The Bella Swan Curse on Women

Subtitled: Why Twilight Sucks

So I'm sure I've said this before to other people in other places but I think that Twilight has been one of the single worst influences in recent American history. I had a friend of mine tell me he took a 29 year old woman out on a date and over the course of dinner she mentioned she wants a man that "makes me feel like Bella Swan." He ended the date shortly after that and told me he couldn't think of a thing to say in response. Thankfully, I wasn't there. I'd have had a response but I don't think she'd have liked it.

I mean, honestly, when a woman says they want to feel like Bella Swan does that mean they want to feel controlled, weak, unrealistic, and shallow?

And it's not that I'm against vampire novels or even vampire romance novels. And I'm certainly not against teenage vampire romance novels. I read and enjoyed the entire Christopher Pike "Last Vampire" series. Not to mention most of Anne Rice and assorted other lesser known vampire novels. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in vampires and their romances.

The problem is that these novels convince me of two things. The first is that Stephanie Meyer should be ashamed that this is what she presents to the world of literature as a well thought out plot, well developed characters, and a realistic basis for a novel (even one about vampires and werewolves.) The second is that Stephanie Meyer should never write another word again.

So onto the meat of the matter.

My main problem with this set of novels is that little girls, teens, and even grown women are taking Bella Swan and making her a basis for comparison and emulation in their lives when Bella is not a realistic or likeable character. They spend time looking for their own "Edward" when he's nothing more than a controlling misogynist and textbook abuser. Perhaps it is the misconception of the author that these are the things to look for in a mate. Perhaps she labors under the misconception that women should be dominated and controlled, not allowed to make any decisions. I, on the other hand, think women should not be silent and that relationships can only work when they are a pair of equals.

*sigh* Fuck you, Stephanie Meyer. Fuck you, Edward Cullen. And a special mega-fuck you, Bella Swan.

Day 36 - 329 Days to Go