Today we continue tackling those negative stereotypes about romance. I will offer one, followed by what I think is a reasonable response. Since the goal is to present a united front, not create an army of rhetoric-spouting puppets, you should feel free to add your own touch. (If, like me, you have smartass and/or aggressive tendencies, just remember to wedge the thoughtful response somewhere between the sarcasm and jabs to the larynx.)
Negative Stereotype #5
I can’t believe you read that tripe / trash / smut / drivel.
Well-Reasoned Response
“That statement says two things to me: (1) You consider me a sensible person of intelligence and refined taste and (2) you consider romance novels to be nonsense produced for the dimwitted and culturally bankrupt. Either you’re wrong about me or you’re wrong about romance novels, and I assure you, you’re not wrong about me.
I’ve traveled the world and visited other eras through the pages of romance novels. I’ve learned about everything from candlemaking to running an orange grove. I’ve studied human nature at its most vulnerable and at its strongest, in its darkest moments and its most radiant. Through romance novels, I’ve been exposed to things I will never have the opportunity to experience, some I would never want to and some everyone hopes for.
There are many worthwhile things to be found in the pages of a romance novel. If that wasn’t the case, someone of my sensibility, intelligence, and refinement would not continue to read them year after year.”
Kerry’s Personal Touch
“I take it that when you read this book, you didn’t enjoy it. I had a sticky moment with that thing on page 73 myself, but overall I find it quite engaging. What about it left you with an overall bad impression?
Oh, you haven’t read it and are making a sweeping generalization about a subject about which you know nothing? Then shut the fuck up.”
Kerry’s Even Worse Response
I would never say this in a remotely serious context because it doesn’t do me or you or the image we’re trying to project here any good, but to me, the above statement fairly begs for a response of “Where do you think I got my encyclopedic knowledge of hawt sex?”
I’ve given this stereotype all the thought I can, and this is the best I can come up with on my own. Contribute your suggestions to the movement, and together we will construct the Ultimate Defense of Romance!
