Williams 1 Kristy Williams Malcolm Campbell English 1103 4 December 2013 Shades of Gray in the Feminist Movement American

society has a tendency to become obsessed with the next big thing. Franchises come in the forms of novels, films, television, and accompanying merchandise to empty our pockets and fill a void inside of our souls. There is nothing relatively new about them, nor is there any denying what makes trends so enticing; they give people a chance to embrace something that stretches beyond themselves, and fill them with the ecstasy and joy of new experiences. The current phenomenon that is sweeping the nation, and the entire western world, comes in the form of Mommy Porn. Fifty Shades of Grey by British author E.L. James was published by an independent company in Australia in 2011, and became the bestselling book in the United States in 2012; its two sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, followed in second and fourth place, only to be rivaled by the Hunger Games (USA Today). Though critics have panned the novel for its poor writing quality, their opinions seem to have had little effect on its success. Fifty Shades of Grey is currently the fastest selling book ever in both e-publications and physical copies (Williams). The plotline follows the internal monologue of a young woman, Anastasia Steele, who agrees to become involved in a bondage/disciple, dominance/submissive, sadism/masochism

Williams 2 (BDSM) relationship with a handsome and wealthy entrepreneur, Christian Grey. Though many people love the storyline and characters, the novel has come with its fair share of controversy and criticism. The main arguments against the novel focus on the fact that it is harmful to women. While some praise the success of this novel as a sexual liberation for females, many feminists feel that the novel hurts the movement towards gender equality by romanticizing patriarchy and male dominance. Though the argument over female sexuality in the feminist movement is by no means a new discussion, it is still a sensitive issue. Since the late eighteen hundreds, feminists have been dealing with this topic, but mostly as a backburner issue. Original feminism sought equality in a heterosexual relationship and is characterized by, but certainly not limited to, the push towards womens suffrage. (Hewitt 15) The second wave of feminism, also called Hegemonic feminism, began in the late 1960s alongside the civil rights and anti-war movements. Martha Rampton, a history professor of Pacific university, described it as a phase [in which] sexuality and reproductive rights were dominant issues, and much energy was focused on passing the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing social equality regardless of sex. Many also believe that there is a third wave of feminism that began in the 1990s, but this is hard to define because, if there is such a phase, then it is unfolding before our eyes. Some of the main issues in this wave include the black and minority feminist movement, as well as the female image in media. However, with the media issue, there are different ideas about how feminism should be portrayed, especially in regards to sexuality. The focus on sexuality in the feminist movement has been dubbed the sex-wars. This hostile term originated because the prominent sides in these debates are so incredibly polarized;

Williams 3 they are referred to as the procensorship and the anticensorship factions. One of the major battles of the sex wars is the debate over pornography. The procensorship argues that pornography has led to the objectification of women, and promotes a system of patriarchy. In her book, Reconcilable Differences, Lynn Chancer criticizes this movement: This side is prone to underrate both the costs of sexual repressiveness, once the state intervenes to restrict pornography, and the human risks of strict judgmentalism and unquestionable dogmatisms. She also claims that this argument ignores the sexual desires of women, suppressing them along with male sexuality in an attempt to for a utopia. The anticensorship side attempts to embrace pornography and female sexuality. It also argues for the constitutionality of pornography, and claim that censorship violates the civil liberties of citizens. Their goal is to promote sexual freedom and encourage women to admit to their desires. However, this side is also not without fault. They tend to ignore the idea that many women feel [alienated] by male dominated sex industry. Supporters of the Fifty Shades trilogy seems to fall into the anticensorship category, since the novel focuses on female sexual-exploration and it is written by a female author. Moreover, it has encouraged many women to openly discuss their sexuality, a topic that has been considered taboo in the past. However, there has been an inadvertent promotion of abusive relationships within the novel that has drawn criticism from all sides of the feminist movement. In her review for the Chicago Tribune, Jessica Reaves admits that [her] first thought, on hearing about the runaway success of Fifty Shades of Grey, the erotic e -novel by (female) British television executive E L James, was something along the lines of Woohoo! Women embracing their sexuality! Let's hear it for feminism! Though once she started reading the books, her opinion was quick to change. In her own words, there's absolutely nothing wrong

