Kristen Stewart, torn between Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner in David Slade’s upcoming The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, graces the cover of the July issue of Elle UK, which came out on Wednesday, June 2.
While interviewed for the magazine, Stewart made the mistake of speaking her mind. Worse: she made the grievous faux pas of comparing fame to rape. The Internet — the gossip buzzards are ever ready — has been teeming with articles berating the actress for her "unfortunate," un-p.c. analogy and "poor choice of words." [Correction: Stewart was actually comparing the paparazzi assault, not fame, to rape.]
Here’s what she said, via The Huffington Post:
On the media:
"It really bothers me when people write nasty shit about me and the perception is that I don’t give a fuck. It could not be further from the truth. Your little persona is made up of all the places that people have seen you and what has been said about you, and usually the places that I am are so overwhelming in the moment and fleeting for me like one second where I’ve said something stupid, that’s me, forever."
On the paparazzi:
"What you don’t see are the cameras shoved in my face and the bizarre intrusive questions being asked, or the people falling over themselves, screaming and taunting to get a reaction. The photos are so … I feel like I’m looking at someone being raped. A lot of the time I can’t handle it. It’s fucked. I never expected that this would be my life."
I may be one of the few who found Stewart’s fame/rape analogy both intelligent and graphically to the point. I’ve seen the paparazzi at work. It’s both disturbing and repulsive. Those criticizing Stewart have been twisting her words, making the 20-year-old actress sound insensitive and immature. Actually, what she said is anything but.
Unfortunately, most people don’t have the mental capability (or the willingness) to understand either metaphors or the fact that one can be emotionally and psychologically raped, insisting that the word be used only when relating to vaginas or anuses. Those people are incapable of grasping that rape — painful intrusion, invasion, aggression, disrespect — can and do occur all the time in ways that have nothing to do with sex. Much like the most obscene forms of behavior occur when people are fully clothed. And I’m not referring to kinky sex here.
Bankers didn’t take their clothes off when they raped the world economy (and the livelihood of millions of people) not that long ago. The Gulf of Mexico is being raped by British Petroleum’s oil geyser. People can have their psyche raped by, say, religious dogma — just try growing up gay while attending a traditional, say, Christian or Muslim school.
As a result of the popularity of some of Alt Film Guide’s posts on Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and the Twilight Saga, I’ve been reading more about those actors. The more I learn about both Stewart and Pattinson, the better I like them and I gotta say, the more I wish them luck in their careers.
Unlike other successful young performers, they come across as unaffected, intelligent, and (mostly) honest. (See "The Pattinson-Stewart Affair.") Also, considering the anti-Twilight backlash out there — the likes of which I’ve never seen before against any successful movie franchise, no matter how rotten — I root for them the way I almost invariably root for the underdog. (Admittedly, those are rich, good-looking, pampered underdogs.)
according to merriam webster the word “rape” can also include: “an outrageous violation”
Thank you so much! Great job. I’m glad, there are people understanding allegories and comparisons.
Does no one see this was her way to tell how she feels about the paparazzi and how they invade her privacy.
I guess she knew what she was saying. Remember Speak?
Who likes being tracked and photographed everyday – especially on bad days?
You should be on national TV. I’m serious :)
When a woman is told by the paparazzi “Smile, or I will shove this camera up your ass”, I have no problem with her using the word rape to describe the experience. They say that, and they say worse, and they are physically threatening. Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of paparazzi tactics.
Thank you for an intelligent response to this whole miserable episode. I see that some readers STILL don’t grasp that Kristen’s statement was not about fame, but was about the experience of being papped. You can lead a horse to water…
Quote: Unfortunately, most people don’t have the mental capability (or the willingness) to understand either metaphors or the fact that one can be emotionally and psychologically raped, insisting that the word be used only when relating to vaginas or anuses.
It’s not that people lack the mental capability to draw a correlation between rape as a metaphor for the belligerent behaviour of the paparazzi and Kristen Stewart’s comment. The issue is that most people are intelligent enough to think of better metaphors and find Kristen’s use of the word as idiotic. To reduce other people’s arguments and offense to Kristen’s rape analogy to a lack of intelligence or understanding shows your own simplification of the debate. While the actress has been unfairly criticised before, this is one time she has actually managed to be truly offensive.
I also take issue with another poster’s comments that “Not many people are well read like Kristen”. I wasn’t aware that reading made you morally superior and gave you a right of passage to make inane remarks. I would assume with a PhD under my belt, I would be as well read as Kristen, maybe even more so. I am educated enough to know what a metaphor is too. And I still find her comment offensive.
