darth_ender said:
darth_ender said:
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.
Cobb, I don't care about you "prowling" my thread. I've been attacked elsewhere, including politics, where I know you have at least trodden before. But perhaps you have missed such things. No matter. Look at my above quote. Perhaps I can sound holier than thou, but reread the quote, particularly the underlined part. I am sharing my personal views and why I find the book, not you, so offensive. I don't understand why you, hairy_hen, and everyone else so passionate about personal liberty (which I too value, but only along with personal responsibility) is so up in arms about. The book is offensive to me. I shared it as a random thought. You don't find it offensive and feel that near pornographic films and books should be accessible to teens. I disagree. It's my random thought. I'm sorry that you think it is so horrible of me to use my personal liberties to express my personal views in a random thoughts thread.
I rarely enter the politics thread as it never fails to give me a headache. Engaging in discussion there usually goes nowhere.
Notice that your holier than thou attitude comes through in that very quote you underlined: "but I understand if not everyone cares about such virtues." The fact that you think we are people who just "don't care" about virtues is a little condescending. We simply do not find waiting until marriage for sex a virtue. That does not make us virtueless people.
I don't care about how you feel about the book, I noted myself that it is by all means a work of utter garbage. I don't find it offensive and you do, and that's fine. That's not what I find offensive. It's just your attitude. Though perhaps your point is that it is your personal right to find my beliefs immoral? If so, fair enough. But it is unfortunate.