Probably my first earliest memory about a literary experience took place in the third grade when I was about eight. The only reason it was memorable was because the teacher had a bookcase in the class where we could take out books. For some reason, I got into a reading competition of sorts with a classmate of sorts, Patrick. I managed to finish the entire Harry Potter’s series (or at least all that was currently released) with in about a week or two. Next, I tried to read the Narnia series, but, frankly, it annoyed me so much that I do not think I made it past the first few books. I just remember Edmund and Lily’s characters peeving me. Weirdly enough, I find myself hating a lot of female literary characters. I think it’s because I am so defensive about the portrayal of woman that I get snappish when I see a ‘woman’ who is fallible in emotional matters. Romance typically annoys me because it usually ends up falling into the usual pattern of gender roles, with the woman physically and emotionally dependent or used as a foil to exemplify the stolid and mature characteristics of the male character. A lot of the current novels are getting a lot better with portraying the growing equality between the genders. Still, I can never help but shying away from romance novels. I think I enjoy novels portraying gay couple because there are not gender roles to fall back on. However, they are typically a lot harder to find than novels depicting straight couples.
And tangent over.
Although I tend to actually enjoy romance- themed things including SOME novels (because I'm a sappy person), I can't help but feel the same way that you do. Women in general are portrayed as these weaklings who have to be "rescued" by a big, strong male character in order to feel important and strong themselves. Evn on television and movies they tend to portray women this way. Am I the only one that tends to be bothered by the stereotypical endings to romance movies? It always seems to end with the woman getting the man she wants. It's not how life really works. But yes I do understand your point about gender roles.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I managed to get through the entire Narnia series, though my awareness of gender roles in literature came a little after I gained a taste for good literature I suppose (think about it).
ReplyDeleteI often find stereotypical gender roles in literature annoying too, both out of being offended and more out of being patronized and bored to death with it: I can understand that there are equitable relationship dynamics, and teaching me otherwise is condescending (and so cliché!).
That said, I often have difficulty noticing these gender roles. It's partly because, in the books I usually read, romance is tertiary. And if it's in there I've been brainwashed to look into its non-interpersonal meaning, like its symbolization of the social contract or whatnot. I'm somewhat saddened to realize, just now, that I was annoyed more by Julia's [this is in 1984] dullness than the fact that her being dull (to me at least) was conforming to both gender roles and societal cues regardless of gender (like accepting Party doctrine).
I agree with you that women are portrayed as weak and helpless, but i do enjoy books on romance like the books by Becca Fitzpatrick. She writes interesting book and i like her way of showing both point of views of the love stories. When i was small i did want to finish books before all the kids in my class because you would get stickers and prices if you finish and if you finish first you would get to pick first, and these were the best parts of reading books.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I don't think I've ever read a novel in which there was a gay couple as the main two. Kinda makes you wonder. Maybe you should work on that! (even though you don't share my love of writing.) Also, you descriminate! You don't give all books fair opportunity. Gah! Though I understand. Female characters often annoy me too, as they tend to be weak and pathetic.
ReplyDeleteHeyo, it's Al. TTvTT You preach it, gurl! Baaah, we need an awesome heroine who swoops in and saves a man in a dress and high heels! ... Is that just me? It's probably just me. Oh well. Still, bad stereotypes, bad! Beat 'em with a stick! Yeeaaaah.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm gonna tell you right of the bat that I am a sucker for, really any, romance novel but I also agree with you on how women used to be portrayed as weak and reliant on men. But looking back now you can see the changes in society through novels and those women that always need a man have become a joke in the modern society. Back to the point, even with the lowly portrayal of women i still find romance books to be quite enjoyable. It just creates a little light of hope that fairy tales and happy ever afters can exist.
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