What viable positive effects, if any, do you think chick lit brings to society?
It seems that many of them focus on themes of jealousy, materialism, poor self image (without positive solutions).
Examples are:
The Clique series
"The A List"
2007-07-30 07:54:16 · 9 answers · asked by Ralph 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The most positive effect is that it teaches young women that reading can be fun. Sure, some of it is salacious, but reading is better than sitting around and watching TV all summer. Even the most vacuous books can help young readers increase their vocabulary. If all young girls read are the expository texts or classics in school, then they aren't as likely to develop a love of reading. Fun books help them to associate reading with enjoyment and not just school work. We want our children to WANT to read.
Although I am not familiar with the books you mentioned above, many young women's books focus on themes that young women can relate to, which helps to stimulate their interest and lets them know that others deal with similar problems so they are not alone.
2007-07-30 08:05:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jessica A 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I agree with both Jessica A and alexeverwander. I think that these sorts of books can be good for girls, because, at least the girls are reading. Many girls find that they can relate to the characters in these books. If a girl finds a book that she actually enjoys, she's more likely to read instead of watching tv or IMing friends all day long. And we all know that reading is great. =)
But on the other hand, many of these books have negative, stereotypical views of women. As alex said, sometimes books put focus on women deferring to their husbands, etc. Also, the books you mentioned (The Clique, etc.) ... wow. As you said, many of them do focus on jealousy and materialism. TONS of materialism, haha. Everything is about clothes, money, shopping, and "hot" boys.
So it seems that chick lit can have both positive and negative effects on our society. It's up to the individual reader to decide for herself what type of books she would like to read.
2007-07-30 15:15:57 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ Dani 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I believe Chick lit is a disgusting representation of the female gender and influences the impressionable younger female generations in a negative way. The types of books clearly outline the female faults and highlights poor societal relations such as prejudice, bigotry, sexual harassment and disrespectful behavior towards authority figures and people with disabling problems (be it social, psychological or physical) in a positive light.
I don't condone stories that are written for entertainment. I don't expect books to be all morals and discussions of social issues. However, I do expect 'literature' to have a dimensional plot with meaning and a positive image. I understand the need to portray certain characters as jealous, materialistic...etc. However I do expect them to improve upon themselves.
2007-08-07 11:36:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good ones:
Nicholas Sparks
Emily Griffin
It depends on the maturity of the young reader. I'm 15, and I love Chick Lit, though I won't read stuff aimed at teenagers cuz of what you stated. But, in general, it all depends on the reader.
2007-07-30 14:57:38 · answer #4 · answered by Kiara 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Balance is the key, introduce lots of other literature, a well rounded reader is usually open minded and intelligent enough to apply the cold facts of knowledge to every day situations.....
2007-08-06 13:39:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Popular literature mirrors people's thoughts, it doesn't teach them how to think. If girls weren't already obsessed with self-image, jealousy, materialism, etc., then they would find those books stupid and boring. In fact, many girls DO find those books stupid and boring for that reason.
2007-07-30 21:02:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I think chick-lit can have a negative impact on young women's sense of choice about their future -- it seeks to limit them to the family-first, women must have babies and husbands attitude without letting them know that enormous opportunity for career, education, and individuality exists out there. I think women are too often portrayed as baby-machines and not enough as real human beings with accomplishments and aspirations.
2007-07-30 15:06:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
It's just reading. Females shouldn't lead their lives on what they read. I wouldn't worry about that...
2007-08-07 05:51:52 · answer #8 · answered by In A Moment 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Git-R-Dun
2007-08-06 18:31:12 · answer #9 · answered by book writer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