The Fifty Shades of Grey movie has generated controversy since the get-go, and with its premiere one week away, some activists are organizing a boycott.
Based on what? The issue at hand is somewhat unexpected …
Given that the film was inspired by a BDSM-filled erotic novel that was conceived as Twilight fan fiction, it’s not a shock that its content is provocative.
What’s a little surprising is that one particular organization doesn’t seem to take much issue with the sexual atmosphere in the story, but something else.
A new online campaign called #50dollarsnot50shades is seeking both a boycott of Fifty Shades of Grey as well as donations to support battered women.
While the campaign and its supporters don’t necessarily seem to object to sexual content, they do claim that the film glamorizes violence against women.
The executive director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCSE), one of the campaign’s supporters, stated on the organization’s website:
“Hollywood is advertising the Fifty Shades story as an erotic love affair, but it is really about sexual abuse and violence against women.”
“As such, the #50dollarsnot50shades movement is calling for audiences to not see Fifty Shades of Grey when it debuts on Valentine’s Day weekend.”
“Instead, donate the money they would have spent on a popcorn, drinks, movie ticket and babysitter to charities that support abused women.”
The NCSE is not alone in its view of the movie. Groups promoting the campaign include London Abused Women’s Centre and Stop Porn Culture.
As of this report, neither E.L. James, the author of the original book series, Universal Studios or the main stars have responded to the controversy.
This is the latest uproar to make headlines for Fifty Shades of Grey, which received an “18” rating in the UK (basically like an NC-17 in the U.S.).
In America, Fifty Shades’ R rating hasn’t sat well with some critics who feel it doesn’t properly inform people of the graphic nature of the movie.
On an unrelated note, there is also talk that stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson hate each other and the film, so there’s always something.
At least the tampon scene was cut. Imagine the uproar if that and some of the truly graphic scenes from the book were actually shown on screen.
What do you think of the #50dollarsnot50shades campaign? Do you think its supporters have a valid claim about violence and the treatment of women?