When author E.L. James’ now iconic book series Fifty Shades became popular, people lost their minds. Some applauded her use of sexuality within an emotional relationship, while others were appalled. As one of the most popular book series featuring a BDSM relationship to make it into mainstream society, James became a topic of conversation in book clubs, social media, and even on the news. The series, which consists of three continuing novels, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed, was something many people had never considered prior to the eruption of its popularity.
Fifty Shades tells the story of Anastasia Steele who meets Christian Grey when she is forced to interview him for her university’s newspaper on behalf of her sick roommate. Ana learns about a world unlike the one she has lived within when she discovers that Christian is a dominant. She eventually becomes his submissive, leading them down a path of sexual awakening, attempted murder, and a possible happily-ever-after. James has since continued the series, rewriting the three main books from Christian’s point of view.
When the book series was picked up to be made into films, chaos erupted once again. So much so that a religious organization, The American Family Association, asked theaters to reject the first film upon its release. And at least seven countries banned the film completely. Despite this controversy, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed have now all been made into films, but what is the point? Is it really only a story of sexual exploits like many people seem to believe? Read on to find out what the series can actually teach us all about life, love, and staying true to oneself.
Explores Complex Characters and Relationships
Fifty Shades of Grey 2015Universal Pictures
The main characters of Fifty Shades, Anastasia and Christian, go through a significant amount of character development over the course of the three entries that make up their main story. Christian is a very complex character with a lot of obvious troubles, which mar his past. Throughout the story, he softens his dominant personality as he begins to learn what love truly is.
On the other hand, when we first meet Ana, she is a more hesitant and inexperienced woman just finding her place in life. Over the course of the series, she comes into her own, embracing her desires and boundaries. Their evolution as characters is what intrigues readers and viewers alike into wanting to see where their story goes. The complexity and differing natures of the two grow and develop together as they become a couple, leading to a story that if presented without the sexual aspects would be more like a fairy tale, redefining a loving relationship and what it can really look like.
Discusses the Boundaries of Consent
Fifty Shades DarkerUniversal Pictures
While many critics and members of the public have argued that Fifty Shades casts abusive relationships and harmful stereotypes in a romantic light, this could not be farther from the truth. The series showcases that a relationship, such as those practiced within a BDSM lifestyle, are all about boundaries, rules, and consent. One scene in particular in the films shows Christian using his dominance of Ana and their relationship as revenge for her not doing what he believed was right, essentially punishing her with sexual contact. They eventually work things out and come to realize that he was in the wrong, but so was she for doing something he greatly wished she would not. Had they just had a discussion about it and established their views, none of it would have happened the way it did.
This give-and-take is a part of all healthy relationships, but in those like the one presented within this series, establishing boundaries and consent are even more important. Fifty Shades becoming a mainstream part of society has allowed healthy, active adults to discuss the terms of consent and the parameters of what we as people are willing and not willing to do within our relations with others. While many may disagree, Fifty Shades allows for an open discussion between partners in a romantic relationship and communication is something everyone should strive for.
Has Become a Pop Culture Phenomenon
Fifty Shades of Grey Clip: Welcome to the Playroom
Despite all the craziness surrounding Fifty Shades, the films have become a pop culture phenomenon. As one of the first movies to portray this type of relationship on-screen, it garnered a lot of heat from fans and critics alike. That
