Throughout human history, sexual fetishism has been practiced on a scale ranging from entire civilizations to individuals. Some find themselves used as punchlines to 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 around the world . In EL James' Fifty Shades of Grey, an intense and extensive bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM) fetish is presented as an integral aspect of the love lives of Christian Gray and Anastasia (Ana) Steele. The immense popularity of the books and the successful box office adaptation have catapulted this lifestyle into the public eye, bringing with it a strong debate: does the series empower women or simply glorify an abusive relationship? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The controversial content of Fifty Shades of Gray relies heavily on the ongoing depiction of a BDSM and potentially abusive relationship throughout the novel; however, by definition, the actions contained in the pages of this book are not abusive. Michelle Dempsey clearly defines an abusive relationship as one in which one member has total power over the other member, and goes on to define power as “the ability to exert control over another person” (Dempsey, 16). In the case of Fifty Shades of Grey, Christian is never given absolute control over Ana, as she knowingly participates in Christian's sexual endeavors. Ana retained the ability to control the activities featured in the novel, which, by Dempsey's definition, belies any idea 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 argue about what activities Ana would feel comfortable doing, even going so far as to set up a fake business meeting to discuss the contract (EL James). Before many of the couple's sexual encounters occur, Ana takes the contract as an opportunity to explicitly decide what will happen in the bedroom. Ana's negotiations over the terms of the contract provide further evidence that the control Christian exerts over Ana during sex is merely an act, in an attempt to successfully satisfy Christian's BDSM fetish. Ana's ability to make decisions and Christian's adherence to those decisions ensure that the relationship is, in fact, not abusive. Furthermore, as found in many BDSM relationships, the sexual actions practiced in the novel lead to Ana's sexual empowerment. Ana's power within the relationship is often overlooked, but she actually possesses more power than Christian on several occasions. This idea is also supported in Michelle Dempsey's diary, as she states that “power is never the property of an individual; belongs to a group” and “when we say of someone that he is 'in power,' we are really referring to his being held in power by a certain number of people” (Dempsey, 16). Based on this concept, Ana has more power than Christian over what happens in the relationship. Since Christian adheres to the contract and never tries to force Ana to act, Ana retains the final say on what sexual events happen in the relationship. Christian's power is only given to him in a sexual context. Only if Ana agrees to act as a submissive, Christian can act out his domination fantasy. While many critics of the series are quick to consider the novel as a tale of violence against awoman, a closer look may reveal that the BDSM depicted in this novel actually empowers Ana and does not involve her being sexually abused. Many believe that Fifty Shades of Gray can have a negative impact on young women by promoting potentially harmful practices, but with both aspects of abuse being disproved in the book, it is difficult to argue that the story promotes domestic violence and the degradation of women. Furthermore, when evaluating the extent to which Fifty Shades of Gray can promote women's empowerment, it is crucial to consider the social context in which the franchise has become 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 holds a powerful message of individualism. The book series and film are primarily aimed at women, and much of this audience seems to be attracted to a strong female protagonist. The franchise has almost a cult following in this sense. 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. While her love interest is always a domineering presence during sex, it's important to note that Ana has consented to everything that is done. A conscious and consensual sexual relationship, however unorthodox, is difficult to classify as violent; in Fifty Shades of Grey, this is the case between Ana and Christian. A stigma of a sex abuser, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, is: “Forcing or manipulating [the victim] to have sex or perform sexual acts.” (“Abuse defined”) 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 confuse the line; the entire purpose of the aforementioned contract is to relieve Christian from responsibility for any behavior that could 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 also acknowledges that the following sexual acts are not forced on her. The power that Ana is able to exert in her relationship contributes to a storyline that appeals to women, as men are conventionally depicted as the gender with complete sexual control. Ana celebrates her sexuality in new ways, a rare theme for women in popular culture. Too often, a woman expressing her sexuality ends up in 'slut-shaming', which Soraya Chemaly, a writer for the Huffington Post, defined as follows: Embarrassing, insulting, or otherwise denigrating a girl or woman for her actual or extrapolated sexual behavior, including dressing in a sexual manner, experiencing sexual feelings, and/or exploring and exhibiting them. (Chemaly) In contrast, a man who explores or exhibits his sexual feelings is not given the same labels that a woman might. Fifty Shades of Gray introduces a female protagonist who is presented in a positive light due to the sexual experiences she decides to embrace. While it lacks the offensive qualities displayed by Christian Grey, it is undeniable that the franchise as a whole has a polarizing effect when it comes to consumer opinions. Viewers tend to have strong feelings about Fifty Shades of Grey, whether or not they believe there are elements of domestic abuse. It is interesting to consider, however, that sexual and domestic abuse may notbe the most compelling reason why people don't like the franchise; although this has been the most recognized topic of debate, domestic abuse is depicted in a variety of novels and films aimed at young adults. Perhaps the extent of the controversy has more to do with underlying feelings of unease in society about the bold expression of female sexuality than with the fictional display of what might be perceived as domestic abuse. While domestic abuse can be depicted in a variety of media today, the Fifties Shades of Gray series took it to a whole new level in a way that glorifies an abusive environment and unhealthy relationship. Amid the growing popularity of the series, it is important to take a deeper look at the abusive essence of the novel and the disturbing cultural implications it has. The explicit sex scenes of this mainstream erotic genre are entertaining, the absurdity is fun, and the popularity is undeniable. However, in reality, the series is a wacky Hollywood glorification of an abusive and unhealthy relationship. As Roxane Gay explains perfectly in her critical essay, "the trilogy represents the darkest kind of fairy tale, one in which controlling, obsessive, and borderline abusive tendencies are made to seem intensely desirable by offering the reader large spoonfuls full of sweet sexual sugar." to get the medicine down” (Gay). In the book, Christian's pattern of abuse cannot be ignored simply because the book is funny and the sex is hot. Christian shows extreme dominance over Ana both inside and outside the bedroom. Christian's need for control translates into possessiveness over all aspects of Ana's life, from her behavior and who she allows into her life to her eating and drinking habits. Christian runs a background check on Ana before they start dating and makes a strict non-disclosure agreement. He goes so far as to track his movements through his cell. “'Alaska is very cold and there is nowhere to run. I would find you. I can track your cell phone, remember?'” (EL James). Christian's disturbing words remind Ana who is in control, another way to trap her. When practiced consensually with the use of safe words, BDSM can be a healthy expression of sexuality. The book Fifty Shades of Grey, however, does not 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 shoo him away. It stops. «If you fight, I will bind your feet too. If you make any noise, Anastasia, I'll gag you'” (EL James). The aggression in Grey's voice and actions is incredibly brutal. By depicting and glorifying these violent scenes, Fifty Shades of Gray sexualizes the abuse. While many may read this book as pure entertainment, the social repercussions it has cannot be ignored. Readers are supposed to believe that Christian's possessiveness towards Ana is okay 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 violent beatings may be fiction, but domestic and sexual abuse are a reality for many women. According to the American Family Association (Jones), Christian's actions in the novel meet the Centers for Disease Control's standards for emotional abuse and sexual assault. What does it say about our society if our mainstream culture idolizes this relationship and mocks the harsh reality of abuse of real women? Clearly, Fifty Shades of Gray has undeniables.