Twilight of Sexism?

I’ve noticed that, despite all our social progress, we humans of America still have some odd double standards. And I think the young adult vampire romance series, Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer is prime proof of that.

The main character of the series, Belle Swan, is nothing more or less than a victim (like so many ‘heroines’ in the vampire genres of late). She seems to be ruled by whatever male takes ownership of her. And let us not forget that scene in the last book where she gets f#@!ed into unconsciousness than comes begging for more.

It’s occurred to me, and many others, that if Twilight had been written by a man instead of a woman, than the series would have been derided and shunned as sexist fantasy instead of being a bestseller in the publishing world and a blockbuster on the silvery screen.

A lot of male writers are pretty miffed about that; that female authors don’t have to be held to the same standards of ethics and behavior that the guys are judged by.

Which brings us to that age old, sticky question. Does it still count as sexist or racist if the ‘oppressed’ party uses the old stereotypes about themselves? Is this not a double standard but a single one with a caveat reading, “you said being different makes us stupid therefore we can also say that’s what makes us dumb”?

It’s an interesting question. I know what my answer it. Do you know yours?

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