Great posts… i’ve actually heard this all the time, that Rob and Kristen are interesting people… and its true… they always get the attention of people even the nontwi fans regarding on what they might say in interviews… unpredictable but REAL… i love them
Thank you so much for this article! I fail to understand how Perez, someone who has dealt with criticism due to his sexuality, continues to criticize Kristen! I mean it’s crazy how people how have been singled out can do the same to another person, especially someone so talented and humble as Kristen!
As far as I can see,the only crime Kristen Stewart has committed is to credit the public with a greater grasp of the English language than is evidently the case.The term “rape”,in the context she used it,is absolutely correct and fair.Unfortunately,given the modern connotation the word tends to create a very emotive reaction. I find it extremely sad that an intelligent young woman should be pilloried in the media for making a very valid and long overdue,point. She is not the only celebrity to experience this unacceptable level of press intrusion, she was simply misguided enough to forget momentarily that everything she says is taken completely out of context. I find it amazing,given the number of ludicrous and far more inappropriate comments, made by some of her less articulate contemporaries,often intended purely to generate additional publicity for themselves, that this genuinely likeable,thoughtful and caring young woman should be subjected to this kind of backlash for simply being honest. Perhaps she simply hit a little too close to home for some sections of the media.
Thank you Andre for all your intelligent posts regarding the Twilight phenomena. I started obsessively reading about the stars about a month ago and have gotten truly disgusted by the way the actors’ words have been misquoted and misinterpreted. It is lovely to read someone (you) who can write well, understands what the stars have actually said and provides smart analysis. Keep up the good job!
Great post, I couldn’t agree more. I think it was a perfect metaphor that, to me, obviously had nothing to do with the sexual definition of rape. So many people willfully ignore the point she is making as well as the existence of metaphors.
I think it is sad that she felt the need to apologize for this. Stifling of intellectual progression if you ask me.
Thank you, I came to the same conclusion that you did when I read about Kristen’s comment on rape and fame. Glad to know that I was not the only one.
Interesting how the posting rules states no rude and abusive comments and that different opinions are welcomed, yet in your article you put down the people who don’t share your opinion about Kristen’s remark by making a snide remark about their mental capability.
It’s doubtful that if someone came on here and said that about you and others who see nothing wrong with the fame/rape metaphor, you wouldn’t find it rude and abusive.
I specifically liked this passage, “Unfortunately, most people don’t have the mental capability (or the willingness) to understand either metaphors or the fact that one can be emotionally and psychologically raped.”
I first read Kristen’s comment in its origianl context and I instantly knew that “most people” would holler and misconstrue – don’t worry Kris – there are intelligent women, hardcare feminists even, who got it, get it, and love you.
Thank you so much for the article. I am a survivor of domestic abuse and I appreciate it. Few may understand the invisible aspect of regular verbal and emotional assaults, but they are the most damaging and difficult to heal for me. I still struggle with it long after the bruises faded and the physical assault was mostly behind me. I couldn’t smile or leave the house the next day like she does, or face any scrutiny and I’m inspired by her. She helps me as an example; so, I never thought an apology was necessary. On the contrary, I’d like to thank her no matter what “advocacy groups” may claim in my name.
You nailed it Andre..I totally agree..People should be aware that rape is not exclusive to sexual assault, and i think that the word “rape” based on the context of what Kristen Stewart said was not even politically incorrect. It was used as a “figure of speech”to describe the atrocities that she experienced in the hands of paparazzi. It’s kind of similar, but on a different spectrum, on how author Iris Chang used the word rape in the title of her best-selling book “The Rape of Nanking”, the book was critically acclaimed and no one was offended by the word “rape”.
People are just too sensitive to make a big deal out of what Kristen Stewart said. We cannot fault her for being honest and real (she’s one of the few in Hollywood). I admire her more because she was never superficial, never sugarcoat her words and definitely not a fame/cam whore .
I agree with you – her words are being twisted and now posted even on the AT boards. I don’t see how an apology is needed for this. Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure she appreciates it too.
Just perfect. Congratulations on your excellent article
I think most intelligent people understood what she was trying to say. Some people just choose to take her words at face value and twist them around because it’s easier that way to make a news story. She is a very talented actress and I know of no one who was offended by her comment. The paparazzi do violate people on a daily basis and I’m glad she is taking such a strong stance.
really great points. I get why it’s forbidden to use that word publicly like she did–it’s a loaded word that can only mean one thing to many people, thus not the best word choice. But you are so right in your points. I agree-learn how to use a metaphor.
