Some conservative Christian groups are boycotting the United States' upcoming wide release of "Fifty Shades of Grey" on February 13. They argue that it is abusive, and that moviegoers should not spend their money on tickets to see the controversial film.
The story in the movie centers on Anastasia Steele, a recent college graduate. During a newspaper interview she meets a billionaire named Christian Grey, who introduces her to sexual activities such as sadism, masochism, and bondage, according to CNS News.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" is based on the 2011 bestselling book by E. L. James. It is 100 minutes long, and sex scenes comprise about 20% of it.
One protesting organization is The American Family Association (AFA), which has urged movie theaters not to show the film. The Christian fundamentalist group claims that the film is controversial due to its "graphic sexual nature, promotion of BDSM, and scenes that degrade women," according to Yahoo.
The AFA's president, Tim Wildmon, has publically claimed that "Fifty Shades of Grey" is not constructive for society. He has also urged movie theaters and moviegoers not to show or view the movie, respectively.
Wildmon also believes that an irony exists in one of the primary characters in the movie being named "Christian." This is because he perceives the character as not portraying what rightwing Christians believe to be acceptable in a romantic relationship.
AFA has teamed up with #50DollarsNot50Shades, a social media movement. It is urging people to donate the $50 they would have spent on tickets and snacks to see the film, to a domestic violence agency or shelter.
The campaign is sponsored by groups such as AFA and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. It has stated that abused women's need for funds is greater than Hollywood's need for them.