Over the weekend, I was thinking about something. I don’t know how I feel about this yet, but I
want to pose this question:
want to pose this question:
Why do we call it
“clean romance?”
“clean romance?”
So, I am by no means offended by this term, because at
this point, it is a common industry label.
I have to wonder, though, why do we continue to call romance books “clean”
because it doesn’t have sex in it? Does
that necessarily imply that romances involving sex scenes are dirty?
this point, it is a common industry label.
I have to wonder, though, why do we continue to call romance books “clean”
because it doesn’t have sex in it? Does
that necessarily imply that romances involving sex scenes are dirty?
Since women are the primary consumers of romance novels of
all kinds, doesn’t this description perpetuate
the idea that women who enjoy sex are dirty for some reason?
all kinds, doesn’t this description perpetuate
the idea that women who enjoy sex are dirty for some reason?
I enjoy romance novels with and without sex scenes, and I
understand there is a significant need to label books. I am all for making reading a safe space for
all people, and if sex scenes make you uncomfortable for any reason, I fully
support a method of cautioning the reader.
However, by using the word “clean,” aren’t we, at least subconsciously,
condemning a reader who enjoys sex scenes?
understand there is a significant need to label books. I am all for making reading a safe space for
all people, and if sex scenes make you uncomfortable for any reason, I fully
support a method of cautioning the reader.
However, by using the word “clean,” aren’t we, at least subconsciously,
condemning a reader who enjoys sex scenes?
What do you guys think?
Am I overthinking this? Does the
label “clean” perpetuate a slut-shaming culture? Is there any other word that
could be used?
Am I overthinking this? Does the
label “clean” perpetuate a slut-shaming culture? Is there any other word that
could be used?
You're definitely not overthinking it. As a feminist sex blogger (and sex toy tester!) I cringe at the wording "clean" used to define a family friendly, safe for work novel as opposite to the "dirtiness" of all the erotic literature out there.
I would call those novels "family friendly" instead, or "safe for work", but not "clean" at all. Women enjoying sex, and why not, enoying masturbation thanks to an erotic novel shouldn't be considered "dirty" anymore!! It's 2018!
Miss Doll – https://missdollreviews.wixsite.com/sextoyreviews
Ok, well I replied to your comment days ago, but it's gone! Ugh.
I have had so many thoughts, especially since my degree in women's studies is making me think extremely critically about this. Even with all of my knowledge/learning on the subject, I am constantly dealing with thoughts of doubt about how sexual I can be. There is a tiny voice in the heads of many women, me included, telling us that enjoying sex makes us slutty. I don't want to perpetuate that, so I am really trying to examine where that thought comes from.
I agree with you, I think that by calling erotic fiction "dirty novels" and non-erotic fiction "clean" we're being insulting. Even on a sub conscious level. I can't actually think of another word to use for a "clean" novel! Maybe erotic fiction needs to be acknowledged more and have a scale, rather than being at the back of the book shop.
Such an interesting topic of conversation!
I don't know what else to call them. I know it needs to be an easy word bc clean is so easy and understandable, but I don't like being dirty for reading novels with sex scenes.
I feel like it's hard enough for women to stop feeling guilty about sex. I have been thinking a lot of ways that I make myself feel this way, and this discussion came to mind.
that is an interesting commentary on "clean romances". was thinking about "good girls" vs what the alternative would be recently too.
JOY at http://www.thejoyousliving.com
exactly! If you're not a good girl, are you bad? Why? What makes something bad?
It's strange to me that lack of sex is what makes a book clean. There can still be violence, murder, etc., but it's clean? When did sex become the moral standard?
I just thought about this the other day, too, since I wrote a review for a "sweet romance". I stumbled over the term clean cause, you're right, it does sound a bit like it's supposed to be better. "Clean" usually has a positive connotation.
However, dirty doesn't necessarily have a negative one. And I believe that to an extent words can transcend their literal meaning. If I write "the book was suuuper dirty" everybody knows what I mean and how I mean it (I think?). Plus, there's all the bodily fluids. So there's that. And the term will actually make it attractive to a specific group of readers.
You can have the same discussion about the word "naughty", too.
No one can shame me for enjoying smut. And considering how popular the genre is, I think womanhood has risen above it.
That being said, let's call it "sweet romance" 😉
I like the idea of sweet romance too. And I totally get it. I don't think it was intentional to shame people who read sexy books, but sometimes unintentional consequences are just as harmful as intended ones.
Glad to see you are not shamed by society, and you are so right that words transcend their meaning. This is why I wanted to start this conversation. Love hearing all of the different thoughts and opinions!!!
I LOVE this discussion! In fact, I've mentally had it more than a few times. But, I feel like often in my reviews I'm a bit more negative toward the so called 'clean romances' I'll end up saying things like "it was chaste enough to recommend to my grandmothers senior center book club." With steamier books it's more "your partner will love it as much as you do! You can thank me later."
In the accompanying article I will diagram a few hints on the best way to brief your picked architect and land the best position for your cash: logo design service