50 Shades of What?

There has been much talk surrounding the new release of the movie 50 Shades of Grey based on the erotic novel written by E. L. James. Just like with everything, there are some people in favor of the novel and seeing the movie and then there are those who are opposed. Personally I have not read the book and have no interest in reading it. The books I enjoy reading are more sentimental, have in depth story lines, and deep characters, all of which can be analyzed to find deeper meaning.  I would not discourage anyone to read the book or see the movie if that's what they find interesting. I am just here as an advocate, to report what some are saying about 50 Shades of Grey. 

The novel and movie are about an innocent college student Anastasia who interviews billionaire Christian Grey, a charming and attractive businessman. The two fall in-lust with each other and Anastasia discovers that Mr. Grey has a need for control. The controversy surrounding this fiction is that is uses BDSM to glorify an unstable and abusive relationship. The novel has caused so much trouble that it has been removed from book stores so it is out of the hands of minors who are susceptible to its deranged ideology.  

One overwhelming opinion is that 50 Shades of Grey uses BDSM as a cover up for an unstable and abusive man to get what he wants despite his partner's wishes, and calls it romance. Dominant sexual behavior when agreed upon by two consenting individuals is not the problem. The problem is that Christian Grey does not care for his partner's consent, but only for his own pleasure. It romanticizes a vulnerable girl being taken advantage of by a rich, charming man. Yes it is fiction, but the social learning theory tells us again and again that what we watch in the movie theater and on TV seeps into our brain and affects the way that we think and what we consider acceptable behavior. Men will think that if they are rich and handsome they can disregard the wishes of their partner and do what makes them happy, and women will think that if they submit to what the man wants they *might* be "lucky" enough to gain his affection. Many people think that a man getting what he wants despite the woman's feelings is normal. This is not love. This is not romance. 

Everyone has their own opinions but if you could take anything away from this, do not think that 50 Shades of Grey is an appropriate model for your love life.