Williams 4 with Fifty Shades of Grey as a concept It's the book's execution that's problematic. Well, the execution and the characters. And the writing. And also the plot. Her criticisms are targeted at specific instances throughout the novel, such as the protagonists frequent reminders to the reader of how attractive and wealthy Christian is, and how the mental instability of Christian is romanticized. Reaves, as well as many others, see Anastasias submissive nature as damaging to the feminist cause, and her attachment to Christian as promoting tolerance towards abusive relationships. Moreover, it also promotes the idea of patriarchy, since Ana allows Christian to control every aspect of her life, including but not limited to diet, exercise, wardrobe, and friendships. In contrast, those interviewed in Richard Perrys New York Times review emphasize how much sexual liberation the novel has allowed them to have. Many women accredit the series with relighting [the] fire under a lot of marriage beds. They also say that it has encourage conversations amongst friends about sexual desires and fantasies. Even many who agree that James writing comes across as asinine agree that pornographic writing has a certain purpose. French author Catherine Millet once wrote For me, a pornographic book is functional, written to help you to get excited. And James work has certainly done just that for many women. Though it cannot be denied that many women have become sexual excited because of this novel, the way in which sexual activity is presented has driven many to say that it promotes abuse. A study done by the Journal of Womens Health analyses instances of abuse in Fifty Shades of Grey, and cites examples of emotional abuse within the first week that Anastasia and Christian meet. After Ana drives to Seattle to do an interview for her school newspaper with the infamous Mr. Grey, he somehow winds up at her place of employment by chance just a week later. This incident is a classic example of stalking, since Ana never mentioned where she

Williams 5 worked, much less the hours and days when she would be on duty. He then asks her to help him find a few items, and as she assists him the two are greeted by one of Anas male friends. During this interaction, Grey acts obviously cold and distant. Amy Bonomi, Professor and Chair of the Human Development and Family Studies Department at Michigan State University, describes this as abuse since his anger/withdrawal over Anastasia talking to a male colleague is an intimidation/threat intended to induce her withdrawal from connections with others.(736) His behavior implies that he feels possessive of Anaa classic sign of abusedespite their lack of relationship. Christian continues to exemplify signs of an abuser in the duration of the book: he isolates Anastasia from her family and friends, refers to her in the possessive form, sets strict dietary limitations, and pressures her into sexual activities that she is not completely comfortable. In order to avoid his rage, Ana constantly gives in to Christians demands. He also uses her insecurity against her. Throughout the novel, Ana constantly puts her own appearance down, and it is likely that this is as obvious to Christian as it is to the reader. He constantly gives her compliments, such as calling her beautiful, and then embarrassing her by noting things like her inexperience or nativity. This is a trademark characteristic of abusive parties, since it creates a desire of the abused to please their partner. Once in the relationship, Ana holds on to positive characteristics of Christianhis appearance, wealth, and occasionally flattering languageto stay convince that he is a good person, and his bad behavior can be remedied by her submission. Many fans are in denial that the relationship in the novel is actually abusive. When questioned about these criticisms, E.L. James dismissed these claims stating, "What people get up into the bedroom is absolutely their own choice, as long as it's safe, sane and consensual.

