Monster Mondays: “Team Edward” vs. “Team Jacob”

November 24th, 2008 | By NiNi

A coworker was talking to me about how her daughter wanted to get a “Team Edward” t-shirt, and when she saw that “Team Jacob” tees were also available, she’d said, “Ewww. Who would ever want to be with Jacob?!” Equal parts Twilighter and horror nerd, I answered this rhetorical question as simply as the question, “Would you like paper or plastic?” It’s just that natural for me to talk about monsters and fairy tales the same way I talk about real-life people and situations… because at the end of the day, it really is all the same, and that’s why most people, whether they’d like to admit it or not, relate to monsters and fairy tales.

My answer was this: I personally have days when I’m “Team Jacob” and other days when I’m “Team Edward.” On days when I’d feel more inclined to be on Jacob’s side as one of the werewolf pack or pack-mates, I would be feeling a bit naughty, a bit ornery, a bit like I could easily snap somebody’s head off in an instant. Days when I’ve got a mean streak in me that I don’t want to ignore. Days when I just might finally tell those authority figures I’ve come to despise to fuck off, or days when I just don’t give two shits about what anyone thinks of my hair. Days when I’d easily go 10+ over the speed limit and rip up the speeding ticket, or take a one-way flight to anywhere and figure out how to get back once I’m there. Jacob’s werewolf archetype symbolizes rebellion in every sense of the term, from physical to emotional. In the novels, when Bella was in such a state that she wanted to experience danger and life on the edge, she wanted to be with Jacob. People that would rather choose “dare” over “truth,” that would rather be in a rock band than have a desk job, or that are constantly eager to explore new terrain and don’t fear risk? Purely primal, raw, sexual and impulsive… those people are “Team Jacob,” and I’ve got a lot of that in me.

Then there’s “Team Edward.” As a vampire, Edward’s been around a long, long time. He’s seen and experienced so much, he’s had the time to refine his supernatural gifts and has learned how to control his bite. He’s learned over time that often, restraint is tantamount to survival, and that destructive appetites do not necessarily need to lead to destruction. He may be seventeen physically, but in spirit, he’s wise way beyond his years. On days when I’m feeling like a part of Edward’s team, I would be more patient with people and myself, I wouldn’t reveal my hand too quickly, and I’d take things slowly. I would have a lot of wisdom to give, and I’d seek to learn things that would benefit my life long-term. My decisions would be measured and careful, my love would be loyal and committed. I would engage in an argument sensibly and respectfully, even if that person angered the piss out of me. Edward’s all about marriage and waiting for just the right moment to consummate his love. But make no mistake, he’s also very shrewd and powerful, it’s that his power is more hidden and quiet, which could potentially make him a more lethal adversary than an impulsive attack dog like Jacob.

At the end of the conversation, I’d told my friend that considering her daughter’s only thirteen, it’s probably a good thing that she prefers Edward over Jacob right now. And now you know: if you ever see me sporting a “Team Jacob” tee, you might wanna head for the hills… or get ready for a some good, mean, dirty fun… go ahead and try me. ;)

[ Twilight Official Movie Site ]
[ Stephenie Meyer Official Site ]