What I Would do to Fifty Shades of Grey

For me, it's a matter of self-respect to stay away from Fifty Shades of Grey. I mean, we've all heard of it; it's that kinky porno book! It's also that book that has a buzz feed article of quotations from it that made me laugh for a long time (something about smiling sphinxes and inner goddesses? Give me a break... definitely not my cup of tea). Then, the movie came out, and friends wanted to go see it with me, so I read the summary on wikipedia. Let me tell you, after that, I think there are few things that bother me more than the success of that trilogy. Why, you ask?

1. It glorifies an abusive relationship. I'm not even talking about the sex stuff in this case, but just the emotional stuff. What people do for their sex life is totally their business. However, emotional manipulation? That's a little bit more personal. Having been in an emotionally abusive relationship myself, I find it quite horrifying that this sort of thing is considered acceptable in pop culture and even glorified. It's kind of sickening. 

2. There's very little literary value to the books, from what I can tell. However, having not read the books, I have to reserve at least some judgment on that. Still, it just seems like an excuse to read about and/or watch sex. The characters seem flat, the descriptions seem flatter, and, the plot, unless it's a criticize of "romance" in this day and age, is frankly appalling. 

Those are the biggest issues I have with it, although there are more. So, in short, what would I do to Fifty Shades of Grey?

Probably banish it from existence, unless it was used to discuss what is NOT okay. However, it seems to me that it's actually glorifying things that should not be glorified, rather than criticizing them. Again, I just want to emphasize that everyone's private life is their own, and whatever they do behind closed doors is their decision. Nevertheless, I do have a problem with objectifying women, abusive relationships (particularly through emotional manipulation), and trying to portray emotionally damaged individuals as "sexy" or a desirable ideal. Honestly, we're all emotionally damaged, so I'm not saying that being emotionally damaged is a bad thing. I am saying, though, that putting something like childhood sexual abuse up on a pedestal is wrong on many levels. 

Anyway, I don't mean to offend anyone with this post, but I do want to encourage some critical thought about this book series. Before you see the movie or purchase the books, just remember what you're supporting. 

-Laura