Vanek 1

Joseph Vanek
Professor Scott
English Comp 1113
5 March 2015
50 Shades of Okay
Sex, love and drama are three things todays society is obsessed with. These three
elements are all incorporated into the new movie Fifty Shades of Grey, a movie based on the
novel written by E.L James. The novel has gotten a lot of attention, but the movie has gone viral
with people going crazy for it, along with people who think it should be banned from showing.
Descret News National is just one news source that is saying the movie should be banned. Jenelle
Stone published an op-ed article called A call to boycott Fifty Shades of Grey. In the article,
Stone makes radical statements that have no clear connections to the film. She makes it seem that
because of movie sexual abuse will spike, and it is to blame. Although the truth is sexual assault
has happened since the beginning of time. Clearly, Stones statements are not supported by
saying Fifty Shades of Grey glamorizes sexual abuse, turning backs on victims, and making it
harder for sexual abuse victims to come forward.
Sexual abuse: a topic that is hard to talk about, and an action that should not be tolerated.
In the op-ed article Stone states, "Fifty Shades of Grey glamorizes and legitimizes violence
against women through sexual violence, abuse of power, female inequality, and coercion (Stone,
par. 9). This statement has no support; the movie portrays a consented relationship between a
man and women having sexual relations. It does not glamorize sexual abuse, because the sex is
not abuse. In the movie Mr.Grey does not do anything to Anastasia without her consent. The
form in which they are performing the intercourse is just a different way then the traditional
doggy style most people are use to. Although the sex is different, and not normal for most people
it does not make it wrong as long as both parties are on board. Stone is `saying this is sexual

Vanek 2
abuse, but really it is a unique way to have sex. Sexual abuse is not okay, but this movie should
not be labeled as promoting sexual abuse because it does not contain that content.
Saying this movie promotes sexual abuse was bad enough, but now Stone says when we
turn our backs on the victims, we turn our backs on the problem. When we romanticize sexual
violence and exploitation we increase the risk that there will be more and more circumstances of
this type of domestic violence, and that the victims of this violence will be increasingly damaged
because society has chosen to accept their personal hell as romantic and fun (Stone, par. 23).
This accusation that if we support Fifty Shades of Grey then we turn our backs on victims is
crazy. This statement is radical, most people who watch the movie can tell the difference
between reality and fiction. The problem isnt the movie; the problem is people being too
sensitive. The movie might be fiction, but is has a sense of realism, it shows the reality of some
people who enjoy kinky sex. Yes, the movie is romantic and fun because the theme for the
movie is sex, a very romantic and fun task. This film does not turn backs on victims because the
movie does not contain sexual assault. This is an example of another statement Stone makes that
has no clear connection from sexual abuse to Fifty Shades of Grey.
Fifty Shades of Grey, does not cover an abusive relationship, the female lead is not a
victim of sexual abuse and this makes it so a victim cannot connect to this movie. Stone finishes
off the article by saying It also makes it more difficult for them to come forward because
sadistic sex is being packaged as fun and edgy." (Stone, par. 24). Once again she makes this
radical statement, and ends with that. She has no proof that because of this movie people will not
come forward if they are sexually abused. Unless she is That So Raven she cannot see the future
to make this connection. If someone is not going to report sexual assault, the last reason would
be because Fifty Shades of Grey made it look fun. Sexual abuse has gone on for years, and
people do not come forward for many reasons, but because of a movie has/nor ever will be a

Vanek 3
reason. Stones statement is no supported, and it based on personal beliefs that do not represent
anyone but her selfs opinions.
Fifty Shades of Grey glamorizes sexual abuse, turns backs on victims, and makes it
harder for sexual abuse victims to come forward are Stones beliefs on Fifty Shades of Grey.
Sexual Abuse has happened since the first humans walked on earth, it is a tragic situation, but
one that is reality. The problem is Stones article is she is trying to tie the movie to a problem that
has gone on for centuries, not a problem that has arrived because of the movies premiere. Stones
main points are radical ones that have no support to back up her claims. Fifty Shades of Grey
should not be banned because people are too sensitive to watch something that is not a norm for
society.

Works Cited
Stone, Jenelle. "A Call to Boycott 'Fifty Shades of Grey'" Deseret News National. Desert Digital
Media, 11 Feb. 2015. Web. 26 Feb. 2015.