Gender Equality and Fifty Shades of...Oh My!

Gender equality, a topic and cause that is widely thought about, discussed and debated.

There is a big push for this and in an age where gender equality is fought for in the USA for many various reason and hoped end results as well as globally there seems to be conflicting thoughts and actions on this.

Equality should be fought for and especially in countries where women and children are treated like they are property... which is disgusting that anyone is treated like this!

Through what I share here, I’m not not jumping on any band wagon, rather, I've been processing thoughts about this for a while and I’m attempting to articulate them here...

Is it just me or isn't it ironic that many of these seem same people, (especially in the USA) at the same time they fight for equality and shout the “equality battle cry” they also “indulge” in fantasy where a woman is dominated and disrespected by a guy like the plots featured in books such as “Fifty Shades of Grey” and many others?! 

What is the obsession with sexual and domineering behaviors in books, film and the internet?!

I wonder…would they allow this in real life? I think not! (Well, maybe some would) So, why is it ok to promote this through what is deemed “entertainment”?

I hear the arguments now…but wait, “It’s fictitious”, “its just entertainment”…and numerous other “arguments” that would surface. 

 “But wait a minute” the books, movies and other content aren’t the same?!” “They are merely fantasy…just fiction.” 

To that I’d say really?! …Is it different just because it’s fictional and is this from a truly practical perspective, the best thing you could be spending your time with? Is it really good for you to take in this kind of content and you have to ask yourself, “Would I want to be dominated by anyone?”

Especially for true Followers / Disciples of Christ it is truly a matter of personal holiness as we are warned and instructed numerous time to avoid unholy behavior. (Don’t believe me? Read especially the New Testament) 

This stuff also begs the question: Would I want my daughter or a friend to be a relationship where they are domineered by a man or anyone else?

I think you know the answer to this but maybe because of the politically correct “To each their own” culture we live in you wouldn’t want to share your answer. 

It’s doubtful you’d want anyone to be domineered by anyone! 

Just because our culture says it’s “consensual” does it really make its right to treat others this way or pretend they own someone else’ body? So, why celebrate it or indulge in it!?

To be real, women (and men) should be honored not disrespected and domineered. 

Furthermore, people should be respected regardless of gender because everyone should strive to honor one another, period! 

Here’s a simple example, I open doors for people regardless of gender and I remember one time where I happened to open the door for a female and she looked at me and firmly said, "I can get the door myself!" 

A simple act on my part which was intended to honor her as a person was deemed beneath this individual because I was a man and she felt insulted by my gesture?! Definitely a sign of the times! I admit that I was bit taken back by this at first when it happened but now, in looking back it doesn’t surprise me. 

So, with regard to the current obsession in books and movies that exploit people and explore domineering behavior, in my humble opinion there is no “Grey” area because logically you can't have it both ways. 

In my opinion, you cannot on one hand say you want equality (especially gender equality) and on the other hand support "entertainment" that depicts domination of others through sadomasochistic means regardless of it being fictional.

But wait a minute…

Should this really be a surprise to us that people are on one hand are saying they want equality but on the other hand fantasizing about these things? 

Check out what the Word of God says about this after the fall of man (Please read Genesis 3 for full context):

“Then he said to the woman, "I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16 NLT)

Or how a more literal translation states this same passage:

“To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16 ESV)

So there will always be this tension…a desire to be independent, equal and yet a desire for a man. 

Since the fall of man sin has increasingly reared its ugly head in some shape or form and if you are desiring to live your life well, I highly encourage you to not indulge in things that can become an unhealthy addiction. 

Much like porn becomes addictive the things we deem “Fantasy” or “Soft Porn” can equally become an addiction and can have a negative impact on the real relationships you have and appreciate. 

If you are for human rights and equality, if you want to be someone who honors other people I challenge you to not spend a dime on any “entertainment” whether books, movies, restaurants or other products that promote enslavement of any kind as if it’s acceptable. 

So, if you are one that chooses to indulge in your fantasy world, please think twice about this because in the real world, people deserve to be honored and respected…the same honor and respect you also deep down desire for yourself. 

If I seem to have bounced around in thoughts via this post let me simply summarize it in the Words of Jesus: 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35 (ESV)

Love others by standing up for, honoring and loving others, period. 

So, are you going to honor one another or not?

I hope and pray the answer for you will be a resounding, YES!