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Twilight on Equality MAG
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that while reading Twilight I was “dazzled” (pun intended). Almost anyone alive for the past couple of months is certainly aware of the saga, which has received excited acclaim not only from teenagers worldwide but also such esteemed reviewers as The New York Times and Publishers Weekly. So why do I have a problem with it?
Twilight is about Bella Swan, a teen who moves to a new town and is immediately adored by everyone. She instantly has several men vying for her attention and a couple of pretty nice friends as well. Her adoration of classic books would imply that she is at least marginally intelligent. Then she meets Edward Cullen (who has a unique background that is not relevant here), and as their relationship grows, so does her obsession, until it consumes her. Seems harmless, right?
Actually, no. Bella is depicted as an evil temptress trying to persuade a morally honorable man into evil, while he attempts to keep their virtues intact. Succinctly, Edward and Bella are a modern Adam and Eve.
But the book goes further in asserting that women are inferior to men. Every time Bella is faced with a conflict and has to make a choice, Edward swoops in to save her, because apparently she can’t possibly decide on her own. He goes beyond protective to borderline abusive in Twilight, but Bella justifies it as “love” every time. When Edward dumps her for a couple months in New Moon, Bella becomes seriously depressed and dangerous to herself.
All the female characters in this series eventually portray similar helplessness. Even the first relationship introduced in the book – that of Bella’s mother and stepfather – is sexist. Bella expresses concern about leaving her mother, but then reasons that it’s okay now that Phil is looking after her.
What’s even more ridiculous is that many female readers look up to Bella! Her situation is idealized. After finding Edward, Bella is happy only when she is with him. She feels that he is her one true purpose in life. So what are girls who read the novels left wanting? Their own Edward, of course! Not only do they want one – they need one. The fact that so many intelligent young men and women have been sucked into the Twilight series and have swallowed its sexist manifesto has me worried about the future of gender equality.
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This article has 589 comments.
dramaticgirl16-
What a fitting screen name for yourself! Did you choose it because your thesis is vague or your viewpoint is unoriginally cliché?
Thank you for first pointing out that you respect my opinion, because I respect yours just as equally. However, that does not mean that that I cannot prove your point invalid. This particular article is about Twilight’s “real purpose,” but on equality. We are talking about one aspect of the entire book. And while I did ponder long on your thoughts, they are irrelevant to the conversation.
Anonymous:
I am pleased that you did not take offense at my (admittedly) harsh views. I also appreciate your intervention of this little squabble, because arguing with random peple on the internet is only fun when they eventually succumb to my beliefs. (Just kidding. Sort of.)
Anyways, I'm sure that we could put aside our differences and have a civil conversation if we really tried... something about whether clown cars are big enough to have dashboards, or just steering wheels. Or something even MORE random, which seems a little improbable. ;)
HisPurePrincess:
I forgot to mention that this is not the first argument that Anonymous and I have had. This particular anonymous, at least. Hope you weren't offended.
Sincerely,
E.B.
Oh, E.B., how I do love your arguments! You give me the simple pleasure of having someone to logically discuss opinions with on this site, regardless of differing minds.
To HisPurePrincess - Thank you for your concern, but it was quite unnecessary. E.B. was just expressing his/her view on this book. I also find CAPSLOCK to be a bit aesthetically harsh, and correct grammar is always welcomed in comments that may actually be taken seriously into account.
Say what? Bella currupts Edward?!!! I thought that is was just the opposite, as she turns into an "evil vampire." And Edward, moral? Yeah right.
Interesting, Your points are... relevent, I guess.
I've never read Twilight, and I haven't watched any of the movies. I know the basics of it, but how couldn't I, really, when I have so many Twilight-obsessed friends?
Yes, because your point is very valid with all your spelling mistakes. It may be your decision to use bad grammar, but it doesn't mean it wasn't influnenced by the actions of others. You didn't just decide to make spelling mistakes, you do it because everybody is doing it and it seems cool.
Same with Twilight. It's a big thing among teenagers, and it DOES influence their decisions. A lot of people DO want to marry vampires and be loved by werewolfs. Have you read mylifeistwilight .com? Not everyone is smart enought to make their own decisions. Especially teenagers.
I agree. And there are so many things about Twilight that I just don't like. The fact that Bella tries over and over to get Edward in bed is ridiculous and 12 year old girls don't need to be reading about it. Really, the age doesn't matter; girls who are in-love with Twilight may try to be like Bella to get their Edward (who of course doesn't exist seeing how sparkly fairy's aren't real). And by being like Bella, they may do something stupid which, of course, Bella is none for.
All this Bella girl is trying to decide is whether to have s.ex with a dead guy or a dog.
And do you really want teenage girls trying to get a guy into bed? I don't think so.
Twilight doesn't set a good example, and people are making a big deal about 'how amazing it is', when really, it's nothing special.
Dear Author,
Sorry I realize my comment was a bit harsh, but I had to state my opinion. Its nothing against you personally just your opinion on this story.
