I’ve started losing interest in Twilight fandom, and it’s all because of the long awaited marriage and sex scene between Edward and Bella in the latest film, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.

In the books and movie, Bella wants more physical intimacy with Edward, but he says they must marry first. So what does Bella do? She rushes too quickly into marriage—a very serious thing—because that’s the only way Edward will have sex with her. Her only concern seems to be what will make Edward happy—not a good message to send to the fans. It’s frustrating that Bella’s character is portrayed as so dependent on Edward. He spies on Bella while she sleeps, dictates her choice of friends and encourages her to trick her father, among other questionable actions that make Edward a creep and not a healthy choice for a boyfriend or husband. But will girls and guys believe having a controlling and possessive partner means your partner “loves” you, because they see Bella and Edward’s relationship portrayed as “romantic”?

And what about sex? The sex scene wasn’t described in detail in the book or movie. But the aftermath was shown with the breaking of a headboard and Bella’s body covered in bruises. (Edward can’t control his superhuman strength during sex with a mere human. This makes me wonder: Does this leave people thinking a partner really desires you if he or she hurts you during sex?) While Edward is disgusted with himself because he has bruised Bella, she is happy they have finally had sex. One moment Bella and Edward are in total bliss, and the next they’re both upset. Communication before, during and after sex might have helped avoid some of the misunderstanding.

At first I thought the Twilight storyline was cute, and of course, I daydreamed about how lovely a vampire boyfriend would be, but when I actually thought about what Bella and Edward’s relationship is like, I really lost interest. (But Team Jacob all the way!)

—Casandra Fetchik, 17, Staff Writer

I’m definitely not a Justin Bieber fan, but I’ll admit the kid has talent. He blew up like nitro and is probably one of the most influential artists of his generation. Teens of all genders, ethnicities and races practically worship the ground he walks on. “Bieber Fever” isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. His film “Never Say Never” grossed $94 million at the box office to date and was released on DVD on May 13th. Check out this promotional trailer, featuring Jersey Shore’s Mike “The Situation,” which aired a few months ago when Bieber’s film first came out.

I don’t know about you guys, but the only thing this trailer did for me was disturb me. The Situation is sporting these corny, fake glasses to make himself look scholarly. But he just looks like a cheap, wannabe Hugh Hefner with his chest exposed, an unnecessary scarf and a beverage that appears to be alcoholic. The only thing “Professor Situation” is teaching Bieber followers is how to “pimp.” He suggests that Bieber’s movie plus Valentine’s Day equals “Situation Zone” in the back of the theater, aka a make-out session.

Justin Bieber is a powerful kid who can sell out Madison Square Garden in a mere two days. The Situation, on the other hand, is a clown. He shouldn’t be advertising anything except new Jersey Shore episodes and cheap protein supplements. The Situation is a self-proclaimed “playa.” Is this who Bieber—with millions of young girls as fans—wants to associate with?

I wouldn’t want my child or even younger sibling seeing a G-rated film endorsed by Mike “The Situation.” He’s promoting Bieber’s film as something kids can go to just to make out during and nothing more. I understand Bieber is trying to appeal to older audiences as well as the younger ones, but collaborating with The Situation is not the way to go…at all. Come on now, Bieber.

—Clarence Williams, 18, Staff Writer

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” That’s one of the main lessons that we learn from the classic Dr. Seuss book Horton Hears a Who! The new movie based on the book still carries the message of accepting people for who they are, but some protesters are using this famous quote to support the belief that abortion is wrong.

Dr. Seuss wasn’t talking about embryos and fetuses when he wrote those famous words; he was making a point about accepting people that are different from you and are often overlooked and unheard. It’s also important to know that Horton Hears a Who! was written in 1954, long before the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that made abortions legal in the United States. Seuss didn’t support the anti-choice movement and neither does his widow—a proud supporter of Planned Parenthood.

If you check out the movie, listen carefully for the famous phrase, “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” And remember what the good doctor had originally intended: No matter how we feel about abortion—whether we’re pro-choice, anti-choice or anywhere in between—we need to respect the decisions of others, no matter how different they are from our own.