It’s disheartening to know many people still feel ashamed or embarrassed for reading romance novels or admitting that they enjoy them. Covering a book because it’s not “discreet”? 👋 we’ve all done it. I’m not ashamed to admit it, but it’s time to do better.
It’s 2023, and we should have moved beyond letting men and misogyny make us feel guilty for our passions. Unfortunately, romance readers are often not taken seriously, and their interests are often dismissed as “fluff” or “dirty.” This subtle language continues to shame and devalue women and their interests and hobbies.
For decades, men have found ways to tear women down for their interests outside homemaking and raising children. This inherent misogyny in our society degrades and devalues women’s interests, even in our books and movies. Calling a romance novel “fluffy” or “dirty” sends a message that love isn’t important and is not of value, and it implies that a primarily female-read book is not as educational or important.
The word “dirty” used to describe romance novels implies that sex and female pleasure are dirty and not as valued, perpetuating a negative stigma surrounding female sexuality. In reality, romance stories are essential and should be valued, and women deserve to see how they should be treated by men and society. Women deserve to read about female pleasure and the pleasure they should experience with a partner.
Love stories are important, and reading a romance novel should not make someone feel embarrassed or guilty for choosing it over something else. Some of the most important lessons in life can be learned from love stories and romance books. It’s time to stop hiding book covers and start sharing the love for romance and steam.
Reading romance or smut does not make someone less smart, less happy, less educated, or less well-read. This negative stereotype is misogynistic and should be rejected. It’s time to stop calling romance novels “dirty,” “fluffy,” or “a timewaster” and treating them like they are not important or worthwhile. What does this say to young girls and young readers that are just starting to explore different genres and interests, when we tell them love stories (age appropriate obviously) are dirty, or not important, or not worth their time? What does this teach people about love?
Romance is the highest-grossing genre, surpassing thrillers by almost double. Romance readers even read more than people who read other genres. Overall, reading is down and author income is down, but for romance and romance authors, they are seeing increases. Romance is popular, romance is growing, and it deserves attention from publishers and bookstores.
Romance novels are important and deserve to take up space on shelves at bookstores and in our homes. They should not be hidden in the back corner. We should be proud to celebrate love, in whatever trope it comes in, and we should encourage others to do the same.
