There are many in the BDSM community that say it is. Why? Because those who practice BDSM follow one of two of the following:
SSC: Safe. Sane Consensual
Or
RACK: Risk Aware Consensual Kink
What does this have to do with 50 Shades?
The big sticking point with those who view what happened with Ana and Christian is the consensual part of this equation. Consent requires knowledge. One has to know and understand what they are agreeing to before it is really consensual. It's one of the reasons communication is so important in healthy BDSM relationships. Both parties have to be on the same page.
That didn't happen in 50 Shades. Christian presented Ana with what he wanted and then expected her to take it or leave it. Sure she could have asked questions, but given how naive Ana was at the beginning of the story, how would she know what to ask? It's a gray area, which is the problem so many have with it.
Does this take away from the love story? No. I don't think so. But I do think that it does need to be discussed. With the popularity of the books and now the movie, people are getting a glimpse into a lifestyle that is unfamiliar to them. Unfortunately, it's not an altogether accurate portrayal.
Do you think 50 Shades is abusive, why or why not?
