Do we protest this film as glorifying rape? Or do we instead wonder why so many women are attracted to this fantasy? I am really conflicted about this...

I wrote about it on my blog... here's the text. If you have a response, I would appreciate it on the blog: http://ventrellaquest.com/2015/02/11/a- ... s-of-grey/

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“Today there is no day or night / Today there is no dark or light / Today there is no black or white / only shades of gray…”

This new movie, based on the Twilight-fan-fiction-turned-major-bestseller-but-terribly-written book, has lots of people up in arms, but damned if it isn’t giving me conflicting emotions.

The book and film apparently glorify what would legally be considered rape, where Mr. Grey takes advantage of an innocent girl and forces her to do things against her will. Many people are upset about this book (and now a movie) which makes this desirable and appealing to women.

But it is. That’s the problem. There are many women who love this book and its sequels and are dying to see this film. Who am I to criticize them for what they find sexy and attractive?

I mean, come on, there’s plenty of pornography out there that appeals to our worst instincts — things that make me go “What the hell? Who would ever find that sexy?” but clearly someone does or they wouldn’t be making it. It’s not my job to tell people they can’t watch porno made by consenting adults doing things I would never in a million years find sexy.

…But that stuff doesn’t get financed by the major studios and shown in theaters. It doesn’t show up on the New York Times bestseller lists.

So dammit, I am confused. Someone likes this and wants to see the film and read the books. No one is forcing them to like it; they really do like it. I don’t want someone judging what I like and telling me I shouldn’t like it. Someone has this fantasy for whatever reason.

There have been plenty of right-wing groups that protest whenever a film has a gay love scene, because they disapprove of it. I certainly don’t want to be like those guys, who want to censor things that don’t match their personal views.

On the other hand, I also don’t think we should let people think this is acceptable behavior. Mr. Grey is clearly the Bad Guy here. The problem is that he isn’t being portrayed as one; instead, some women desire him. Many women, based on book sales.

Sometimes literature is about bad guys and might be told from their point of view and that doesn’t mean we are supposed to agree with them. There have been stories where people get mistreated terribly and that doesn’t mean the person telling the story thinks that is a good thing.

So I’m torn between my dislike of bad messages (and bad writing) and my desire to not censor or criticize what others might want to see.

I think the most important thing to do is to say, “This is a fantasy. In real life, this would be legally rape” — but I would never stand in the way of those who want to see it anyway.

I have not read the novel, and I have not seen the film yet, but doesn't the story turn on her entering into a type of contract with him, agreeing to be part of his bondage/discipline sexual lifestyle? I am curious how this can be interpreted as glorifying rape or abuse. Seems to me it is just consenting adults engaging in kink.

She likes to suffer. Duh.

This article in Entertainment Weekly was interesting: http://www.ew.com/microsites/longform/fiftyshades/


I'm with David. Doesn't sound like rape to me. She isn't doing this against her will. And from what I understand ultimately it's her who holds the power.

Who gives a shit. Even if it is rape, if people like it, let them enjoy their perversions. Trying to control what people think and enjoy is the worst thing mankind can do.

Imo this has to do with the hyper sensitivity over the issue then the film being controversial.

It's to do with people (usually insecure men and do-gooders) being jealous that the film and book are so popular. If a similar theme or scene was in, say, The Dark Knight, they wouldn't be claiming that it's wrong, they would be shouting liberal values from the rooftops.

Don't walk the tightrope.

It's NOT rape.

Major corporations finance all sorts of crazy things so that's not an argument.

This is much ado about nothing and it doesn't make something "unacceptable"..."acceptable". Can people not distinguish between fiction and reality anymore or do folks have to create issues all the time. It seems like any time some random whines about something on Twitter it's on CNN or other media outlets referencing JimBob1219 or some other minion.

Just enjoy the film as fantasy fiction or Don't...

Morons don't realise that the more attention or controversy they create, the more popular it will be, which will increase the likelihood of producing films surrounding more risqué and taboo subject matters.

Tons of people loved Jack in Titanic even though he forced Rose to cheat on her fiance.

etc..etc..

Most women have rape fantasies.

But the person who does the raping is usually someone they are in a relationship with or fantasize about and of course they "consent" to it somewhere along the line.

Just because they fantasize about rape does not mean they want to get raped. They aren't asking to be by just any penis. Hell, they aren't really asking at all because "consent" is given to be "raped".

Women don't fantasize about rape in it's true form. They fantasize about rough sex with a stranger.

Do you have any women friends (outside of KJ?) because...no

BK's a rapist.