Slash v. mainstream romance.

[halimede]

Okay, I've just had an odd thought about why I prefer most slash over most mainstream romance. Something I've not heard yet in a 'why slash?' discussion yet. (Though I may just have missed it, of course. If you've seen someone say something along these lines, please, point me to it

Comments

[lemniskate]

I agree, really. with a lot of het, they have to create the drama somehow -- because it's more exciting to have some barrier that keeps them apart. Age, class, parental objection, morals, jobs, *something*. He's the defense attorney, she's the prosecutor. He's a cop, she's a thief. His father killed her father. Her brother put his mom in jail. Or the simple, they just hated each other on sight.

with slash, the barrier is already there--that they're not supposed to be together, because society still doesn't really accept homosexuality, and the boybandish types especially, since their livelihood (and that of all the people who work for them) depends, at least arguably on how available they appear, how much of sex symbols they are, etc.

For me, my favorite slash has always been the set up where, the two may or may not have had some small level of non-het exploration, but they've declared and identified as straight for their adult lives. Then they meet, grow close, and the bond between them is so strong that it makes them want -- need -- to overcome every barrier that might be put between them, be it social class, background, or gender. Not so much "Only gay for you", but that their feelings for each other are so overwhelming that they overcome every objection.

anyways ;)

[halimede]

anyways ;)

Hey, feel free to chat about this stuff, it's what LJ is for IMO. :)
And yeah, it's a different type of obstacle, qualitatively, even. Interesting how that works.

[snowgrouse]

Agreed. And argh, with writing het I still think there's a terrible barrier there *not* to slip into Horrible Evil Patriarchal Roles, Mary Sueism or anything... I'm looking forward to speaking about this on a panel at Connotations...

[halimede]

{nodsnods} I actually wonder if that's why femslash is so much less prevalent as well. Since we want our blokes to be blokes, I guess we want our dykes to be recognizable women too. I read a survey recently where they found that gay guys are the least sexually jealous of any orientation. If they are, they are envious of guys who are confident and fun to talk to and who have good jobs that they do well at. Lesbians get insecure when their 'rival' is better looking. Culturally feminine insecurities hit closer to home *and* are more boring to read about because they're so familiar. Something for another post maybe, but one I'll need to think about more.

And ooh! Connotations. Sounds like *lots* of fun. :)

[snowgrouse]

Yes, you've hit the nail on the head right there. Bloody female socialisation. I know that yeah, gay blokes really aren't jealous and are most cool with open relationships and/or polyamory. I really envy that, damn it.

Only a week to go until I'm at jekesta's place and we can squee! We're both going to Connotations and me and Gina are doing a panel on HASH (het and slash, something that isn't entirely slash). I'll probably spend my time ranting about my own insecurities about reading Avon topping Soolin in bed (whilst, of course, outside the bedroom, she'd blow his brains out if he didn't respect her).

[halimede]

Ooh! I hope plenty of people report back. Sounds like a very cool con indeed. :)

[snowgrouse]

Yup, and there's boyband slashiness about too, from what I've heard.

Gods, I SO wish you could attend Redemption next spring. I'm sure you'd love it. And I'd love to meet you in person, too!

Hm, wonder when my sis is visiting Amsterdam--one of her best friends lives there. She complained that she couldn't find proper henna for me there, but that's bollocks. I should nudge her in your direction so I could get some proper stuff, damn it.

[halimede]

up, and there's boyband slashiness about too, from what I've heard.

Yeah, I just looked at the Connotations LJ, it sounds really terrific. :)

Gods, I SO wish you could attend Redemption next spring. I'm sure you'd love it. And I'd love to meet you in person, too!

You're making me smile, here. It probably won't happen this spring, but hey, maybe some time after that, who knows. :)

She complained that she couldn't find proper henna for me there, but that's bollocks.

Actually, I go all the way to Utrecht for it. I can give you the address of the store that has it, if you want. The health food stores here in Amsterdam have started carrying pure henna too, but it's pretty expensive.

Also, the husband might see a chance to get me to the post office tomorrow morning, so yay!