Throughout human history, sexual fetishism has been practiced on a scale ranging from entire civilizations to isolated individuals. Some are used as punch lines in oft-told jokes, while others are too taboo to mention in polite company – whatever their nature, there is no doubt that sexual fetishism remains prevalent in the private lives of people. people from all over the world. In Fifty Shades of Gray by EL James, an intense and extensive bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM) fetish is an integral part of the love lives of Christian Gray and Anastasia (Ana) Steele. The immense popularity of the books and the box office hit adaptation catapulted this lifestyle into the public eye, leading to heated debate: is the series empowering women or just glorifying a relationship abusive? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The controversial content of Fifty Shades of Gray leans heavily on the continued depiction of a BDSM and potentially abusive relationship throughout length of the novel; however, by definition, the actions contained within the pages of this book are not abusive. Michelle Dempsey clearly defines an abusive relationship as one in which one member exercises complete power over the other member, and she goes on to define power as "the ability to exercise control over another person" (Dempsey, 16 ). In the case of Fifty Shades of Grey, Christian never has absolute control over Ana, as she willingly participates in Christian's sexual endeavors. Ana retained the ability to control the activities presented in the novel, which, by Dempsey's definition, disproves any notion of a relationship containing domestic violence. Another crucial aspect of Ana and Christian's relationship is the contract in which several sexual activities are listed. Throughout the book, Ana and Christian constantly debate what activities Ana would be comfortable performing, even going so far as to set up a mock business meeting to discuss the contract (EL James). Before much of the couple's sex takes place, Ana uses the contract as an opportunity to explicitly decide what will happen in the bedroom. Ana's negotiations over contract terms provide further evidence that Christian's control over Ana during sex is merely an act, with the goal of successfully satisfying Christian's BDSM fetish. Ana's ability to make decisions and Christian's adherence to those decisions ensures that the relationship is in fact not abusive. Additionally, as in many BDSM relationships, the sexual actions performed in the novel lead to Ana's sexual empowerment. Ana's power in the relationship is often overlooked, but in reality she possesses more power than Christian on many occasions. This idea is also supported in the journal of Michelle Dempsey, who mentions that “power is never the property of an individual; he belongs to a group” and “when we say of someone that he is ‘in power,’ we are really referring to the fact that he is empowered by a number of people” (Dempsey, 16). Based on this concept, Ana is more in power than Christian in what happens in the relationship. Since Christian adheres to the contract and never attempts to force Ana to participate in activities, Ana has the final say on sexual events that occur in the relationship. Christian's power is only given to him in a sexual context. Only if Ana agrees to act as a submissive is Christian allowedto realize his fantasy of domination. While many critics of the series are quick to dismiss the novel as featuring violence against a woman, a closer look may reveal that the BDSM depicted in this novel actually empowers Ana and does not show her being sexually abused. Many believe that Fifty Shades of Gray may have a negative impact on young women by promoting potentially harmful practices, but with both aspects of abuse in the book disproven, it is difficult to argue that the story promotes domestic violence. and the degradation of women. Additionally, when assessing the extent to which Fifty Shades of Gray can promote female empowerment, it is crucial to consider the societal context in which the franchise became so popular. In a society where women are often objectified and sexually oppressed, the story of a woman who controls and creates her own sexual identity contains a powerful message of individualism. The book series and film are aimed primarily at women, and a large portion of that audience seems to be attracted to a strong female protagonist. The franchise almost has a cult following in this regard. In Fifty Shades of Grey, Ana is portrayed as an intelligent woman exploring her sexuality; she begins the series as a virgin and willingly becomes involved in a consensual but unconventional romance. Although her love interest is always a dominating presence during sex, it is important to note that Ana has consented to everything that is done. A conscious, consensual sexual relationship, no matter how unorthodox, is difficult to classify as abusive; in Fifty Shades of Grey, this is the case between Ana and Christian. