I got around to watching Twilight recently. Yes, I know I'm probably the last person on Earth who didn't get caught up in its magic. Even my dad had seen the first two movies. So I thought it was about time to see what everyone, tweens and adults alike, are obsessing over. In all honesty, I tried to watch it with an open mind and not let some of the sillier aspects (like the special fx) of the movie get in the way of my enjoyment. What ultimately kept my mind buzzing with anguish was the right down misogynistic and abusive tone to the story.
Women have long been subjected to the idea that "love" and "passion" can only be achieved through pain, tragedy, misery, and conflict. I guess stories of a reliable and loving husband who does the dishes and helps with the chores is not sexy. Even Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with all of its dazzling messages of feminism and female empowerment, still managed to put Buffy in bad relationships where she suffered and only fell deeper in love because of tragedy. But unlike BtVS, Twilight does not open the door to criticism when the heroine makes a bone-headed romantic decisions. Instead, the misery and abuse is touted as intense and utterly romantic love.
