What inspired me to write this post is I have received a lot of questions from people in my life (those who know about my romance reading habits) about how romance supposedly contradicts with my more feminist viewpoints.
I realized I haven’t talked about politics at all on this blog, for obvious reasons since this blog is a book blog. But considering the current political landscape, I think it’s important for me to do my part and discuss how romance can still be empowering to women and addressing the “contradictions” that can seemingly occur between romance as a genre to a feminist woman.
What is Dark Romance?
Dark romance is a subgenre of fiction that explores themes of love, desire, and power in morally ambiguous or taboo settings. It is a contentious and divisive genre, with some readers finding it deeply empowering and others finding it problematic or even triggering. One of the reasons dark romance can be so empowering is that it allows readers to explore and confront their own desires, fears, and vulnerabilities in a safe, fictional setting.
How is it Empowering?
The presence of a “alpha” or dominant partner, who often wields a great deal of power and control over the other characters, is one of the defining characteristics of dark romance. In a society that often values female submissiveness and obedience, portraying a strong, confident, and assertive female character who takes control of her own desires and pleasures can be extremely empowering. This is especially true when the female character is able to subvert traditional gender roles and societal expectations, forging her own path in a world that is often hostile to strong, independent women.
The Forbidden Fruit
The presence of a “alpha” or dominant partner, who often wields a great deal of power and control over the other characters, is one of the defining characteristics of dark romance. In a society that often values female submissiveness and obedience, portraying a strong, confident, and assertive female character who takes control of her own desires and pleasures can be extremely empowering. This is especially true when the female character is able to subvert traditional gender roles and societal expectations, forging her own path in a world that is often hostile to strong, independent women.
Within boundaries, the darker aspects of human nature is okay and being more open about it can foster mental maturity
Furthermore, by definition, the dark romance genre allows readers to explore and grapple with the darker aspects of human nature, such as jealousy, possessiveness, and even violence. This can be empowering because it helps readers understand and accept their own darker impulses, as well as accept that these impulses are a normal and natural part of the human experience. The genre also provides a forum for readers to consider how these impulses can be destructive and harmful, as well as how they can be channelled into more positive and healthy forms of expression.
Despite this, caution is still advised
While dark romance can be extremely empowering, it is important to understand that it is not for everyone. The themes and content of these stories can be difficult, disturbing, and triggering for some people, so it’s important to be aware of these aspects while watching them. It is always important to approach fiction with an open mind, but it is also important to be aware of and respectful of your own boundaries and limits when it comes to the themes and content that you are comfortable exploring.
Ultimately dark romance can empower readers by allowing them to explore and confront their own desires, fears, and vulnerabilities in a safe, fictional setting. It also includes stories that explore taboo or “forbidden” desires and themes, as well as strong, assertive female characters who take control of their own desires and pleasures. However, keep in mind that these stories can be upsetting and triggering, so approach the genre with an open mind and be aware of and respectful of your own boundaries.
