Possessiveness, jealousy, emotional abuse and abandonment — these are not the things that add up to a good boyfriend or a healthy relationship. Because these are the only characteristics that make up Edward Cullen's brooding persona is the best reason I can think of to be a member of Team Jacob.
For any who have watched the latest movie in the series, "New Moon," it should be obvious who the more attractive of the two is. Jacob Black is tan, muscular and clean-shaven, while Edward Cullen is sallow, scrawny and weirdly hairy. Edward's tendency toward brooding might be because he knows his smile cannot compare to Jacob's. As far as I'm concerned, there is no contest when it comes to physical attractiveness.
But let's be honest — we all know physical beauty only goes so far. Personality is by far the more important attribute when it comes to a potential date. Fortunately, Jacob wins in this category as well. Where Edward is possessive, Jacob is protective. Where Edward is jealous, Jacob is patient. When Edward left Bella to her fate, Jacob was there to pick up the pieces and keep her safe.
The relationship between Edward and Bella is deeply unhealthy by all measures from the very beginning. This should be obvious, as it eventually leads to Bella's "death" (sorry to spoil it). Bella is forced to give up her soul and turn into something of the undead in order to maintain her relationship with Edward. Had she chosen Jacob, her fate would not have been quite so dramatic. Jacob requires nothing of Bella — not her soul or her life or even her love. He loves her unconditionally and in whatever capacity he can. Most important of all — he never abandons her.
Edward may tell himself he left to protect Bella, but how could he honestly expect her to remain safe without him there? It is Edward's presence in Bella's life that puts her in danger to begin with, making it his responsibility to keep her safe. Instead, he leaves her to die at the hands of a fellow vampire. Does that sound like the actions of true love?
Following Edward's departure, it is Jacob who picks Bella up and keeps her safe. He protects her from herself and from the vampires out to kill her. He cheers her up and keeps her busy while she begins to heal. He also quietly tolerates Edward's continued influence on Bella, always trying to put Bella's feelings before his own.
When it comes to the question of Team Edward or Team Jacob, the answer should be obvious. Jacob is selfless, kind and extremely attractive. Edward is selfish, manipulative and has the emotional range of a cereal box. There is no contest between the two.
Even if none of the above was true (which they are), werewolves would still be cooler than vampires. Also, according to the "Twilight" series of novels, werewolves apparently make for better cuddling, as the average body temperature of a vampire rests somewhere around freezing.
There are many things to admire and even desire when it comes to Jacob Black, and not so much when it comes to Edward Cullen. When faced with the choice between hot and cold, selfless and selfish, protective and possessive, which would you choose? Jacob is everything that is good and important in healthy relationships, where Edward is none of those things.
The choice should be obvious — Jacob Black is the better man (creature?).
- Jessica Hensley is waiting for her Jacob. Please send comments to opinion@spub.ksu.edu.
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