Christian Grey stole the hearts of millions of women everywhere and brought to light a new culture in sexual desire. Women swoon over the relationship between Christian and Anastasia Steele, but do they realize what kind of dangerous behavior they are promoting?
Anastasia, a timid and self-conscious girl, is introduced to the controversial world of BDSM when she meets the gorgeous billionaire Christian during an interview. She soon finds out that the role of a dominant male is not only in the bedroom. Christian forces her to sign contracts and agree to the lifestyle he has carefully planned for her. He takes ultimate control of her life.
In the recent years of modern feminism, Fifty Shades of Grey is putting our society one step back in the movement that empowers women. Feminism, which is commonly misunderstood, is the equality of men and women as well as encouraging women to stand up against social norms. The only important female character is easily influenced by the magnificent physique of a man who makes decisions for her. Christian degrades Anastasia by specifying when she works out, what she eats and the kind of birth control she must use.
Nobody, absolutely nobody except the woman herself, should determine what kind of contraceptive should be used. However, this is a whole other argument… a woman has the right to decide what happens to her body.
When signing the contract presented to Anastasia, she signs her life away to Christian. She has lost all ability to make her own decisions and to work for what she wants. Anastasia is determined to work in publishing, but Christian interferes with her dreams and offers her a job, as well as talks to a large publishing company about hiring his new obsession. He limits her from working towards her accomplishments by handing everything to her.
Carey Purcell, a critic published in The Huffington Post, also understands the anti-feminist message the novel illustrates. Purcell analyzes the trilogy and points out how weak Anastasia really is.
The young Anastasia Steele depends on Christian and makes decisions based on what will make this him happy. What about what makes her happy? It is important to put yourself first and make sure that what you are doing, whatever it might be, is comfortable and makes you happy.
It is important for young women to realize that his trilogy does not represent what a healthy relationship is. My fear is that women will fantasize about having a Christian Grey in their life and end up being controlled. Keep your standards ladies and don’t let money and abs convince you to bend those standards.