Oct 28 2008
Reading, Always a Good Look
My recent post about the gender gap in reading provoked plenty of comments that people should follow their own interests, regardless of gender. this is, of course, true. Although I still think that if there is a big gender difference in an activity, consideration should be given to whether there is an unfair gender barrier.
If reading is becoming seen as a ’sissy’ activity this would be a backwards step for any modern society. If it is seen as shading towards feminine but not in a way that would embarrass a male reader, then that is not a problem. A predominance of interest by one gender should never act as a barrier to another.
For me, reading does not feel ‘gendered’–but an activity equally admirable in either sex. When I look through my collection of antique and vintage photographs, a photo of a reader always strikes me as being particularly attractive.
I mean this lady looks beautiful, engaged by the world within the book and hardly noticing her surroundings.
And this older gentleman certainly strikes a scholarly note, even in an informal outdoor setting, partly by virtue of the volume in his hands. …And finally what about these guys (below)? They look plenty masculine to me, reading together at the table with what looks like a bottle of beer between them.
So the bottom line for me is this: Reading, a Good Look for Anyone, Any Place, Any Time.
(p.s., to the guys, it totally impresses the chicks ;)
It is really interesting though that book-reading has become a more and more feminine task in modern days… At least it has that connotation. Maybe due to the huge popularity of women-focused narratives and books aimed for women audiences… or maybe I’m just starting a chicken and egg situation here.
Jess
http://bookpublishing.today.com
The rolled cigarette and the giant beer bottle, plus those lantern jaws make it plenty masculine.
And yes, guys, not only does it impress the chicks, but women like me will actively try to look at what you’re reading to see if it’s something interesting I should read. How to pick up women….
*frantically scribbles down notes*
Give us manly men!… Personally I love to be read to and my best friend, periodically reads to me over the phone, sometimes for hours.
He always has a book in his pocket, under his arm, or in his hand. I can attest to the quantities of books he carries from slogging a duffelbag between the two train stations in Chicago. It’s only a block and a half, but fifty pounds of books is really heavy.
Read to me anytime, the best foreplay a girl could have, Msp.