So I read an article this afternoon that made me angry. So much so, in fact, that I posted a comment on said article (linked here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100414/ap_on_en_ot/us_challenged_books#mwpphu-container).
Basically, the article discusses the annual report of the country's most often challenged or banned books. This year, the Twilight series made the list, and the article briefly mentioned some of the reasons why (the supernatural, sex, violence - the usual). Instead of trying to explain myself all over again, here's the comment I posted:
First, let me start by saying that I don't believe any book should be banned. Ever. Even books with "offensive" content can be used to teach important lessons to young people. What I think many people who challenge books for their content fail to realize is this: it's not the author's responsibility to inculcate good behavior in today's young people. Parents should take the reigns in teaching their children right from wrong. Some of the most powerful young adult books that I have read involve "offensive" content such as drugs, sex, sexual assault, and suicide. We, as a culture, should be talking about these issues with our youth instead of sweeping them under the rug and banning useful teaching tools from the shelves.
Back to the main point at hand. I have read the Twilight series in its entirety. I think all four books are poorly written, with heavy-handed foreshadowing and contrived plot devices that don't further the story in a meaningful way.
However, my larger issue with the series is it's glorification of an emotionally and (later) sexually abusive relationship. Edward is jealous and controlling, and treads a thin line between sexual attraction to and the urge to harm his supposed beloved. Bella's unexplained bruises, occasional fear of Edward, and her attempts to explain away his behavior are all classic hallmarks of an abuse victim. Edward's obsession with Bella, his need to know her whereabouts at all times, and his irrational jealousy implicate him as an abuser.
I should point out that I am not attempting to make light of relationship violence. Domestic abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual) is a horrific reality many are faced with and should not be treated lightly. I am simply suggesting that the Twilight series in some way glorifies a relationship that is, at its core, abusive.
Even if Meyer intended the relationship between Edward and Bella to follow an abusive pattern, what concerns me is that she does not seem to point out, at any point, that their relationship is inappropriate or unhealthy. Bella's behavior - even her risk-taking after Edward leaves - hardly comes across as "wrong." Instead, millions of teenage girls sympathize with Bella's pain and wish that they could have a boyfriend who is just like Edward. What horrifies me about the Twilight series is that it leads young girls to have unrealistic and unhealthy expectations for relationships.
Yet, after all this, I don't think the Twilight series should be banned. I think it is a culturally important text that should be engaged and discussed. I think that parents should take a peek at what their teen or pre-teen is reading and discuss the themes and ideas found within Meyer's work.
We cannot ban books just because we don't like them or what they imply. Don't sit idly by and let your children idealize relationship violence, but don't ban a book due to controversial themes. Instead, we should talk to young people and encourage discussion about such controversial topics.
