Comments on: The Hidden Dangers of Romance Novels, or, Convenient Sexist Theories of Literature

By: Cara

Cara — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:41:20 +0000

Oh,no. The secret is out. Romance novels turn (some) women on. The horror. Think of the children!

Funny how these idiots aren’t concerned about the ACTUAL women harmed by mainstream porn, or about men having unrealistic expectations of their wives as a result of watching it. No, that’s all good. But Mommy can’t have a hobby because that means her mind is off her role as Family Freestanding Appliance.

By: Skada

Skada — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:53:53 +0000

I tend to stay away from romance novels because the ones I’ve read usually involve a lot of body shaming. The man telling the woman how wonderful it is that he can put his hands all the way around her waist, pick up her up like a feather pillow, carrying her across a field, etc. Or the main woman trying to decide who is and isn’t competition for her man, and figuring so-and-so isn’t anyone to worry about because she’s so fat, etc. I always end up feeling horrible about my body afterward, so I’ve sworn them off.

I’m sure there are good ones out there, though….

By: Phoenix Talon

Phoenix Talon — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:17:59 +0000

Honestly, that’s a little strange, as it’s the exact opposite for me. I’m a trashy romance novel buff and I’ve noticed I read them more when I’m single than when I’m dating someone. I’ve certainly not looked at a guy and thought, “Well, since you look nothing like Fabio, I think I’ll go back to my ten cent novels, kthanksbye.”

By: Ms. M

Ms. M — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:26:29 +0000

OFFS.

I’ve only heard that women SHOULD read romance novels (recommended by sex therapists) to learn new sexual techniques, and what might satisfy them. ie, exploring new sexual ideas.

By: annajcook

annajcook — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:40:30 +0000

I remember the first time I heard this “romance novels are eeeevil” argument back in college, from an ex-gay activist who came to speak on campus (don’t ask). My friend had to forcibly restrain me from leaping out of the balcony and shaking some sense into him

and as a seventeen-year-old, I didn’t even really know why it was creepy — I just knew it was. Now I’d say it’s the demonization of sexual pleasure wholesale. Distinct from, say, a critical analysis of gender roles in romance fiction — which I think is awesome and doesn’t have to be ultimately censorious.

By: Endora

Endora — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:32:01 +0000

Wow, it’s like Madame Bovary, with 100% less irony, good writing, thoughtfulness and general awesomeness.