PSYC FPX 2800 Assessment 4 Sexual Behaviors

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Capella University

PSYC FPX 2800 Introduction to Human Sexuality

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Date

Abstract

This paper examines the sexual behavior of the characters in the Fifty Shades trilogy. Anastasia Steele (Ana), a literature college senior and virgin, meets Christian Grey (Christian), a young and successful businessman. They are mutually attracted to each other. After several encounters, Christian discloses to Ana that his sexual relationships exclusively involve bondage, as outlined in a contract he asks her to sign. Christian introduces Ana to a room in his house dedicated to bondage, filled with various BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, and Masochism) toys, furniture, and gear. This paper aims to identify and describe the sexual behavior of Christian and Ana and analyze whether bondage is considered acceptable or deviant behavior. Additionally, the impact of this type of sexual behavior on society and perceptions influenced by media portrayal will be explored.

Sexual Behavior

Sexual behavior refers to an individual’s sexual practices or the type of sexual conduct they choose to engage in (TheFreeDictionary.com, 2019). Sexual behavior can be categorized as normal or abnormal, with the latter often labeled as deviant. Psychologist Arnold Buss, in his text Psychopathology (1996), identifies three criteria for abnormal sexual behavior: inefficiency, bizarreness, and discomfort (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). In the Fifty Shades trilogy, Christian’s BDSM sexual behavior can be considered abnormal or deviant by Ana, particularly when he introduces her to his practices (James, 2012). This deviant sexuality is revealed in the first book when Christian shows Ana his playroom, filled with toys, gear, and bondage equipment. Ana’s shock and awe upon seeing the room support Buss’s theory, which associates abnormality with bizarreness and discomfort, as reflected in Ana’s reaction (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). Furthermore, Christian’s request for Ana to sign a contract detailing their sexual relations, including a non-disclosure clause, suggests that he is aware of the abnormality of his sexual behavior (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019).

Applying Buss’s three criteria to the sexual behavior in Christian Grey and Ana Steele’s relationship shows that bizarreness is subjective. In Fifty Shades Darker, Christian reveals that he was introduced to this sexual behavior at a young age by his mother’s friend (James, 2012). Therefore, for Christian, this behavior is not bizarre but rather something he is accustomed to and has practiced. However, for Ana, who was a virgin and had never been exposed to such practices, it is considered bizarre. The criterion of inefficiency is evident at the end of the first novel when Ana experiences sadism and masochism (SM) behavior, particularly flogging, and subsequently ends the relationship with Christian, perceiving it as abnormal. This inefficiency is seen in Christian’s inability to maintain a relationship with Ana due to his chosen sexual behavior. Discomfort is also apparent when Christian introduces Ana to the playroom (James, 2012).

Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism

BDSM is often considered perverted and dehumanizing by the general public (Castleman, 2012). Those who practice BDSM engage in it as an exchange of power and sexual sensations (Castleman, 2012). The use of ropes and cuffs provides the dominant partner with visual enjoyment, while the submissive partner must place a measure of trust in the dominant (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). Physical actions such as flogging or spanking intensify the experience for both participants (Castleman, 2012). To ensure that activities do not go too far, a code word is included in the contract between the parties, allowing the dominant to stop if the activities become overly intense or uncomfortable (James, 2012).

In Fifty Shades of Grey, Christian derives great pleasure from placing Ana in bondage, exerting power and dominance over her. When Ana signs the contract, she requests to experience the extreme aspects of BDSM, and Christian complies. However, as Ana is still getting to know Christian and is not fully committed to him, she does not place complete trust in him. After experiencing the intensity of BDSM and feeling dehumanized, Ana ends the relationship, as noted at the end of Fifty Shades of Grey (James, 2012).

Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism and the Media

BDSM has been a significant part of erotic fiction and art for centuries. Contemporary mainstream films, such as the Fifty Shades trilogy and adult films, have showcased this type of sexual behavior (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). The media has often portrayed BDSM and the trilogy negatively, suggesting that it represents sexual actions unacceptable in normal society. Many fear that the release of the Fifty Shades trilogy will encourage the abuse of women (Westen & Hawkins, 2015). Domestic violence groups, women’s rights advocates, and religious leaders have called for a boycott of the book and movie, arguing that it glamorizes abuse and stalking (Westen & Hawkins, 2015).

