Haters gonna hate: defending the value of a romcom
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Hey, you there! Yes, you! Do you enjoy reading a romcom? Shame on you! Don’t you know that real intellectuals only read heavy, dense, and complicated novels?
Well, let me tell you something: haters gonna hate. Romcoms have value, and it’s time to defend them from the snobbish critics. I’ve written a few, and so I’m appointing myself today’s random expert.
Ease of access
First of all, most romcoms are easily accessible. They don’t require the reader to have a PhD in literary theory or spend hours decoding obscure jargon. Anyone can understand them, regardless of their level of education, age, or background. And that’s a good thing.
Why should we make reading an elitist activity? Reading is for everyone, and easy reads are a great way to introduce people to the joys of literature and knowledge. They can be a stepping stone to more complex work or a pleasant way to relax and unwind after a long day.
The entertainment value of a romcom
A romcom also has entertainment value. It can be fun, funny, witty, or poignant. A good romcom can make us laugh or cry, teach us new things, dig into deeper issues (it’s not all pink flowers and designer handbags), or entertain. That’s what reading is all about enjoying the ride.
Of course, not all romcoms are created equal. Some can be formulaic, predictable, or shallow. But that’s true for any genre or style of writing. Good writing is good writing, regardless of its complexity or simplicity.
Changing lives
And without wanting to get all deep and meaningful on your ass, romcoms can change lives. They can educate, inform, or inspire. A story that resonates or opens your mind to someone else’s world might help you make better decisions or broaden your horizons.
Rebuilding Alexandra Small draws readers into a woman’s road to recovery as she navigates the challenges of life after losing her job, her husband, and her self-esteem.
You don’t need to read a 500-page tome on culinary science to learn how to cook spaghetti bolognese. You’ll find a simple recipe online and follow the steps. The resulting dish may not pick up a Michelin star, but it will satisfy your hunger.
So, next time someone sneers at you for reading a romcom, smile and ignore them. Or add them to a list of people you plan on shaming at some non-specific later date. There are skeletons in EVERY closet. Nobody does revenge better than someone versed in the way of a great rom-com hero. Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and the worth of a text is in the eye and mind of the reader.
Keep reading what you enjoy, whether it’s a classic novel, a self-help guide, a romance novel, a science fiction story, or a simple blog post. Keep learning, growing, and exploring. And don’t listen to the haters. They going to hate, but you are going to read.
