(no subject)

[rockinhamburger]

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!

Comments

[iamsupernova.livejournal.com]

The parallels she repeatedly draws between Bella and Edward and Juliet and Romeo are alarming. I've been studying that play in my English class for the past few weeks and more and more I've been of the opinion that Romeo and Juliet were FUCKING IDIOTS WHO KILLED THEMSELVES FOR LOVE. But whether or not they were phenomenally stupid, they were fictional characters written by a playwright - and we do not treat these characters as infallible, even though we respect Shakespeare's incredible literary skill.

STEPHENIE. YOU ARE NOT MOTHERFUCKING BILL SHAKESPEARE.

[rockinhamburger.livejournal.com]

"But whether or not they were phenomenally stupid, they were fictional characters written by a playwright - and we do not treat these characters as infallible, even though we respect Shakespeare's incredible literary skill."

Not only that, but I don't believe for one second that Shakespeare himself was trying to suggest that what Romeo and Juliet did was POSITIVE. Their deaths were tragic and stupid and pointless, and we the readers know that because Shakespeare fucking wrote it that way.

My biggest problem with Stephenie Meyer is that she tries to pass the relationship between Edward and Bella off as not only normal, and what people should actively strive for (which is scary enough as it is), but that it's the *only* true example of love. Ya know, fuck all the examples of love in classic literature, where, yeah, the men weren't perfect, nor were the women, but THE AUTHOR WASN'T TRYING TO SUGGEST THEY WERE. It's not reflective of real life if a dangerous, imperfect relationship is portrayed as healthy and consequencefree. It's merely shitty, unaccountable writing.

Stephenie Meyer says, "None of those other heroines lost an Edward." So, according to Meyer, Edward is perfect. No one can measure up. HOW CAN SHE NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH EDWARD'S BEHAVIOUR!? HOW CAN SHE NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH ~~EDWARD!? I JUST -- I DONT EVEN -- I HATE LIFE!

[openmoments.livejournal.com]

THAT BLOG IS SO EPIC! THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY DAY!!!

[rockinhamburger.livejournal.com]

You're so welcome! It made my weekend, so I'm glad to share the awesome with others! Spread the word, hon! Pass it on!

[openmoments.livejournal.com]

Totally going to be blogging about it on MY blog. =P How can I NOT spread this awesomeness?! =P

[insanekht.livejournal.com]

Ahh, thank you so much for recommending that blog. It's both hilarious and sad at the same time.

[rockinhamburger.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! I'm happy to hear it provided you with humour. And I hear you on the sad front.

Mind if I friend you?

[insanekht.livejournal.com]

Friend away! :) May I friend you also?

[rockinhamburger.livejournal.com]

You certainly may!! :)