Friday, August 12, 2011

Damsel in Distress Syndrome

In our beloved movies and books there seems to be a reoccurring theme of the damsel in distress that has outlived any era or culture.  This has been around for ages, but its funny that it is still as popular in our current culture where women are fighting for independence and to be treated equally.  Yet again and again, we see this theme in the most popular of books and movies.

The new vampire craze is exhibit one.  No matter what vampire book, show or movie... there is always the damsel in distress as our heroine.  The human girl who falls in love with a vampire.  Twilight, Trueblood, The Vampire Diaries... all the same.  Yet I was intrigued by all series.

My new favorite series is the Hunger Games trilogy.  Katniss is the heroine of this book, and by no way is she weak or helpless.  Yet for me, the most engaging part of the series is the relationship between her and Peeta.  Peeta is the guy who is so in love and devoted to her, his role in the series is her protector.  The guy who's only thought is to protect Katniss... who is always in danger.

Even me, who I believe to be pretty independent and a fairly strong woman, finds myself longing to have this guy in my life.  A guy who without thinking would do anything to protect you.  Who puts you and your safety as their number one priority.  (swoooooonnn) ahhhhh. If only.

Always wanting your cake and eating it too.  Can you please treat us the same as men, but also think of us as needing protection?  Can you give us our independence but also always take care of us?  My God, how needy and hypocritical are we? hahaha.

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