It’s easy to pass judgment when you don’t have all the facts. (Always remember, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.) It’s even easier to condemn someone or something when you assume you have enough information on which to base your conclusions.
But since I’ve been taught “no contempt prior to investigation,” I did a little research last week that took me straight to a movie theater. Granted, I went to a Tuesday matinee so it only cost me $5—no sense investing both time and money to gather data!
No doubt you’ve already guessed what movie I saw based on the cartoon at the top. I took a critical look at 50 Shades of Grey to determine for myself what all the fuss was about. And honestly? I have no idea what the big deal is.
Yes, it’s a movie that acknowledges a variety of erotic practices involving bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, role playing, restraint, and other interpersonal dynamics. Some people find those practices sexually exciting, and others do not. “Consenting adults” can certainly decide for themselves what does and doesn’t work for them.
Personally, I found the movie a bit dull. In my humble opinion it was poorly written, poorly directed, and most definitely poorly acted. (And trying to pass off the skyline of Vancouver, BC, for the beautiful cityscapes of Seattle totally set my teeth on edge.)
As for the allegations that BDSM is just thinly-veiled abuse, well, if you’re not someone who is into these behaviors, then don’t participate in them! End of story! But if you’re curious, or if you’ve secretly enjoyed wearing fur-lined handcuffs a time or two in the past, then it’ll be our little secret. Just remember to always have an established safe word!
See how easy that was?
