Writer's Block: Yes, offense taken

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It really depends. I'm big on choosing your own battles. It's perfectly acceptable and, in my opinion, morally obligatory to speak up when someone's making racist, sexist and/or homophobic remarks. But I try to use my judgment. If I know my calling an individual out will just start a debate over homosexuality or prejudice in general, I'm probably not going to say anything unless it's something I can't possibly let slide.

But when friends and relatives say shit like that? Unacceptable. When I was as young as thirteen, a friend of mine started using that tired "that's so gay" line in civilized conversation. Figuring she didn't really mean it as an insult, I let it slide the first few times. But eventually I had to ask her not to use that insult around me (or anyone, really) because it speaks ill of gay people. I don't remember the conversation that well, but it must have worked on some level because she stopped using it and there hasn't been a problem since.

Sometimes friends of mine will say something homophobic, like claiming that homosexuality is wrong and sinful, but they'll disguise it by clinging to their Christian faith as an excuse or explanation. I believe (actually, I know) that this is not only untrue, but incredibly homophobic. The trouble is that I have trouble calling those friends out because of how they disguise it, and because I know it will just start a fight and cause feelings to be hurt.

I am, over time, becoming better able to confront this sort of thought. And I definitely don't let sexist or racist remarks slide, so it seems only right and fair that I treat homophobic remarks with the same disdain and attempt to educate the people that use them.

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I've been reading an excellent blog over the last several days, entitled Mark Reads Twilight.  iamsupernova directed me to it on Twitter, and it is a wonderful reminder of why no one should find joy in reading the Twilight series. The blog also highlights quite effectively all the sexist, badly written aspects of these books. Whether you enjoy Twilight or not, I suggest you read the this man's thoughts on Stephenie Meyer's universe. If you enjoy the series, it may help you realize why you shouldn't, and if you, like me, despise its existence in this (literary and otherwise) world, you will appreciate the sensible and humourous look at the series.

But the real reason I'm telling you about this blog is so that I can give you some context. The author of this blog, Mark, included this quote from the author of Twilight herself, Stephenie Meyer, and it should definitely be read.

"WHAT IF... What if true love left you? Not some ordinary high school romance, not some random jock boyfriend, not anyone at all replaceable. True love. The real deal. Your other half, your true soul's match. What happens if he leaves?

The answer is different for everyone. Juliet had her version, Marianne Dashwood had hers, Isolde and Catherine Earnshaw and Scarlett O'Hara and Anne Shirley all had their ways of coping.

I had to answer the question for Bella. What does Bella Swan do when true love leaves her? Not just true love, but Edward Cullen! None of those other heroines lost an Edward (Romeo was a hothead, Willoughby was a scoundrel, Tristan had loyalty issues, Heathcliff was pure evil, Rhett had a mean streak and cheated with hookers, and sweet Gilbert was much more of a Jacob than an Edward). So what happens when True Love in the form of Edward Cullen leaves Bella?

There is so much fail right there. But most alarming is the fact that Stephenie Meyer actually believes Edward Cullen is perfect, that he has done nothing wrong. And her view of true love? Terrifying. I just had to share. Now back to your regularly scheduled evening.

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No new House tonight. Anyone know if there's a new Heroes? Please say yes!