Representation Of Relationships

Representation of relationships in media.

Ron and Hermione. Jack and Rose. Katniss and Peeta. These characters portray healthy relationships. Bella and Edward do not. In fact they’re in a completely unhealthy and abusive relationship even though they’ve never actually physically hurt each other, unless you count that one time Edward hurled Bella across the room and into a glass table, causing her to get stitches. The way relationships are portrayed in the media is extremely important, because it can influence the thinkings of those who view it. It subliminally sends out messages and guidelines as to what is acceptable and what not. Twilight is masked as an healthy relationship that is filled with love, sacrifice and trust, when in reality
Point blank. Even though Stephenie Meyer tries to portray him to be some Prince Charming, he still comes across as a manipulative, stalkerish abuser. We first meet Edward in biology class, and after getting a whiff of Bella, he plans for the next hour on how to practically kill her. Nice. Now, that would be an obvious sign for Bella to stay away from him. However, Bella isn’t that bright since she thinks of him 24/7 and can’t stay away from him. Another example of Edward being creepy is when he snuck into Bella’s room and watched her sleep for hours end. Repeatedly. He even bought oil for the squeaky window so his access to her room would be much easier and convenient! You’d think Bella at this point would get a restraining order or something against him, but nope. She welcomes it and thinks it’s a sign of affection. And let’s not forget about that time when Edward took a part Bella’s car engine just so she couldn’t go and visit her friend, Jacob. She was, of course, and rightly so, angry at Edward. For about 10 minutes or so, and then she forgives. Girl’s will grow up to romanticize these obsessive and creepy behaviour. They’ll learn that it’s endearing for a boy to stalk and watch every move she makes, and its chivalrous and cute if they get angry for another boy to talk to you and go and beat them up. Furthermore, it’ll teach boys that this is the appropriate way to treat their girlfriends and adopt these
Why do some teenagers (and some lonely moms), envy their love and crave to have something like that? Is it because some women want to be constantly taken care of? Or is it the whole wanting to be controlled by another person because they think it’s love? Maybe it’s Edward’s money. What ever the reason may be that allures these women, they do not realise that their opinion has been swayed because of these characters. The portrayal of abusive relationships masked as ‘relationship goals’ reinforces these harmful behaviours. They don’t understand how abusive this relationship is, and would grow to welcome it because they think it’s love. Young girls won’t realise that this is very problematic and accept these behaviours. So, hopefully, authors will discontinue romanticising abusive relationships, which is seems damn near impossible since 50 Shades of Grey made nearly $600,000 million dollars and the second installment is well on it’s way to the theaters. But through discussion and education, young adults will be able to critically analyse texts that will make them more aware of harmful content. They will begin to understand the consequences of abusive relationships in the media and step above it. It’s important to show healthy relationships in the media so people can differentiate between what is acceptable and what isn’t. It’s time to start romanticizing healthy