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

[halimede]

Actually, I think you explained your view pretty clearly and I am very much in agreement with this. See also the conversation above between snowgrouse and me about femslash and why there isn't as much.

There are only a couple of points where I'm not sure if we are. I can't tell if you're saying that this is inherent in women (I don't think it is, I think it's a product of culture) and whether it's inevitably so (I don't think it is, I know women who don't feel that way, especially if they're in a situation/community where they *won't* be punished for it). I'd also add that it isn't necessarily the problem that a female reader feels this way about women herself, but that even if she doesn't the looming disapproval of wider society kills the sexiness. Hard to feel turned on when you're worried the character might be ratted out and be bullied --or worse-- at work. Note that those are worries for gay characters as well. But same sex love is something you can stand up for and be proud of. I think it's easier to say 'I'm gay (of whatever gender) and I'm proud' than it is to say 'I'm female, I love sex and I'm proud'.

And that is one more reason why I think same sex romance appeals to women: These are characters who have to consciously choose and fight for the desired expression of their love. Moreover, they have a reason to be proud, and a community to back them --even if very little fic actually deals with queer community.

Mind you, I wasn't saying that my post above is the One True Reason why all women like slash. I think there are many different reasons, the ones you eloquently describe among them. But I figured out that this one {points up to own post again} is part of it for me, and I don't think I've heard/read anyone articulate this before, and I wondered how it resonated with other people.

[lisan]

Re: culture -- yeah, that's why I had that culture disclaimer there, and why I said we'd probably disagree. And I'm not really discussing the challenges of homosexuality in society as much as how I perceive same sex relationships with regards to my enjoyment of slash, taking into consideration my culture/upbringing, i.e, the dynamic between the characters themselves and how they relate to me. I think every relationship whether "traditional" or "homosexual" has its challenges. The same challenge could be said of interracial or inter-class hetrelationships, for example (which we still ahve here, backward country that we are) relationships, for example, the having to fight, make a stand, wanting to marry someone not "acceptable" etc etc.

[halimede]

and why I said we'd probably disagree

Not as much as you expected, I don't think. :) And dude, all because I said that calling JC a girl was a bit much when he was clearly a frigging dramaqueen instead, in the fic you kept disparaging when I fucking loved it! *g*

I think every relationship whether "traditional" or "homosexual" has its challenges.

I would agree, but I do think those challenges play out differently.

[lisan]

Oh no, sweetie, that was you=modern European, me=traditional Asian and repressed Roman Catholic to boot. And possibly because so many people bitch when "writers wrie girls with dicks I wanted to give them a heads-up and save myself a few flames. I break so many fanfiction "don'ts" it's a wonder people still read my fics. ;P

I would agree, but I do think those challenges play out differently.

I agree, as I agree about everything you said about the "challenge" of a homosexual relationship being one of the reasons people like slash (and the reality of it in real life,) I'm just pointing out that as far as fics go, a het relationship can be just as complicated as far as societal acceptance.

This is a long conversation for people who actually agree, isn't it?

[halimede]

I break so many fanfiction "don'ts" it's a wonder people still read my fics. ;P

Must be your innate brilliance. :)

the "challenge" of a homosexual relationship being one of the reasons people like slash (and the reality of it in real life,)

Whoa, I'm not sure I'd agree that the challenge is a draw in real life. Not for the people I know (it's usually a pain in the ass instead), and the Netherlands are a very tolerant place.

This is a long conversation for people who actually agree, isn't it?

Hee! It really is. But as long as we're having fun, why not? :)

[lisan]

No, I meant I agree about the reality of the challenges in real life, not that it's a draw.

I haven't slept yet, sorry.

[halimede]

Ah, okay, gotcha. And no problem. This really *is* getting to be a long conversation for people who agree a lot. "" ;)