Due to media exposure, BDSM has been ridiculed and misunderstood, with information often distorted through this channel of communication (Ibrahim, 2014). If someone were to base their understanding of BDSM solely on what is portrayed in the media through the Fifty Shades trilogy, they might perceive it as an unhealthy sexual practice rooted in abuse, sexual assault, and non-consensual sex. However, true practitioners of BDSM understand it as a consensual and rule-bound activity shared between individuals who trust each other (Ibrahim, 2014).

Impact on Society Based on Media Portrayal of BDSM

The publication and public availability of the Fifty Shades trilogy sparked curiosity about BDSM. Women attended the movies in groups, intrigued by the unconventional portrayal of sexual relations in the media. As curiosity grew, people sought information, often relying on media sources, which may not always be accurate (Ibrahim, 2014). Inaccurate media portrayals can lead to shame, isolation, or incorrect BDSM practices, which may have devastating consequences (Taylor & Francis, 2012). While the media has heightened awareness of this sexual activity, it has also facilitated connections among like-minded individuals through BDSM groups (Ibrahim, 2014). These groups grew as more people sought to learn about BDSM, but once the media-fueled curiosity waned, the groups began to shrink (Ibrahim, 2014).

Media coverage of the Fifty Shades trilogy brought widespread attention to BDSM behavior, with some viewing it as glorifying sexual abuse against women (Westen & Hawkins, 2015). Media portrayal of BDSM, particularly as shown in the Fifty Shades trilogy, has linked it negatively with physical abuse (Hatten, 2017). Although BDSM is widely practiced and not illegal, it is still referred to as deviant (Holt, 2016). It is seen negatively, as it can result in harm and is perceived as an abuse of power due to the dominance aspect (Holt, 2016). Despite the media’s depiction of BDSM as deviant, it captured the interest of many, with women fantasizing about being swept off their feet by their “knight in shining armor,” much like Ana felt about Christian (Khoshaba, 2015).

Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism and the Media – Abnormal and Deviant

BDSM practices are not widely accepted by society, and those who engage in them may be judged negatively and labeled as performing deviant acts (Holt, 2016). The attention drawn to the Fifty Shades trilogy piqued curiosity about BDSM, an activity fantasized about by many women (Khoshaba, 2015). However, without accurate information and relying solely on media portrayals, BDSM can become risky and harmful for those not fully aware of its rules (Taylor & Francis, 2012). It is essential to provide accurate information to allow individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual behavior. The Fifty Shades trilogy was portrayed negatively in the media, leading to the shaming of those interested in BDSM and labeling them as deviant. Limited education is available about BDSM, and those attracted to it are often labeled as deviant (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019).

Any behavior that is not widely practiced, causes discomfort, or is inefficient is often considered abnormal (Hyde & DeLamater, 2019). However, as society becomes more exposed to new things and accurate information becomes available, the media’s portrayal of BDSM may change. The confusion and misrepresentation of BDSM as shown in the Fifty Shades trilogy may diminish as people seek accurate information. With more public awareness and open communication about sexuality, BDSM may no longer be labeled as abnormal or deviant.

Conclusion

Individuals engage in various sexual activities beyond what is considered traditional. Some of these activities are labeled as abnormal because they deviate from societal norms. The media plays a significant role in shaping society’s views on non-traditional sexual activities. However, there is little control over the information disseminated through the media. Individuals interested in non-traditional sexual activities should seek reliable resources beyond the media to gain accurate information and fully benefit from their desires.

References

Castleman, M. (2012). A loving introduction to BDSM. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-sex/201206/loving-introductionbdsm

Hatten, Q. (2017). Fifty shades of psychology. Study Breaks. Retrieved from: https://studybreaks.com/tvfilm/fifty-shades-of-psychology/
Holt, K. K. (2016). Blacklisted: Boundaries, violations, retaliatory behavior in the BDSM community. Deviant Behavior, 37(8

), 917-930.
Hyde, J. S., & DeLamater, J. D. (2019). Understanding human sexuality (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Ibrahim, R. (2014). Media misrepresentations and BDSM. Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality. Retrieved from: http://www.ejhs.org/volume10/bdsm.html