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Twilight Question
Disclaimer: I don't mean to offend, I've held off with this question for awhile, but I'm curious.
I have not read any of Twilight books for two reasons. 1) All of my high school students are obsessed and it seems like a strange thing for me to love, too. And the bigger reason 2) I was listening to a radio interview and the person was saying that the books are really sexist because the main female character is portrayed as being very weak and following along with the main guy in terms of her actions and sexual stuff.
It's been a LONG time since I heard the interview, so I'm probably messing up the examples of how it's sexist, but I just remember them saying that the main female is not a good role model for kids and the book is sexist.
For those of you who have read the book - is there any truth in that?
Re: Twilight Question
I'd say yes... the main character tends to bother me and she can be a bit stupid. Didn't help my love of the series though. I think there are characters like that out there all over the place. I enjoyed them for entertainment value. If you're the type of person who really minds that stuff, it would probably bother you. My mom is a teacher and she struggles to enjoy things that she knows may influence her students negatively... which is funny now that I think about it because she read Twilight and loved it. She won't watch South Park though (or wouldn't, when it was popular).
I think this series is on par with the Harry Potter mania of a few years ago ... is it necessarily "age appropriate" for people our age ... no ... it was not written with 20+ somethings in mind, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the easy and fun read ...
Also, I think if you read any book under the lens of feminism/racism/sexism etc you will find examples to back up your pre-concieved thoughts and notions ... as someone who enjoys strongly written women I can say that Bella being a poor role model didn't cross my mind while reading ... I more saw her as someone who loved and loved completely ... was loyal and brave ... not someone who was overly weak or clingy ... however, if I think about the particular examples you rasied, yes I can see how one could make that case, but again I think you have to LOOK for it in that light, it doesn't naturally present itself that way ...
Just my two cents
Yeah, it probably would rub me the wrong way, because I do pick up on those things more than most people. I didn't want to go around saying "it's sexist", though, since I hadn't read it, so I wanted to ask those in the know.
I suppose it is a little hypocritical of me, because I do watch Family Guy and some other things, but I think the fact that they're OBSESSED and have big crushes on the characters takes it to a new level. I don't want to be O-M-Ging with them between classes.
I'm going to agree with Sun - nothing about these books made me think "Wow, how sexist." It's entertainment, she's a character. Yeah, Bella is a klutz with no real hobbies that falls completely in love with someone and makes him the center of her universe. But honestly - when you're 16 or 17 years old and in love - what girl doesn't feel that way (said knowing someone will disagree with me)? First love makes you do stupid things sometimes.
I don't think she's a negative role model for teen girls and think that those that think she is are taking it a bit too far. I was hesitant to read the series because I thought it was geared towards tweens, but I've really enjoyed it. It's a nice way to unwind in the evening after a long day of work. Takes you to a different place and let's you in on experiences you'll never face - which is what fictional books are for.
As for OMG-ing with your students in between classes, you can always keep it to yourself that you're reading it.
Even then, I DON'T like female characters like that. Not in books, not in movies. I get mad at them and think that they're part of why some people view our entire gender as weak and helpless. It's the sort of thing that would definitely bother me, it wouldn't be an escape if she was pissing me off the whole time.
It's totally fine if you liked it, but it just sounds like something that I wouldn't enjoy, which is good to know.
Why would it be strange to love a book that people younger than you love? Books are art, and like art they are made for everyone to enjoy not just someone of a specific age.
As for the the character, I can't give say how I feel about it because I haven't read, but I do feel it crazy that you would not enjoy something just because you might not agree with how a fictional character is portrayed.
I just find it so strange that a person as smart as you can't get past such small things.You really like making things personal, AJ. You've done this to numerous posts.
If a fictional character was a rapist, I would be allowed to dislike him/her. How women are portrayed is something that matters to me, so I don't consider it to be a small thing. (This has nothing to do with intelligence.)
I agree that it would have nothing to do with intelligence. It's simply a personal choice. If it would bother you the whole time you're reading, it would really take away from the experience of the book. You wouldn't enjoy it at all.
Can't speak for everyone, but I enjoy books/movies so much because I enjoy the emotional experience. I expect to be happy, angry, scared, etc. There are characters you're supposed to love or hate. That's part of what you sign up for when you immerse yourself. That's why I don't listen to the people who over analyze every detail and try to relate it back to real life. That's what non-fiction is for, IMO.
And I'm digging the book discussions we've already started today.
I take things personal, but you can't read a book due to the fact that it might be sexist because a teenage girl is helplessly in love?
If the character was baised off a real person go ahead and hate the character, the character is fictional, WHY does it matter?
If every book was written about a strong woman who need no help from anyone, reading would be dull. The whole point of reading fictional books is to enter a world that doesn't truely exisit so you can experience situations that you never would really experience.
It is a SMALL thing, because like the girls said above, you don't even notice it, you notice how in love she is, how silly she is and brings you back to being 17 and in love for the very first time.
As for the intelligence thing, I said that because of the way you are about a lot of things. You feel so strongly about woman being independant, but yet you can't look past something as simple as someone being country.
Maybe the deeper meaning of Bella being so dependant on her lover is that the author finds that there is nothing stronger than love. There is nothing that makes you so confused, touched, and helpless than the feeling of loving someone so strongly. Believe me Authors don't just write crap to write it, there is reason and meanings behind everything you just got to find it.
I totally don't think it's sexist. I was a little hesitant to read it as well since my 11 year old SD was also interested in it. I'm glad I did though...I enjoyed it. It's a vampire love story. I wouldn't read too deep into it.
It is a fictional book. You either read it and enjoy it or don't read it and move on. I suggest you read it and come up with your own judgement rather than listening to what "others" say about the book...
I think it is no more sexist than Juliet leaving her family and willing to die for Romeo. I think it is more about deep love than sexism. I can see how people could perceive it to be a little sexist though.
Slarce - I suggest you read it and form your own opinions. I would be interested in hearing what you think. Its not like drinking the Koolaid its just a book. I think the fact that you are a teacher gives you even more of a reason to read it. Its kind of like market research - its always good to keep up with your audience.
Haha, you ladies have made some good points, especially the market research thing. I didn't want to only go off what the one person had said, so that's why I started this thread.
I have 1400+ pages of books about China that I have to read first, but I may consider giving it a shot when I'm able to read for pleasure.
Slarce I usually consider anything not classic or Stephen King "fluff" but really it is a page turner. If you just let it take over your imagination and not pick it a part you would really enjoy it.
I almost think you would enjoy the way the writer has Bella think. She kinda looks at other people in a way that I could see you looking at people in HS.