Chick Flick Chat: "New Moon" Rises and Falls
Please CLICK HERE to listen to the latest Chick Flick Chat featuring, New Moon - The Second Movie in the Twilight Series.
"If a rush of danger is what it takes to see him, then that's what I'll find." ~ Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, in "New Moon"
Teenage daughter? Niece? Granddaughter? Forget whether she is on Team Edward or Team Jacob and realize that this movie undermines her self-esteem. This follow-up radio show to Chick Flick Chat, Twilight - The Movie, chomps down harder on the not so buried message that true love hurts.
Sorry Twi-hards, this uber-popular movie promotes bad choices, dangerous chances, self-destructive behavior, the "Cinderella Syndrome," and a request for death as romantic antics. Love it or hate it, the movie offers plenty to discuss about how these messages are presented to young girls.
Calling for Comments: Have something to say? Want to join in on the discussion? Which is your favorite movie, "Twilight" or "New Moon"? Comment on this article OR offer your thoughts on ANY article that is open to accept comments. The January gift is a new CD Soundtrack from the film, New Moon. While we take issue with the movie's messages, the music stands alone. Remember to subscribe by email to be eligible, thanks!
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@Buy: Would that we'd all have success like SM! Topic matter and literary quality aside, the fact that so many are reading is an important aspect.
Posted by: Luci Weston | January 2010 at 11:51 AM
Whilst I do not begrudge Stephanie Meyer on her success with the Twilight series and the untold pots of money she's amassed; she's no J.K Rowling either.
Posted by: Adam | January 2010 at 12:41 AM
@Janine: That is the problem, isn't it? And you are right, the solution is to discuss it in detail. Kids are smart, so I have to hope they can see some of the issues for themselves in these books/films. It is in their own "real" lives, with raging hormones and peer pressure working against common sense that problems can arise.
Posted by: Luci Weston | January 2010 at 11:32 AM
Luci,
I read the entry and listened to your radio show and you are right - all those things happen - I didn't realize how many issues came up in this movie alone. I definitely need to discuss this with my kids. I do agree that these books/movies are entertaining if you are an adult woman, but what does it all mean to a 12 yr. old girl who wants Edward to be her boyfriend, too?
Posted by: Janine N | January 2010 at 11:09 AM
@L Eckert: No one is advocating the removal of romance from stories or life. You are right, the Twilight series is very entertaining, its popularity is due to this factor. Car chases and shoot outs portrayed on film are also entertaining. Our effort at Here We Are is to discuss, not bash, the images, messages, and issues the Twilight series presents.
@April: It sounds like you have a good plan and your daughters are lucky. Young girls in our society are bombarded by the media, pop culture, and peer pressure with examples of who they should be, how they should act, what they should look like, etc. The obsession that is Twilight has garnered repetitive reads of the books and viewings of the movies by tweens and teenagers. One is hard-pressed to deny there is some influence being wielded. While the saga may be fantastical and deeply romantic, its popularity offers us an opportunity to have a dialogue...One I am sure will be occurring in your house soon enough!
@Rivergirl: I, too, am done reading these tomes. I will, however, see the next movie and continue the discussion on Chick Flick Chat. While the hype has settled a bit for now, I predict after the Oscars the marketing wheel will be in full spin mode.
@Bose: "...thinking and talking..." Nicely put.
@suzyblujeanz: So true, education is key for matters of the mind and heart! Individualism doesn't come from following the crowd, it comes from having the confidence to stand alone in one's belief. Not relying on others to complete oneself is an important, if not vital, step in figuring out what is good, bad, or indifferent for one's life.
@All: Thank you all for your provocative input.
Posted by: Luci Weston | January 2010 at 12:35 PM
I, personally, don't feel we should be taking the romance out of these stories either. Rather, we should be educating our young girls to know the difference between fantasy and reality so they don't fall prey to the glamorized images that are being presented. We need to teach them to be self-reliant individuals--individuals who can find strength within themselves and not feel the need to seek completion and fulfillment through another person (man or woman).
By bringing these issues to the forefront and discussing them openly, we're teaching our young girls to be critical thinkers.
It's closed-minded thinking that continues to perpetuate these stories for women. If Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott or Susan B. Anthony didn't think differently and encourage other women to think differently, women might still be sitting at home on Election Day.
Bottom line--enjoy the stories for their entertainment value, yes, but teach our young girls the difference between the art form and the belief system.
Posted by: suzyblujeanz | January 2010 at 09:53 AM
In response to the comment @L Eckert: Isn't using far-fetched fantasy and realism in the same sentence an oxymoron?? Vampires are real??!?! At least Romeo and Juliet were humans. The "public service" here is just to get people thinking and talking instead of following blindly. Mission accomplished.
Posted by: Bose | January 2010 at 10:39 AM
I just finished listening and agree with a majority of the points raised. My daughters are too young to read the Twilight series but if they do, we will be discussing the books. I believe my daughters should be exposed to pop culture but they need to be brought back to reality and the way they are raised. There are many TV shows that show the children being disrespectful to each other as well as their parents. I am constantly asking them if that is appropriate behavior and it makes them think. I have also noticed that they don't watch those shows as much. Parents need to be aware of their children and involved in their lives. Kudos to you for bringing up an important topic :)
Posted by: April | January 2010 at 09:33 AM
I didn't like the first book for the same reasons... and never bothered to read the rest. The whole Twilight mania leaves me cold. Guess my age must be showing. (o;
Posted by: Rivergirl | January 2010 at 09:02 AM
It may do all you say, yet, as far-fetched fantasy it still represents a realism that exists in all youth culture down through time. How about "Midsummer Night's Dream" "Romeo and Juliet" or "The Book of Genesis?" Are you really going to suggest your bashing of this entertaining work is some kind of public service? Do you think taking the romance out of youth will protect young women? Come on!
Posted by: LaWanda Eckert | January 2010 at 09:11 PM