A lot of UF authors seem to think that there can only be one Strong Female Character per book. This isn't Highlander. There can be more than one!
I wish authors would realize that there are ways to show strength other than by kicking all the other women down. Knocking over a straw man is not an impressive feat. There's plenty of ways to show inner strength, but that also requires being a skilled writer. Authors in many genres seem to think that the only way to make a female character strong is by making her reject that which is traditionally feminine (e.g. she doesn't wear dresses therefore she is tough). These characters are then praised for this. While it's fantastic to see more diversity in female characters, the problem is this also reinforces the idea that feminine = weak and the only way to become strong is by rejecting the feminine. It would be nice to see female characters carrying weapons or wearing jeans because their practical for the activity she's doing, not because she's trying to be the Special One.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2013-02-06 04:29 am (UTC)I wish authors would realize that there are ways to show strength other than by kicking all the other women down. Knocking over a straw man is not an impressive feat. There's plenty of ways to show inner strength, but that also requires being a skilled writer. Authors in many genres seem to think that the only way to make a female character strong is by making her reject that which is traditionally feminine (e.g. she doesn't wear dresses therefore she is tough). These characters are then praised for this. While it's fantastic to see more diversity in female characters, the problem is this also reinforces the idea that feminine = weak and the only way to become strong is by rejecting the feminine. It would be nice to see female characters carrying weapons or wearing jeans because their practical for the activity she's doing, not because she's trying to be the Special One.