The Art of Criticism: A Reformed Twilght Lover Speaks Out

I'll be honest, OK? I used to love Twilight. I thought that the entire series was wonderful, describing it to people as Harry Potter for girls. It was such a fantasy, reading how an ordinary, nothing-special girl becomes to object of affection and desire for a beautiful, kind, sensitive vampire. Bella Swan and Edward Cullen get into adventures; they are completely chaste; they love each other; and now, they make me sick.

When I read the books the first time, I thought it was romantic and lovely. The idea of being in love, all-consuming love, appeals to a lot of people, and I was one of them. However, even when I was in the thrall of "will they, won't they" with the story, I was bothered by Bella and Edward's relationship. I didn't like that Bella could only think about Edward, only wanted to be with Edward, didn't want anything other than Edward. If Edward was a normal guy instead of an exciting vampire, wouldn't people think that it was unhealthy for Bella to be so consumed?

This entire series makes overly dependent, emotionally and psychologically abusive relationships seem romantic and desirable. When a girl gets dumped, she has every right to wallow. But, in response to the wave of fan frenzy for the film version of New Moon, when the dumpee tries to do harm to herself to get the dumper's attention, when she is a shell of her former self, that's not wallowing; it's self-destruction. These books and films make unhealthy relationships seem cool. Now, every fan, or "Twi-hard," thinks that that kind of behavior is acceptable and, horror of horrors, the ideal.

Personally, I am ready for a tween/teen story that has a strong female. I don't expect for a fictional character to be perfect, but I do expect a role model. What if, when Edward (spoiler alert) leaves Bella, she decided to study abroad to expand her horizons? Or took up motorcycle riding, not to try to get Edward's attention, but because she, guess what, liked it? I'm ready for a heroine who isn't defined by her relationships to men. Aren't we all?

The Art of Tragedy: Reading Rainbow's Premature Demise

Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high
Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.

I can go anywhere!
Friends to know and ways to grow - Reading Rainbow.

I can be anything!
Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.


Today, my mind has been occupied with some sad news. After 26 years on TV, one of my most beloved programs, Reading Rainbow, has been canceled. It has been deemed too expensive to continue with production, and no one (including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting) wants to pay for it.

The recession has been hard on everyone, but it's especially hard to see it affect something that has touched so many lives. Reading Rainbow inspired children to read. It made reading fun and exciting; children aren't born with a love of reading. This love has to been planted and grown in a child. If no one is there to cultivate it, a child's love of learning and books will wither and die. Reading Rainbow served that purpose, and for almost 30 years, kids learned how to love reading. It's such a shame to see and institution like this go because of a bottom line.

More Updates to Come....

It's been some time since my last post, but I'll get back to blogging very soon!

The Art of TV: LOST

Few TV shows have captured and held the fervor of millions quite like LOST has. Its dynamic characters, signature flashbacks and the "will they? won't they?" tension Jack-Kate and Kate-Sawyer have kept people coming back for more. 

Originally, I was opposed to LOST. Any show that incites that much passion from its fans makes me a little wary.  People who watch LOST don't just watch it; they love and follow it. Life stops on Wednesday nights. Facebook statuses begin the countdown around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. That Christmas-like anticipation made me uneasy. I didn't want to drink the Kool-Aide. 

However, I became a member of the LOST cult. If loving this show is wrong, I don't want to be right. 

LOST is the most complex TV show in history. In an age of impersonal social networking sites and texts instead of calls, getting viewers to follow a dozen different characters' lives week after week is quite a feat. Also, bringing Sci-fi to the masses and getting them to like it is an art form itself. J.J. Abrams, I salute you. You are an artist and your medium is addiction. Keep it coming!

Hello friends!

Greetings and salutations! 

As an apsiring journalist during these gloomy times, I am trying to share my voice and hone my craft via the internet. I am a self-professed arts nerd interested in all forms of art. Give me a book, a film, a painting, and I will analyze and write about it.  

For example, above is an image from one of my all-time favorite films, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn is beyond fabulous in the role of Holly Golightly, but I think it was her role as a humanitarian that was her greatest work. 

I think that art can be seen in many places, and I can or at least try to appreciate all forms of art. My taste runs the gamut, so I am willing give anything a chance. 

Thanks!