Leonardo said:
darth_ender said:
TV's Frink said:
in SilverWook said:
darth_ender said:
Why does our society glorify sex? Further, why is the abuse of women so popular that Hollywood has to release a BDSM pornographic movie and rate it only R?
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fifty_shades_of_grey/
Funny, I thought our society glorified violence, as it's gets more of a pass from the MPAA than sex usually does. Blow people away all you want, but if you show just one penis, it's NC-17 for you! ;)
I thought the fanbase for the book was mostly women? Go fig.
Exactly right on both counts.
Our society does glorify violence as well, and that bugs me too. How many people are inspired to do evil things because of movies and books? Probably more than we care to admit.
One would argue, most of those people, if not all of them, are mentally ill. I think Catcher in the Rhye and a Bazooka Joe comic would have the same effect on some of them.
It couldn't possibly be because of the influence of some trashy novel or movie, just like kids never commit suicide because Marilyn Manson screamed something about it on a CD.
I refer you to my above statement. Marilyn Manson is just an entertainer, no more of an act than Frank Sinatra. At least Manson's violence is an act, with Sinatra there are rumors of ties with people of a certain ilk. The fact that Manson's image is controversial is one thing, the fact that it "inspires" braindead people to kill, tells me there's a problem with them more than with the artist.
One could argue that anyone who murders is mentally ill.
But while I avoid overly violent movies, let's look at the difference in interpretation for a minute. Has society seen in increase in violence due to watching The Godfather or Saving Private Ryan? I would argue that perhaps not due to these movies, but due to some, there has been some increase, as such violence is seen as "cool". Nevertheless, overall most people understand that such is not acceptable.
On the other hand, let's look at promiscuity, at sexual abuse. Though society has indeed come to a greater understanding of women's rights, it appears that sexual violence is in fact on the rise. Sexual frivolity, infidelity, teen pregnancy, abortions, and the like are certainly much more prevalent than before. To what can we attribute this rise? Largely the media portrayal and acceptance of such behavior.
Now I know I am coming from a conservative viewpoint. I have been married for eight years and have had one sexual partner in all my life, starting with my wedding night and not a moment before. I am proud of such a lifestyle, but I understand that not everyone cares about such virtues. Instead, there seems to be a need to "educate" me on BDSM (as if I have a history of engaging in topics I know nothing about). But let me review why I made my first post, and we shall skip all the differing of more enlightened individuals.
First, 50 Shades of Gray is an erotic novel. To me, this is pornography. I oppose the flaunting of sex. It is called intimacy for a reason. It is to be shared between the partners and none else. I made love to my wife last night. Did I record and upload it for you all to see? No. I am keeping it personal.
Second, the novel promotes sex out of marriage. Obviously I oppose this for reasons already stated.
Third, it treats sex as a form of selfish pleasure rather than selfless giving and sharing. What did I do with my wife last night? I didn't screw her, I didn't tap that, I didn't use any other disrespectful term. I made love, because I feel that when we engaged in sexual contact, it was about loving giving rather than lustful taking.
Fourth, that novel shows BDSM, even if I did find that as a selfless form of sex (I don't), as abuse. Many who have read it (and I'm going by their opinion, as I have not) feel it shows an abusive, controlling, manipulative relationship, not a giving relationship between equal partners. So even if you argue that BDSM is a wonderful thing where the submissive is really in control (yeah, I'm sure that's how it always is), this book does not portray it that way.
And fifth, in spite of all this book has going against it, in spite of how trashy and poorly written it is, in spite of the negative psychology correlated with those who are fans of the book, it is a huge bestseller, with a movie made after it, shown just in time for Valentine's Day so that we can celebrate the day of love watching lustful, selfish indulgence and encourage more teens to get pregnant and glorify the worship of such self-serving behavior rather than the outward devotion that true love really is.
And people are buying their Fandango tickets in advance.
I don't care who the primary audience is. It's a stupid book, it's a filthy movie, and it shows the dysfunction of our society.
I'm off work tonight. I hope to make love to my wife again.