Read an interesting article the other day about condoms and romance novels and there's been a bit of a firestorm around it. I must say, I am enjoying the conversation... Condom Usage in Romance Novels.
There was a little blame being thrown towards the novels that they portray their heroines as being mostly against using a condom when they meet the man of their dreams... and that it has a negative effect on the use of condoms in the real world... hmmm. While I believe we all must take personal responsibility for ALL of our choices, I think romance novels, TV shows, movies, etc have a profound effect on our society and should take the opportunity to make a positive impact on sexual health in this country...
I read a response to the accusation in another BLOG-Family Planning and Romance where the author took the side of "it isn't the book's fault that a woman decides not to use a condom" While intellectually I agree, I wonder if the Romance Novel World could be the format where a revolution could take place, that our heroines ALWAYS make strong choices to protect their sexual health, where even on another planet, and during a different time they would all use a condom, since the readers live here and now, and are facing STD epidemics, and a huge stigma against carrying and using condoms...
What do you think? Do you want to read about your Heroine pulling out her Just In Case compact out of her purse across a crowded dinner party? Winking at her lover because he knows what's in there? I do!! ;)
Of course I had a little something to say about it so here was one of my comments:
While I agree that the romance novel isn't to blame for the negative image the condom may have, we have an epidemic of STD's HIV that the romance novel world could have a very positive impact on. I don't believe her "study" is valid in any way but I'm glad it has sparked a conversation about women and condom use. I believe women have taken a back seat in their own protection for many generations because the man was supposed to always carry the condoms... women just don't have the luxury of ignorance anymore. Ignorance can have very serious consequences these days if not kill you. My mom and I went into business to create a way for women to carry their own condoms discreetly and beautifully Just In Case compacts - so that when she meets that hero who sweeps her off her feet sex can be a bit safer... Funny enough we were featured in the Daytime Emmy gift bags... basically the award show for televised romance novels and we were almost kicked out of the bag because the "powers that be" didn't want condoms associated with the Emmy's... We have a long way to go in bridging a bit of reality in our fantasy... daytime TV hasn't had the guts to do it yet... Maybe Romance Novels can lead the charge!! xo
No comments:
Post a Comment