picture from stepheniemeyer.com
Today, during our break in my Jane Austen class, we chatted about having seen the new movie, Eclipse. We bantered back and forth about how exciting it was, whether it was better or worse than the other two movies, and then we got down to business discussing the characters. There is always a good debate between Jacob and Edward. One intriguing point drawn up by my classmate was that she despised Edward because he was cold and controlling, manipulative, and seemed to push the crazy patriarchal position of the mormon author. Being mormon, her comment struck me quite forcibly. Wow! Is that really how members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints (aka Mormons) are seen? I do know that there are some cold, controlling and very manipulative men around, but I believe they are found in and out of all religions including those who are agnostic.
Most of the mormon men I know are actually pretty respectful and encouraging of women and I, by no means, feel controlled by our "patriarchal" culture. I hope I stand as an example that women have a voice, independence, and even a right to help mold the world around them. I have never felt that my religion has ever even tried to dissuade me from these views.
Perhaps one fascinating fact, relevant to this argument is that Utah (the majority of which was and is Mormon) was the second territory (eventually state) to grant women the right to vote. Follow this gov link to read more. Women are not cowed and taught exactly how to think and act in our religion and it is insulting to have people continue to believe it.
Ok...off the soapbox and back to the ever-enduring, wonderful novels of Jane Austen. Thanks for your patience.
3 comments:
Amen and amen! 1. Edward is infinitesimally stronger than Bella and had to be on guard at all times to make sure he didn't hurt her, 2. Bella is a clutz, 3. Edward came from a completely different time when chivalry (unfortunately mistaken at times for chauvinism or patriarchal dominance) was alive and expected. Your classmate should come to church and activities, study the doctrine, etc. to verify her thoughts before making a blanket statement about Mormon views.
I could not believe in a religion that encouraged men to control the women around them. Glad that is not the case!
It is always sad when you hear a person make a statement like that. I just think they sound naive.
"he was cold and controlling, manipulative, and seemed to push the crazy patriarchal position" ... wow, eerie... that explains Layne to a T! muahahahah...
yea, like a man could ever tell me what to do lol
well said woman!
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