Williams 6 Who the hell is anyone else to judge?" However, many disagree with James assessment that the relationship in the novel abides by those rules, saying that consent is brought on by pressure. The BDSM community is one that feels largely misrepresented by the series. As psychologist and researcher at St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital, Alexis Conason, puts it, BDSM is characterized by a safe and playful arrangement between two consenting adult partners. Before entering into a BDSM relationship, partners should clearly define the boundaries of what they and their partner want and are willing to engage in. BDSM differs from abuse in that it requires consent, and that plans and arrangements are made entirely outside of a sexual situation when both parties are of sound mind. In Fifty Shades of Grey, the consent is not discussed prior to sexual activities. Instead, Christian often pressures or manipulates Ana in the heat of the moment. One way that he does this is through the use of alcohol. Prior to discussing a BDSM contract and initiating sex for the first time, he offers Ana generous amounts of wine. He does this again after her graduation party, and during a party at his parents house. According to the terms and conditions of a BDSM relationship because alcohol negates consent. Moreover, as discussed earlier, even without alcohol in place it is impossible for Ana to give proper consent under Christians emotional abuse and manipulation. He convinces her to overlook his abusive and distant behavior by telling her about his own past of being sexually abused by a one of his mothers friends; he does this to try and make Anastasia feel guilty for any negative feelings she has towards their relationship. In order to avoid his rage and fix their relationship, Ana constantly gives in to Christians demands. She does all of this for a chance at normalcy, and believes that she can eventually achieve an emotionally healthy and loving relationship if she strives to make Christian happy.

Williams 7 So while Fifty Shades of Grey has the potential ingredients of a feminist novel, it does not have the proper intention and perspective. Though it does not seem likely that James purposefully writes to suppress women, the series lacks a strong female voice; instead, the protagonist is insecure and nave, and caves into the pressure to perform to Christians sexual wants. Her own thoughts and opinions are overshadowed by her desire to please him and meet his expectations, instead of forming a trusting and mutually respecting relationship. Though it is important to point out the abusive nature of the novels primary relationship, it is not the duty of feminists to point fingers at the author. After all, E.L. James said herself that she did not find any traces of abuse, and it is not as if she went to her local bookstore and bought seventy million copies of her own book. The suppression of feminism does not lie in one person; it is a well-founded, de facto way of thinking about power in our society. Instead of calling out individuals for continuing this cycle, we should question our society in order to make a change: why so many people view an emotionally abusive relationship as something romantic and desirable? Why is Christians blatant sexism and controlling nature not a concern to so many readers? This series was by no means a beginning of the glamorization of patriarchal control and abuse, but it is also not the end. It is a stop along the way to equality whose popularity gives us an opportunity to point out the flaws in our thinking. It has opened up a portal for discussion over feminist issues, which could lead to the progress under the proper guidance. With rising erotica sales and a new sexual excitement, there is a chance for strong female characters and writers to have a voice in this movement. Though Fifty Shades does not promote feminism, it does not mean that all works must follow this same path. Instead of criticizing what it has done, we should work to mold the world friendlier, equal world.

Williams 8 Works Cited Bonomi, Amy E., Lauren E. Altenburger, and Nicole L. Walton. "Double Crap: Abuse and Harmed Identity in Fifty Shades of Grey." Women's Health Journal 22.9 (2013): 733-44. 2013. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. Brockway, Laurie Sue. "'Fifty Shades of Grey' Controversy: The Difference Between Abuse and BDSM." EverydayHealth.com. Everyday Health, 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. Chancer, Lynn S. Reconcilable Differences: Confronting Beauty, Pornography, and the Future of Feminism. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1998 1998. 24 October 2013. DeBarros, Anthony. "100 Best-selling Books of 2012, from the Top down." USA Today. Gannett, 16 Jan. 2013. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. Hewitt, Nancy A. No Permanent Waves: Recasting Histories of U.S. Feminism. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press, 2010. Internet resource. 24 October 2013. "MSNBC Interview with Amy Bonomi." Academy of Womens Health RSS. Mary Ann Liebert, Web. 04 Dec. 2013. Rampton, Martha. "The Three Waves of Feminism." Pacificu.edu. Pacific University, n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. Singh, Anita. "50 Shades of Grey Is the Best-Selling Book of All Time." Telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph, 07 Aug. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.