Grey Matter: A Pop Culture Commentary

There was a time when the term “Greys” was commonly linked to a certain ABC hit drama involving a whole-lot-of-sexy taking place amongst a very attractive hospital staff.

The show was well written, with its characters often involved in raw, emotional dialogue and, at times, relatable, true-to-life situations regarding relationships. 

And sure, it could be steamy. 

In fact, one doc was nicknamed “McSteamy” and the other “McDreamy,” causing many viewers to wonder if every real-life brain surgeon was as deliciously handsome as Dr. Derek Shepherd.

Fast forward to 2012 and the term “Greys” has taken on a whole new connotation. 

“Did you read it??” 

“Which book are you on?”

In case you’re living under a rock (a grey one, at that), “it” is the white-hot trilogy by E L James, Fifty Shades of Grey.

The Grey phenomenon has led to quite the flushed group of mommies at the playground, whispering ladies at the office, and let’s face it – some very happy husbands and boyfriends.  I think it’s safe to say that Christian Grey brings the term McSteamy to a whole new (albeit, bound and gagged) level.

In the considerable amount of press that the book series has received, I was fascinated to read about the liberating effects it has had on ladies of all ages and life stages.  It’s been reported that women line up at E L James’ book signings practically kissing her for reigniting their sex lives.  Some show up pregnant, with a sly grin.  And a few others come to protest the violence against women portrayed in her stories.

No matter where you stand on the issue, it’s undeniable that Fifty Shades of Grey is the new “Greys” in our pop culture. And despite the author’s horrific writing — even more horrific sexual situations in which our entranced heroine, Anastasia Steele, finds herself — this book is shifting our cultural paradigm and some may argue, is encouraging women to embrace their inner goddesses.

Mom a la mode LOVES pop culture and the effects that public personas, current themes and lifestyles have on our society.  So you can imagine that a book like this a Field Day for me.  I’ll leave you with a few thoughts to ponder:

-This Halloween, I predict that we’ll see many Fifty Shades of Grey-inspired costumes. Next to the pregnant Snookis, of course.

-We’ll also see a baby boom in 2013-2014.  These children will later be known by marketers and sociologists as “Generation Grey.”

-Brands that are both mainstream (Van Heusen) and fetish-oriented (backroom at Ricky’s) may capitalize on the phenomenon by producing Grey-inspired apparel and accessories such as grey ties, etc.

Lastly, as you might have heard, the Fifty Shades of Grey feature film is in the works.  If I were casting, here would be my picks for the actors to portray Christian and Anastasia in the movie adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey:

Christian Grey:
Christian Bale
Ryan Gosling
Scott Disick (of Keeping up with the Kardashians) or someone who looks/acts just like him

Anastasia Steele:
Emmy Rossum
Alexis Bledel (of Gilmore Girls)
Emma Stone

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the above…