Nineteen Shades Of Grey Sexual Abuse And Abasement Essay

According to sexology, sex is a foundational part of what it means to be human; it is as much a basic need as eating or sleeping (Connell 9/13). Because sex is highly prioritized in the human mind, creators of media often utilize sex to captivate audiences and advance their own agendas—after all, it has been proven sex sells. A notable example of a sex entertainment phenomenon is the novel-turned-film Fifty Shades of Grey. Despite its global success, the movie was largely criticized by sex scholars who expressed concern with the film’s glorification of abusive sexual relationships, exemplified by the two main characters. By examining Fifty Shades of Grey through the lens of a feminist sex theory, one can better understand the unhealthy ways in which the narrative surpasses the sexual eroticism and experimentation of BDSM, and creates a world in which sexual abuse and abasement is romanticized. Fifty Shades of Grey depicts the relationship between college-student Anastasia Steele and billionaire businessman Christian Grey. The two meet when Anastasia assists her sick roommate by driving to Seattle to interview Christian for their college newspaper. After their first interaction, it is apparent Anastasia and Christian feel drawn to one another. Christian pursues Anastasia and their whirlwind relationship begins. She becomes immersed in his world, entirely unprepared for the discoveries she ultimately makes about Christian. Not only is he exceptionally wealthy, but he also uses