Does Eve = Evil?

According to Chapters 1-3 of the Book of Genesis, the biblical character of Eve is responsible for the fall of mankind. She allowed the serpent to trick her into eating the forbidden fruit, thus, opening up the world to sin and sexual desire...two things that did not exist in Eden. So, according to scripture, women have been punished by experiencing intense pain during childbirth and the husband will "rule over" her. How dare Eve eat that apple, and how dare Adam join her. The humans had not known the feeling of shame until that day in Eden. In today's world, references to Eve as associated with sex, sin, and deception continue to weave their way into popular culture images, as well as how we behave in everyday interactions. One popular image is that of the character "Poison Ivy" from Batman & Robin (pictured right). She is covered in green, earthy colors and symbols, but has fiery red hair and horns. Look familiar? Of course, Lucifer's horns. To me, this image represents the description of Eve from Genesis...she was "tempted by the fruit of another" and sinned, making her evil and sinister. Another popular symbol associated with Eve is, of course, the apple.

There are several places we find the apple as a symbol of evil in popular media. First, the show Desperate Housewives depicts all of the main female characters standing together, with one woman in the center holding the apple. Not only is this image representative of women as tempters of others, but the intro to the show even has an Eve-like lady appear while the opening credits are being displayed. Similarly, the new reality series "Real Housewives of [insert city]" has all of the housewives standing next to one another holding some sort of fruit. Reference to Eve? I think so. We do not see any men in these images. But why would we? We're the evil ones. Another example is the popular book and movie series, Twilight. On the cover of the book, and in the first of the four movies, 'Edward' (the main character, who also happens to be a vampire) is shown holding an apple, which he conveniently catches and presents to his mortal love interest. Though Edward is male, he is a vampire...and represents something dark and sinister...a damned soul. According to folk beliefs, vampires are "blood-sucking demons." We also see the symbolic apple in Disney movies such as Snow White. The image of the apple in reference to something evil has not lost its appeal since biblical days.

I will leave you with the song lyrics from an Indie rock band's (Bell X1) song 'Eve, the Apple of My Eye'...

You left it, I sent it
I want it back
You left it, I sent it
I want it back

If I had you here, I'd clip your wings
Snap you up and leave you sprawling on my pin
This plan of mine is oh so very lame
Can't you see the grass is greener where it rains

You left, I died,
I went and you cried
You came, I think
But I never really know
I've served my time
I've watched you climb
The wrong incline
But what do I know

Accept it, Don't let it
Turn the screw
Accept it, And let it
Scream back at you

Now this applies both equally to you and I
The only thing we share
Is the same sky
These empty metaphors
They're all in vain
Like can't you see the grass is greener where it rains

In the garden Snake was a charmin'
And Eve said let's give it a try
Now lead us not into temptation
But no matter how hard I try
When in the garden and
Snake is a charmin'
And Eve says let's give it a try
Eve is the apple of my eye

And I lie behind you
And a cradle you in the palm of me
And I pat your hair down
I think will we sink or swim?
'Cause we could do either on a whim

This song was played during a scene in the O.C. when two of the main female characters shared a lesbian kiss. Are you surprised? Those bad, bad girls!!