Comments on: Stereotypes? Sexism? Really?

By: KariAnn

KariAnn — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:23:40 +0000

Hey, this is a good article, & you make some good points. ;) If Bella wants to cook, then why shouldn’t she be able to cook? I fail to see why that would equate to sexism when there are a lot of women out there who enjoy cooking. (However, I’m not among them.)

In regard to her seeing Edward in a perfect light – Like you stated, Bella was a teenage girl in love. Of course she didn’t see his flaws.

In regard to her being “weak” – Okay, here’s where people start to seem really wishy-washy. If a female character is portrayed in a realistic light, she’s seen as being weak. But if a female character is portrayed as being too strong or talented, she’s a perfect Mary Sue. Personally, I feel SM did a good job at making Bella a well-rounded combination. ;)

Again, great job!

-Kari

By: Jules

Jules — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:39:50 +0000

Hey Meesh!

I have to say that one of my friends berated me for reading the series because of how it paints women. I replied back by asking how she could say that when she hasn’t read the series. Well…she read reviews, that’s how!

I agree 100% with your assessment. What girl doesn’t think the boy she first falls in love with is perfect, or even crushes for that matter? I’m also someone that enjoys cooking does that mean I’m feeding into a stereotype?

And, I’m totally thirteen again…at least in my head.

I enjoyed this and could absolutely relate to the discussion :D

By: lexiecullen17

lexiecullen17 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:05:29 +0000

i agree on sooo many levels. people who say that bella is a stereotype or an exaggeration clearly didn’t have the same experience in high school that i had… a lot of the time, i tell people that i hate bella, but it’s not because of any stereotype or ‘mary sue’ personality. no, i mostly hate bella because she reminds me of myself and all the things i hate about myself.

By: Saluki

Saluki — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:38:04 +0000

Meesh, that was a really incredible blog. It makes me look at the series in a entirely new light. So many people bashed Twilight for it’s portrayal of Bella and Edward, but as you pointed out, so many of their actions and feelings are based in truth. Perhaps why that made people so uncomfortable; SM reminded us of how we felt and acted as teenagers. I want to read the books again, keeping in mind your observations. I think it will bring out aspects of the books I haven’t considered, even after multiple readings.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:26:15 +0000

Wow. You amaze me with this article.

It’s awesome