Submissively bearable: Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey, the book series and new movie that has everyone in a hype, is filled with abuse and a wrong portrayal of BDSM.  I would say it’s actually worse than Twilight, if it wasn’t originally a Twilight fanfiction.

The story starts when Anastasia Steele goes to interview the young entrepreneur Christian Grey. Later they realise they want each other but on his conditions. Christian is obsessed with BDSM, the abbreviation for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism. Anastasia does not like the idea, but she also doesn’t like the idea of losing Christian. She says okay, creating a safe word in case she felt too uncomfortable, which later means nothing.

In Chapter 12 in the first book, Anastasia says “No,” to Christian and kicks him, obviously showing she does not want him. He proceeds to force himself on her.

BDSM is about caring for partners and letting them have a choice in the matter, which Christian doesn’t do. In Chapter 15, when Ana has a few drinks and is clearly intoxicated, Christian starts making a move on Ana even though she has not given consent. She even says, “It scares me when you’re angry,” so she doesn’t fight back, letting Christian have his way.

BDSM is a consensual exchange of power between partners where they both feel empowered in a safe environment. It is not tying up your partner or forcing them to do it with you. That is rape.

Fifty Shades of Grey has given people the idea that it’s okay to do this to their partners and consent doesn’t matter. Yes, it’s a popular book and movie, but it’s one that can cause harm.