It is no doubt that “Fifty Shades of Grey” is a controversial book and soon-to-be movie. Conservatives voice their negative opinions on the book for obvious reasons—the sex. However, beyond the sexual acts depicted in the book, there are many who say, experts included, the relationship between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey featured in “Fifty Shades” is that of intimate partner violence, rather than just a relation involving bondage, dominance and sadomasochism (BDSM) as concluded by a study published in the “Journal of Women’s Health.” Amy Bonomi, PhD, the lead author of the analysis, said Christian Grey fits the description of a controlling, stalking, isolating man who is emotionally, sexually and physically abusive.
However, some fans of the “Fifty Shades” series argue that the central male character is not abusive. The character is beloved by fans for his sexual prowess and love for his female counterpart in the book, as well as his troubled past and emotional challenges with relationships. Since the study was published, fans have spoken their thoughts and said everything in the book is safe and consensual. Anastasia Steele did nothing against her will. They asked questions and they communicated. One fan of the series said it is, indeed, different from the mainstream view of sex, but it was not abusive. This particular fan said it was difficult to read through the spanking at the end of the book, but said both characters were open to change, healing and love. She added that every great relationship has pain and heartache, and the one depicted in “Fifty Shades” is no different.
Another same study about the series implicates that women who read the books are more likely to have abusive partners and eating disorders and found it is linked to “unhealthy behaviors” which include binge drinking, unsafe sex and other risks associated with being in an “abusive relationship.” Dr. Bonomi has argued that the best-seller romanticizes a plot in which the lead female becomes disempowered and entrapped, and the lead male uses “strategies of typical abusers,” including stalking, intimidation, social isolation and sexual violence. The report also said its effects on Anastasia Steele were typical of abused women, causing the change in her identity, fear and feelings of helplessness.
Whether or not the relationship between the books’ two main characters is a violent one is not the matter at hand here, though. What is important is the impact it has made and is making on the lives of the readers.
More than 650 women between the ages of 18 and 24 were questioned during the study. Those who have read the books were 25 percent more likely to have a partner who yelled or swore at them, 34 percent more likely to have a partner who demonstrated stalking tendencies and more than 75 percent were more likely to have used diet aids or fasted for more than one day.
We are not bashing the book by any means, but we are saying women need to be smart about their choices and aware of what they are doing at all times. Women, and even men, should consume fiction, television, movies, magazines and various other types of media with a critical eye. Being aware is essential. If women do wish to engage in sexual acts of BDSM, they should be doing it on their own terms, not against their will, and they should practice safe sex. Being able to communicate with your partner is vital in any relationship, but even more so in those sexual in nature.
Sexual Responsibility Week on campus is Feb. 8-14 and with recent reports of sexual assualt cases on campus, it is important for both males and females to know the risks when engaging in a sexual act. Since the release of such a high profile film is coming out in the midst of a highly romanticized holiday, the idea of sexual responsibility is even more important.