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, one of the hallmarks of a sexual abuser is: “Forcing or manipulating [the victim] to have sex or perform sexual acts.” ("Definite Abuse") With this definition in mind, examining the character's interactions provides valuable insight into the level of control Ana actually possesses. Christian is careful not to cross or blur boundaries; the very purpose of the aforementioned contract is to release Christian from responsibility for any behavior that could possibly have been deemed abusive on the part of his sexual partner. When Ana agrees to sign such a contract, she not only accepts Christian's terms and negotiates her own, but she also acknowledges that subsequent sexual acts are not forced on her. The power Ana is able to wield in her relationship contributes to a storyline that appeals to women, as men are traditionally portrayed as the gender with complete sexual control. Ana celebrates her sexuality in a new way, which is a rare theme for women in popular culture. Too often, a woman expressing her sexuality ends in “slut-shaming,” which Soraya Chemaly, a writer for the Huffington Post, defined as: Embarrassing, insulting, or otherwise denigrating a girl or woman because of her actual or extrapolated sexual behavior, including dressing in a sexual manner, experiencing sexual feelings and/or exploring and exhibiting them. (Chimaly) On the other hand, a man who explores or exposes his sexual feelings does not receive the same labels as a woman. Fifty Shades of Gray features a female protagonist who is presented in a positive light for the sexual experiences she decides to embrace. Although Christian Gray lacks any abusive qualities, there is no denying that the franchise as a whole has a polarizing effect when it comes to consumer opinions. Viewers tend to be very attached to Fifty Shades of Gray, whether theywhether or not they believe there are elements of domestic violence. It is interesting to consider, however, that sexual and domestic violence may not be the most compelling reason why people dislike the right to vote; Although it has been the most recognized topic of debate, domestic violence is depicted in a variety of novels and films aimed at young adults. The scale of the controversy may have more to do with society's underlying uncomfortable feelings about the bold expression of female sexuality than with the fictional presentation of what could be perceived as domestic violence . Although domestic violence can be depicted in various media today, the Fifty Shades of Gray series took it to a whole new level in a way that glorifies a violent and unhealthy relationship. Amid the series' growing popularity, it's important to take a closer look at the novel's abusive essence and the disturbing cultural implications it has. The graphic sex scenes in this mainstream erotica are entertaining, the absurdity is fun, and the popularity is undeniable. But in reality, the series is an extravagant Hollywood glorification of an abusive and unhealthy relationship. As Roxane Gay perfectly puts it in her critical essay, "the trilogy represents the darkest type of fairy tale, one in which controlling, obsessive, and borderline abusive tendencies are made intensely desirable by offering the reader big dollops of sweet, sweet sex sugar. to lower the medication” (Gay). In the book, Christian's repeated abuse cannot be brushed aside just because the book is entertaining and the sex is hot. Christian displays extreme dominance over Ana both inside and outside of the bedroom. Christian's need for control results in possessiveness over every aspect of Ana's life, from her behavior and the people she can allow into her life to her eating and drinking habits. Christian conducts a background check on Ana before they start dating and draws up a strict contract with a non-disclosure agreement. He goes so far as to follow his movements in his cell. “Alaska is very cold and there is no place to escape. I'll find you. I can track your cell phone, remember? » (EL James). Christian's strange words remind Ana who's in control, another way to lock her away. When practiced consensually with the use of safe words, BDSM can be a healthy expression of sexuality. The book Fifty Shades of Gray does not, however, describe a healthy practice of BDSM. Christian Gray ignores Ana's safety words, taking BDSM to a level of non-consensual violence. “No,” I protest, trying to send him away. He stops. “If you struggle, I’ll tie your feet too.” If you make any noise, Anastasia, I will gag you” (EL James). The aggression in Grey's voice and actions is incredibly brutal. By depicting and glorifying these scenes of violence, Fifty Shades of Gray sexualizes the abuse. Although many may read this book as simple entertainment, the social repercussions it has cannot be ignored. Readers are meant to believe that Christian's possessiveness toward Ana is acceptable because he has a troubled past and because he loves her. These reasons do not make his actions permissible, and this degrading relationship should not be an example to women nationwide. Ana's brutal beatings may be fiction, but domestic and sexual violence are a reality for many women. Christian's actions in the novel respond to..