Feminists vs. LDS vampires
Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally popular — the Mormon author has been called the next J.K. Rowling — Twilight saga that offers vampirism with a Mormon sensibility (Yes, I know that sounds really creepy), has been catching flack for being anti-feminist and anti-abortion.It makes sense, I guess, that a vampires, who live for eternity, would be a branch of the pro-life movement.
Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries, was asked her opinion of the series on her blog:
I didn't take my husband's last NAME when we got married. Do you honestly think I'd like a story about a girl considering changing SPECIES for a guy? No offense to any of you, but as a feminist, I just can't go there...LDS-member Meyer's newest offering for young readers, Breaking Dawn, which details the tribulations of a pregnant wannabe-vampire teen, especially bugs Jezebel:
This creepy anti-abortion allegory quickly gets literal, as the half-vampire fetus (actually an interesting metaphor for any pregnancy) starts killing Bella from the inside out. Even as it breaks her ribs and sucked the life from her, she proclaims, "I won't kill him."Still, the identification young LDS women feel with the Twilight series seems odd, even if the young vampires' wedding vows match those of the Mormon temple. These are vampires (albiet very sexy vampires) who suck human blood to obtain eternal life.
But does she have to face the consequences of this choice? No, because vampire magic suddenly allows mother and father to hear the fetus's thoughts, and to discover that it already loves them!
I can't wait for the BYU fireside on this subject.
10 Comments:
QUOTE: "It makes sense, I guess, that a vampires, who live for eternity, would be a branch of the pro-life movement."
Classic stuff, Glen. Good work.
Who isn't "anti-abortion"? Even feminist are; they are pro-choice, the right for a woman to make this choice for herself.
"Still, the identification young LDS women feel with the Twilight series seems odd, even if the young vampires' wedding vows match those of the Mormon temple."
Not sure where that came from. There is nothing about the wedding or the wedding vows in the story that even resemble a temple wedding. In the book, they change the vows from "Til death do you part" to "As long as we both shall live," since they are immortal (Well, Edward is... Bella's going to be). But, as I understand, that is still a very traditional vow. It is not similar to a Mormon temple wedding, though.
I don't agree with those who suggest this story is anti-feminist. Bella's character is a strong person who is in love with a handsome vampire who loves her just as much, and she knows what she wants.
I disagree with Emily's statement that "Bella's character is a strong person" Bella is clumsy, inept, accident prone, has constant feelings of inadequacy and quite frankly not a good role model for young women. The books are mildly entertaining - but not the stuff for molding political or religious beliefs.
Why hasn't Stephenie Meyer been excommunicated yet? Oh, her vampires keep their shirts on....
I get it..... no I don't.
I had the same thoughts about my own statement after I posted it, for all the same reasons. So I agree with your disagreement of my previous statement.
However, I don't agree that it is anti-feminist for her to be in love and want to do whatever she can to share her life with the one she loves, especially because Edward is equally as committed and never encouraged her to do that for him.
Wow. I sound like a way bigger Twilight nerd than I really am. :) I consider myself a second-tier fan. The kind that didn't have to get the book the minute it was released and read all weekend, but did have to buy it soon and finish it before anyone else ruined the ending.
why hasn't she been excommunicated yet?
Simple, because her tithes keep on growing and growing...
It is fiction!! Werewolves and Vampires.Why are we discussing religion, abortion and feminist's.
wow, this is just creepy and bizarre.
I want a BJ from a LDS Vampire!
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