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Chicklit- reinforcing stereotypes?


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Ok here's a juicy question .

Does Chicklit do damage by reinforcing negative female stereotypes that young women then conform to unconsciously? Or should the whole genre just be dismissed as a bit of harmless fun? Just throwing the question out there.

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Harmless fun if you like that kind of book. My only problem with ChickLit is that it's very predictable, and that's why I don't read much of it. I don't think it does damage, because I don't think most people take it that seriously. It would come way down my list of things to worry about re negative stereotypes. Interesting question - I look forward to reading other people's opinions :) What are your thoughts on the subject VF?

Edited by Ruth
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Harmless fun if you like that kind of book. My only problem with ChickLit is that it's very predictable, and that's why I don't read much of it. I don't think it does damage, because I don't think most people take it that seriously. It would come way down my list of things to worry about re negative stereotypes. Interesting question - I look forward to reading other people's opinions :) What are your thoughts on the subject VF?

 

I think everything finds its own level. 

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My only experience with chit-lit is reading Mike Gayle's books and I don't believe he re-enforces any negative stereotypes, but I would say it's possible that chick-lit novels give readers unrealistic expectations for relationships.

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I think of the  relationships being sort of fairy-tales for big girls..I haven't met too many Prince Charmings (or Mark Darcys, to use an example from Bridget Jones) in real life..I've met many nice men but that's an unfair standard to hold them to..!

There's a lot of suspension of disbelief; for example I doubt that any knight in shining armour is going to come and sort out my finances any time soon ,or that  I'm going to get a wonderful job just in time to pay my debts....Sophie Kinsella's 'Shopaholic' would in real life be filing for bankruptcy..

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I think on one hand calling it "chick-lit" might put off some guys who would like to read the books too (I wish there was a better name for it). On the other, I love quite a few chick-lit books (Sophie Kinsella being my favourite author, so far), and wouldn't want to miss it. It's nice for when I want something more uplifting and cheery to read, something a bit easier on the mind (as opposed to say a very tech heavy science-fiction book or a fantasy book with lots of terms and knowledge, or an old classic etc.).

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I wouldn't say it does damage. Depends on people's frame of mind I guess, if that is right. It's like Ruth

 said, ChickLit is kinda predictable and so you instantly know the kind of stereotypes that are going to appear. And those who read  ChickLits know to expect that.

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I used to read these books when my daughter was a baby and I was too frazzled to read anything meatier..I found them fun and uplifting, sort of like a fancy cup cake..a treat, not a meal. . 

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There is 'chick-lit' and there is 'chick-lit'. As a teen I used to devour the Harlequin romances and found myself trying to find that perfect man-wanting that perfect romance. Life isn't like that. Which is why I think that people have to have two feet on the ground while reading. It's very entertaining to read. Sometimes the situations grab you because they are easy to relate to. It's mind candy. Which is why I love reading them every now and again. Depending on my frame of mind. Not all books rated as 'chick-lit' should be classified in the same group. Some are actually deeper.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Ok here's a juicy question .

Does Chicklit do damage by reinforcing negative female stereotypes that young women then conform to unconsciously? Or should the whole genre just be dismissed as a bit of harmless fun? Just throwing the question out there.

Very interesting question. Actually it's a genre I'd never read anyway. Stereotypes are sadly very firmly in place, both in people's minds and actions, and in how they view others. (They even find their way into the thrillers I read very often.) It's just easier for many to follow the crowd than to think and act outside the box.

 

Considering that and that comparatively few people read any more, I doubt such books are to blame though. So "harmless" is probably the most accurate verdict. And it's not as if all mystery thrillers were intelligent or non-predictable. I find Mary Higgins-Clark quite enjoyable on occasion despite her predictable formula.

Edited by SiameseCat
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