Et tu, Whitney?

"It is only when an anomaly is identified....that the opportunity to improve theory occurs." Paul Carlile, Clayton Christensen

In responding to "An 'A' or an 'F' on the Galadriel test?" in which I discussed my love-hate relationship with the Twilight trilogy, Amy politely wondered if I would feel as I do had these books been penned by a man.

Specifically, Amy asked, "Is there more to your view than expecting more of people because we know their beliefs? Does it goes back to your discussion of what it means to be feminine? Perhaps your ideas about women and ambition are broader than you had supposed. That it's not just about large-scale power, but rather any time women move outside of perceived guidelines our society squirms?"

A is for Amy, anomaly, and Amy appears to be absolutely right.

I have read over 25 books by Orson Scott Card, another fellow Mormon. Yet I've never had the kind of visceral reaction to his books, frequent Ten Commandment non-compliance notwithstanding, as I did to Meyers' book.

Do you remember the Bem Sex-Role Inventory's finding that women are only feminine within the context of a relationship and when we are giving something (resources, recognition) to someone else?

And isn't it true, that when women move beyond perceived guidelines (as did Ms. Meyer), we are crossing into a territory in which we are not sovereign, and are thus figuratively taking something from someone else?

Et tu, apply the double standard Whitney?

Lamentably, yes.

What are your thoughts?

Related posts:

An 'A' or an 'F' on the Galadriel test?
Why we are skeptical of Hillary Clinton
Do you need to 'Do it yourself?'
NY Times -- For Girls, It's Be Yourself, and Be Perfect, Too
Throw down your pom-poms
A space for women's voices

Comments

[Barbara Torris]

I learned a long time ago not to ask the question unless I wanted to hear the answer. You are so wise Whitney. This post was wonderful. It truly is an epiphamy when we realize that what we judge what we read, and learn based on the gender, religion, age and nationality of the author or teacher. Sometimes we would be better off blind. Only then could we make a total unbiased judgment...maybe.

I might add that this also applies to politics. The American people are in for a very difficult election. Especially when they try to judge based on qualification and not on those 4 qualities...gender, nationality, age, religion.

b