fairy Tale: In class, I tasked my students with evaluating whether the relationship between Anastasia and Christian is psychologically and/or sexually abusive. 24 out of 25 students agreed that it is. Fifty Shades of Grey isn't a love story, but rather, a story of abuse. Specific examples include:
Psychological Abuse: Christian is a character that needs to be in control at all times. He makes all of the relationship decisions and uses his enormous wealth to assert his financial dominance. Christian supplies Ana with her car and all technological devices, installing geotracking software to monitor her whereabouts and showing up uninvited when she ignores his advances. He threatens her, exhibits jealous tendencies when she interacts with other males, and isolates her from her loved ones.
Consent and Sexual Abuse: Prior to meeting Christian, Ana has no sexual experience or previous knowledge about BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism). He restricts her from talking to anyone other than him about his interests and doesn't care that she is unable to give informed consent. Ana must wear what Christian asks, engage only in the sexual acts that he wants, and orgasm upon his command. Christian takes all agency and bodily autonomy away from her and treats her like one of his many possessions.
4. Zero Shades of Actual BDSM: Fifty Shades of Grey is not an accurate representation of BDSM. The trilogy perpetuates the myth that one needs to have a mental illness or history of abuse to enjoy BDSM. Sex in Fifty Shades of Grey also is conflated with pain. That's neither healthy nor BDSM! People who find pleasure from sexual power exchanges seek the enthusiastic consent of their partners. Ana has no sexual experience or knowledge about BDSM, thus rendering her incapable of giving informed consent. At countless points in the trilogy, she expresses her discomfort with what Christian unsafely forces upon her. Christian's infliction of pain and humiliation on Ana without concern for her well being brings him enormous pleasure. BDSM is not abuse or rape! If you're interested in learning more about BDSM, look for reliable information from sex educators with an understanding about the practice.
5. The Upside of Fifty Shades: Female sexuality traditionally has been subjected to a double standard in which women are both oversexualized and desexualized. Thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, though, there has been a greater acceptance of female sexuality. The trilogy has led to a dramatic increase in sex toy sales and even a baby boom! Fifty Shades of Grey also has sparked important reflection and discussion about fantasies and sexual boundaries. It's healthy to talk about sex and figure out what we're comfortable consensually exploring with our partners. We can watch Fifty Shades with a critical eye, while embracing whatever intrigues and excites us about the movie.
So, what are your thoughts about Fifty Shades of Grey?
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