“Double Crap!” Abuse and Harmed Identity inFifty Shades of Grey

Abstract

Our analysis identified patterns in Fifty Shades that reflect pervasive intimate partner violence-one of the biggest problems of our time. Further, our analysis adds to a growing body of literature noting dangerous violence standards being perpetuated in popular culture.

The consumption of patriarchy: commodification to facilitation and reification

“…Analyses of films, television shows, video games, music, books and magazines reveal patterns of media portrayals of patriarchal displays of rape (Bufkin & Eschholz, 2000;Kettrey, 2013), the reinforcement and normalization of dating violence (Collins & Carmody, 2011;Nayar, 2010;Silver, 2010;Wilson, 2011), the romanticizing of intimate partner violence (Bonomi, Altenburger, & Walton, 2013;DeKeseredy, Muzzatti, & Donnermeyer, 2014), the dependence of women, specifically white women's purity, on men for protection from harm (Kelly, 2012), and the expendability of women as commodities as portrayed through the violence that is done to their bodies -i.e. pornography (Bergen & Bogle, 2000;Hald et al, 2010;Jarvis, 2007;Jones, 2013;Simmons et al, 2008;Tempest,1990).…”

Fiction or Not?Fifty Shadesis Associated with Health Risks in Adolescent and Young Adult Females

“…Fifty Shades-one of the world's fastest selling fiction series comprising Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed 12-14 depicts problematic violence against women 15,16 cloaked within the romantic and erotic bondage-discipline-sadism-masochism [17][18][19] relationship involving Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. In a comprehensive analysis using the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definitions of intimate partner violence 20 and Smith's battering framework, [21][22][23] Bonomi and colleagues demonstrated that problematic abuse exists in nearly every interaction between Christian and Anastasia.…”

“…In a comprehensive analysis using the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definitions of intimate partner violence 20 and Smith's battering framework, [21][22][23] Bonomi and colleagues demonstrated that problematic abuse exists in nearly every interaction between Christian and Anastasia. 15 Namely, Christian employs strategies typical of abusers, including stalking (he deliberately follows Anastasia and uses a phone and computer to track her whereabouts), intimidation (he threatens her with punishment and violence, including pressuring her into activities she is uncomfortable with), social isolation (he isolates Anastasia from friends and family), and sexual violence (he uses alcohol to impair Anastasia's consent and intimidates/pressures her into uncomfortable sexual activities).…”

“…15 Other popular fiction series, such as the Twilight 24-26 series, also normalize abuse within the context of romantic relationships, including stalking, physical and sexual assault, emotional manipulation, threats, and intimidation. 27,28 For example, within the Twilight 24-26 series, which achieved enormous popularity among teenage girls, Edward, a ''breathtakingly handsome vampire,'' is depicted as ''an obsessed stalker with no interest or friends other than his family and Bella,'' the female protagonist and his romantic focus.…”

“…While we are not advocating to ban Fifty Shades, we previously raised questions about the potential for the violence in Fifty Shades to normalize violence women are experiencing in their own relationships. 15 Fiction or not, millions of women are consuming messages in Fifty Shades that normalize and glamorize violence against women, under the guise of romance and eroticism. A pressing question remains: What is the empirical correlation, if any, between health risks and reading popular fiction depicting violence against women?…”