One Millennial’s Perspective on ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’
During the time when we typically focus on true love and relationships, this year Hollywood has given us another look at love that is anything but true.
I believe the success of Fifty Shades of Grey sends the message that the obsessive and abusive nature of lead character, Christian Grey, is not only acceptable, but even desired among women. But personally, I find those two characteristics at the top of the “opposite of a real man” list.
The success of this story makes an alarming statement to a generation of young men. It tells them we’ll sell out theaters and storm bookstores to read or watch this kind of “love story.” It may seem safe on a page or a screen, but it is anything but safe. And if men are waiting to take their cues from women as to what they desire in a relationship, then what have we just communicated?
Young people today are growing up in a world without boundaries.
Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does. There are statements made in music, movies, television and even books today that I would have never dreamed of as a kid. What the older generations used to have to sneak around and search for, is now handed to my generation even before we think to ask for it.
What one generation tolerates, the next will embrace. Make no mistake. This is darkness. This is pornography. We’ve got to start thinking about the bigger picture when it comes to what we are willing to tolerate. If it truly is about supply and demand, then it should make us look at what we as Christians are “demanding.”
Personally, I don’t ever want to be part of something that sends the kind of message that Fifty Shades of Grey does. Do you?
Lindsay Ann Woods is a pastor’s kid and junior at Oral Roberts University studying communications. She’s passionate about reaching the youth of her generation with the message of grace and hope found in Christ.