200% agree!! why don’t others have a positive thinking like us and sadly the grown-up are the most criticized her.
sorry for my bad english ^^
Well said. Wonderful article. Reading Comprehension and not taking things out of context. VERY Wise.
It’s a shame a few choose to bash her over whatever they can. That shows their maturity level.
Wow, I’m amazed to read an intelligent article by someone who gets things like metaphors. I was trying to argue this point with someone the other day. I found her use of the word rape to be perfectly legitimate and well used. I’m disappointed that we are seemingly not allowed to use words people don’t like even when it’s used correctly. Well, the way the paperazzi works these days is a type of rape. Definitely obscene. I’m not a proponent of the mindset that says since you’re famous you have to put up with photogs no matter how obscene or intrustive they might be. I think they owe us the best performance they can give. Maybe even a photo shoot or two. Anything else is icing and to say that they no longer have the basic human rights most of us have is just insane. Thanks for recognizing that these two, Stewart and Pattinson, in spite of their youth, beauty and wealth, are the underdogs in this hollywood game. There are too many who feel that anything goes when it comes to Twilight.
Great article.
Thank God there people like you! Your article fantastic!
Thank you for such a thoughtful post. You have provided an intelligent, succinct summary of the EXACT way that I feel, both about Kristen’s metaphor and about Kristen and Rob in general. Your points need no further embellishment.
And I would much, much rather read the authentic – if sometimes bumbling – words of someone like Kristen Stewart than the bland, plastic messaging that some of her over-trained peers offer.
Thanks again. Many of us don’t have an outlet to express our views widely; seeing this article makes me feel like we’ve been given a vicarious voice.
Thank you, thank you. I have been shocked at the ridiculous ranting and raving about what Kristen said. She was absolutely right in what she meant.Rape is a violation of the mind, body and soul. Kristen has been cornered, yelled at and provoked by the paparazzi. If i were her i would have bashed one of them by now. She is a very intelligent girl and a very good young actress. Unfortunately, like any girl who dates or is in close contact with the current hunk she is picked on and analysed to death.
Well screw them. Thank you again
I agree with everything you’ve said. Not many people are well read like Kristen. They only see the word rape as one thing and one thing only. I understood what she was trying to say. It’s too bad others who don’t or even those who did, but took the opportunity to try to degrade her because of their hate for her. Envy at it’s worst.
I love how you seem to think that anyone who thinks it’s a bad analogy just doesn’t get it. Actually, you think they don’t have the mental capacity to understand metaphors or the idea of emotional/psychological rape (for the record, the context of her analogy, saying it’s like watching someone being raped, that did imply physical rape even if the analogy was being used to compare the emotions involved).
I’ve been defending Kristen when people make hater comments about her poor word choice – but I can defend the girl without approving of her analogy. It was a bad analogy to use.
I know her comparison was referring more to the feeling of violation (which would’ve been the perfect word choice for her to use, actually) but the similarities end there. Rape is a brutal and violent crime and there is no good side to it. Paparazzi are one of the downsides of fame, but there’s the flip side of the coin where she’s getting to do what she loves and gets paid a hell of a lot of money to do it, there is no bright side of rape, it’s all bad.
Being in this business was her choice, she’s grown up in a world where we’ve seen what the paparazzi and tabloids can do, we’ve all seen people like Britney Spears being torn to pieces and broken down by them. That is one of the possible consequences of fame (as messed up and awful as that may be), but every famous person made the choice to be in the business anyway. Rape victims had no choice at all and rape goes way beyond just a sense of violation.
I understand Kristen’s analogy and that she didn’t mean to belittle the suffering of rape victims, which is why I defend her and why I don’t think she’s an awful person because she messed up with that poor word choice, but it was a bad analogy for her to use (and that applies to anyone using rape analogies in that kind of context, not just Kristen).
great post indeed!
Thank you-at last ONE intelligent and with a simple and quite obvious explanation of the sheer hypocrisy article!I’m appalled with the attacks this young girl has been getting because she just expresses her feelings as if she doesn’t even have the right to do so. The hypocrisy in full force…
Very well said Andre. I absolutely agree with everything you said.
And it’s very good and a relief to know that there are still very intelligent and talented young actress, like Kristen Stewart, out there (even if they are just a few).
Thank you for such an insightful article. As a woman, I didn’t take offense to her usage of the word. I applaud Kristen for what she said about the paparazzi. People need to be mature and understand the context of how she described the constant invasion of her space.
great post, I’m rooting for them too.