Fearless Friday: Of Gender and Romance

[wordsrmylife]

Fearless Friday icon by garwlbanan

Yesterday two blog posts looked at romance in a way that feeds into the interests of "Fearless Friday."

The discussion began with the ever-astute Cheryl Klein's post "The Genius of Taylor Swift, and a Ramble about Romance."  (link) (I must say, I was thrilled to see the mention of Georgette Heyer, because I'm a

Comments

[philia_fan]

Ha, I had also linked to the Cheryl Klein post on my book community. Lots of good stuff to think about in both posts.

[robinellen]

Very interesting. I agree with the idea that each person finds different gender roles attractive -- and that it's often not based on what society claims should be attractive. Strong romances (to me) are those in which the two people (regardless of gender) see something beautiful in each other -- and even protect and encourage that beauty in a way no one else can. I really like the romance in Lo's Ash because I clearly see that happening :) Any romance I enjoy in books tends to have that aspect (meaning it's well-portrayed).

[wordsrmylife]

I absolutely agree with you about what makes a romance really work. It is that recognition of the other person, and being fully recognized by them that works so powerfully. (Next week's "Fearless Friday" is likely to be on why that topic.)

[annan_dum]

a) A thought-provoking Cheryl Klein post, I'll need to re-read it more deliberately.

b) I remember being 21 and being startled by the revelation that I would not - prior to all childhood assumptions - grow up to look like Princess Buttercup from "The Princess Bride."

c) You get points for using the word "galumping."

[wordsrmylife]

I am so glad to know I'm not alone in thinking I'd grow up to be a version of Princess Buttercup (you get points for referring to her and that movie). I never wanted to be blonde, but otherwise, yeah.