Originally a “Twilight” fan fiction dubbed “Master of the Universe,” the “Fifty Shades”
series is three books written by E.L. James that have ended up on best-seller lists around
the world and, together, sold more than 100 million copies. What is it all about?
Sex.
The story follows college graduate Anastasia Steele, who becomes involved with a
businessman named Christian Grey. The series follows their relationship, primarily
through sexual acts of bondage, discipline, dominance, submission and sadomasochism,
commonly referred to as BDSM.
On February 13, 2015, the first book is producing a movie, titled “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
However, with the territory of popularity comes controversy and, in this case, lots of it.
There are multiple sides to the controversy, but it all revolves around the sexual acts that
are depicted in the book. People who partake in BDSM say the books depict a
relationship surrounded around domestic abuse, rather than a healthy relationship.
Since the books depict the relationship so violently, it makes untrue stereotypes about
BDSM seem like a reality and has feminists upset that it makes it look normal and
healthy. Many feminist and domestic abuse groups are in protest over the film.
It even stretches to other forms of entertainment, like video games. Recently in Australia,
Target stores removed “Grand Theft Auto V” from their shelves due to complaints of the
graphic content in it. The gaming community fired back saying they should remove the
“Fifty Shades” series from their shelves, as well, arguing that you need an ID or
consenting adult to buy the game; however, anyone can purchase a book, or even a
movie, without the need for an ID.
Now that it is being made into a worldwide feature film, people are concerned about
younger audiences seeing the movie. The movie, like the book, is heavily centered on
sex. About one-fifth of the movie is sex scenes, which is leading to a lot of people
complaining that Hollywood is essentially producing porn.
The UK recently put a rating of 18+ on the movie, also saying that there is no way to see
the film without being that age or above. As a result, adults can neither accompany nor
authorize a minor to view the movie.
Despite all this, the almost NC-17 movie, but hard R rating, is slated to make upwards of
$60 million during its opening weekend and only increase as Valentine’s Day
approaches.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” is set be released in theaters February 13, 2015.
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