On Vampires, Werewolves, and Woman's Rights

So the movie Eclipse is out, and I'm sure it'll break box office records. Millions of girls and women are going to see it over-and-over again, living in the romantic fantasy life of vampires and werewolves. I used to say that I didn't get the appeal of vampires but now, unfortunately, I do. Or at least I think I'm starting to get it. It's unfortunate because--if I'm right--it's a sad commentary on modern society. I've been told that what the vampire represents is a strong, protecting figure. Someone somewhat chivalrous, a man's man for a woman's woman, who knows how to treat a lady right. When I heard this, I said (in my head) a giant "WTF?!" Of course, I shouldn't have been that surprised. Romance as a genre seems to be rife with such notions. We've all seen it on the covers of so many Romance novels: a strong shirtless man with sweaty pectorals protecting an attractive, diminutive woman in a light, airy dress. In most Romances, the shirtless guys aren't werewolves. Take away the undead beings and the bare-chested shapeshifters and the Twilight Saga becomes just another Romance novel.

Why is all this unfortunate? Because if the male is strong and protective, does that mean that the female is weak and fragile? In Romances, it seems it often does. (A quick digression: I have never read, nor do I intend to read, any Romance, whether vampire or not. If that disqualifies me from commenting on my general perception of Romances, then so be it. I'm willing to hear alternative perspectives on Romances.) Chivalry is an archaic concept borne out of an age when women were considered property expected to pop out as many children as possible and run a household while their men were out either farming or fighting or fucking the town prostitute. How romantic! I understand that "chivalry" is often meant "to treat women with kindness and love." You should do that with anyone anyway, not just women with whom men are romantically attracted to. But modern "chivalry" still includes the implication that women are subservient. One of the main criticisms I've head about Twilight is that Bella is so timid and Edward is overbearing and overprotective. While there are some women who think it nice to be some sort of prize or trophy wife, there are many who do not. I worry that--with the success of the Twilight books--too many will think like the former and not enough like the later. And that is truly unfortunate.