Two oppositions presented in the book are normal vs deviation. Through the character of Lisbeth, we can a clear message of deviation both socially as well as cognitively. However, this opposition is presented not to establish that one is right, or one is wrong but to instead show the spectrum of personalities. Furthermore, this book advocates the breaking of stereotypes. Martin, a seemingly responsible and kind character turns out to be the serial rapist and murderer. Lisbeth, is initially perceived as a social deviant that is daft and contumacious. Although she is by know means a conformist, her appearance repeatedly misleads assumptions made by outsiders. Banal, but, "don't judge a book by it's cover." It acts to strip away the negative connotation of deviant, or different from what is normal.
However, this book solidifies a stereotype. Sexual deviation has often been used to demonize individuals as seen with the Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill. This is in part due to the fact that the most "deviant" behaviors are often shared by the fewest people. The fewer the people, the less likely the majority comes into contact with them. Therefore it can establish an "us" and "them" mentality leading to hostility and lack of empathy. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo demonizes those who practice S&M. Not does Lisbeth's guardian a practices of S&M who rapes her, but also Martin who is the serial rapist and victim. Through the presentation of S&M, it would seem that Larsson betrays his own true feelings. In the later books, (not that I've read them), Larson couples S&M with satanism completely demonizing the act. As seen in Laura Kipnis' Bound and Gagged, practicers of S&M are demonized. After googling "Stieg Larsson, S&M" I didn't find any group in retaliation of the books. I'm curious as to why this is. No formal S&M group? I'm misinterpreting this book's effects on stereotyping S&M?
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