Before we begin I would like to remind everyone of our nation’s Constitution and the First Amendment:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
To make sure we are on the same page, as a citizen of the United States of America, I am exercising my freedom of speech, as I am entitled to do so, as stated in the passage above. Therefore any statements being made in this post are my own personal opinions, which I am allowed to share on Internet forums and others are allowed the freedom to respond as well.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what is the “hot” and heated topic everyone seems to buzzing about. I wouldn’t necessarily go and say anyone is actually “talking” about it; because the definition of the word itself means, “engaging in speech; the action of talking; speech or discussion.” From what I’ve personally seen and experienced, no one is actually having a mature conversation. Everyone is taking sides and trying to prove why they’re right and anyone who refutes their statements are wrong.
What sadness me the most is, I am only eighteen years old; and I am sitting on the side watching this whole thing unravel. I am witnessing these so-called “adults talking” and I’m reading the vulgar comments made on social media.
I am absolutely appalled.
I am so ashamed.
To be entirely honest I am disgusted at how everyone has chosen to handle and address the situation.
How has respect, common sense and curtsey become so scarce in our society? These supposed adults are not only choosing to act half their age based on the results of their mannerisms alone, but also their immaturity in choosing to engage in cyber bulling is sickening and unbecoming.
So what is everyone so upset about?
And why are adults choosing to project this pettiness as an example to their children, as a “proper way” to handle disagreements?
It is no surprise that, views of the Valentines Day blockbuster 50 Shades of Gray, has sparked more controversy then nearly any other film within the past year.
But instead of individuals merely stating personal beliefs, as what is truly is, solely opinion, they are being stated as actual fact; which in and of itself is faulty on both sides.
Despite my struggle to accept every statement made in my moral philosophy course, there is one statement I agree with and think is rather suitable in this situation.
Stating an opinion as fact does not make it fact.
Simple as that.
So for example, if I say, “the sky is blue” and my friend Sally struggles with colors and says “the sky is actually purple” does it mean the sky is purple? Or am I right and is it blue? Although you and I may look out our window and see the sky as blue it does not mean that we are necessarily right and she is wrong.
Perception is reality.
Her perception of the color of the sky being purple is her reality; therefore the sky is purple… to her.
Thus making a statement such as, “50 Shades of Gray is the worst movie ever”, would in fact not be factual, it would be your opinion or your perception.
Oddly enough, individuals have an interesting way of handling ideas different then their own. If there were a child with a learning disability who made a statement like “red is the best color in the world and everything should be red”, some may say “but orange is pretty too! Don’t you think the world needs every color to be beautiful?” But if the child were to become agitated and upset they would immediately stop and agree with him, putting his feelings above their own.
In the case of 50 Shades, it never stops.
Having been raised in a Christian home, my parents have taught me to value myself, and more importantly, treasure my body and purity. Although many may argue that purity is only based on actions alone, I personally believe it is also a condition of your heart as well as your thoughts. Which is why I chose not to go see this movie.
Since I am surrounded by dozens of fellow Christian friends and adults, I have heard many negatives about this recent film. In order to get a clear view of what it is actually about I read an unbiased summary of the movie/book. I was taken by surprise when I came across this portion of the summary:
“Christian explains that he is a Dominate, and he wants Ana to be his submissive. If she agrees to this, there are rules she must follow, and she will surrender herself to him ‘in all ways’. If any rules are broken, she will be ‘punished’… relationship where he can get off by controlling her, and she will be ‘happy’ by pleasing him with her submission.”
Where do I even begin?
First of all, as I mentioned on my Facebook, if this man lived in a trailer this would be an episode of Criminal Minds.
Secondly, I don’t understand how girls crave a relationship like the one portrayed in this movie.
I have been in a relationship for a little over 3 months. Despite how many would say I am “inexperienced with how a relationship truly is”, I can say that I am so incredibly happy with how it has been so far. But I personally, I would never in a million years trade up my pajama movie nights and cold pizza, to agree to be someone’s “submissive”.
Yes, the Bible does state in Colossians 3:18, “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord,” but for starters, these characters are not married. Nor does the Bible state for women to be held and do things for their husband against their will.
In the following verse it actually says, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
What it does not say is, “make an agreement that she is supposed to be your slave and spend her whole life making sure your every need and desire is met despite any uncomfortable feelings she may be having because you are dominate and it is her responsibility and job to please you”.
My daddy has told me since a young age that, “I am a princess and I am to be treated as one”. I can proudly say that every single moment I have spent dating my boyfriend, even though we spend 99% of the time in sweatpants, I have felt like nothing less then like one. And although this is just a movie about a “girl in love” (I could go on an entire rant about how that is the polar opposite of love but that is another topic for another time) my heart breaks for girls in situations like this.
My heart breaks for the girls whose daddy’s haven’t told them, they are a princess.
My heart breaks for the girls who haven’t been treated like nothing short of royalty.
My heart breaks for the girls who so desperately crave a relationship like this.
Because in all honesty, love isn’t bondage.
As I mentioned before my parents taught me to value my purity and I believe purity goes beyond actions. With that said, despite others my age, it is my personal choice not to watch this film.
Yes, I haven’t seen it with my own eyes so as many would say “I can’t pass judgment on what I haven’t seen”, but after reading summaries and reviews I can say it is my personal choice not to waste my time, energy, or money.
I do not agree with the decisions many have made regarding stating their opinion on this movie. Instead of making comments such as “Christians are close minded” or “you’re going to hell if you watch that movie”, we should respect the decisions of others and depict the kind of behavior we would want younger children to imitate when caught in a similar situation.