ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author presents a framework—applicable to any text—that can help determine the extent to which media content perpetuates dominant ideologies. Identifying ideology is the first step in becoming a media-literate society. Using the SCWAMP framework, she shows that The Twilight Saga film series reinforces dominant ideologies. Heterosexuality is the hegemonic norm in The Twilight Saga, with the primary relational focus on the forbidden love between Bella and Edward. But these films also convey compulsory heterosexuality by having every primary character either involved with, pursuing, or avenging the death of a heterosexual partner. The Twilight Saga follows the same formula as many teen romance films, using rites of passage such as prom and graduation to maintain the focus on youth culture. Numerous examples demonstrate that Whiteness is most valued in our culture. In The Twilight Saga, the Christian ethos is best embodied by Edward Cullen. This is ironic, since vampires are soulless—and, by Edward’s own admission—damned creatures.
