50 Shades of WTF: Are We As Women Glorifying Abuse?

Okay, so first, let me say I know I will get a lot of flack for what I am about to say. I know that the "50 Shades of Grey" series has somewhat of a cult following, and I know that it will supposedly be the cause of the next big Baby Boom. Or perhaps it will be this insane, Arctic blast that has a chokehold over a good part of the country. With the timing of both, who knows? 

First let me say, while I have read excerpts of the books, I have NOT read them in their entirety. I have not, and more than likely will not see the movie. That's right. I won't be buying into the 50 Shades hype. And for good reason. 

No, I am not on some moral high horse, protesting the strong sexual themes, either. While I try my best to keep it classy online, I am the furthest thing in the world from being a prude, and almost nothing shocks me. If you're turned on by kinky sex, that's fantastic. As long as it's between  consenting adults, and no one gets hurt, anything goes. Grab the cuffs, the riding crop, and bang away to your heart's content. I'm not going to judge. Heck, I have a toy box of my own. A big one. Creativity in the bedroom is a fantastic way to keep a relationship exciting. Exploring one's sexuality with someone who makes you feel loved and safe can be truly liberating. 

I am not here to hate on the books, or on the movie. I won't even tell you not to watch/read them. I would like to give a slightly different perspective, though. The perspective of a woman who survived nearly a decade with a twisted, sadistic, depraved man. 

The reason I am troubled by this film and series of books is because I think it sends a potentially dangerous message to women. A very dangerous one. 

Hear me out, now.....And really think about it. No, I am not about to go on some irate, feminist rant. I am going to speak from experience. From the heart. This isn't easy for me to talk about, but I feel that it's necessary, especially in a culture where the entertainment industry influences so much in our everyday lives. Don't believe me? How many times have YOU watched "The Notebook" and longed for a love like Noah and Allie's? Be honest! I know I have done this about 4,295,123 times. Much to my husband's irritation. Seriously. I, like most women, can appreciate a good love story.

When I first learned about "50 Shades of Grey", of course the emphasis was on the taboo sex. Then, I began hearing from friends all over how this is a "love story", and how Christian Grey had a bad childhood, and didn't know how to love....Somehow, after meeting and carrying on an abusive, sadistic relationship with Anastasia, he miraculously learns to love, and becomes a "nice guy." 

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