Overheard on another board: Female characters in fiction

[justiceischeap]

Last edited Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:20 AM - Edit history (1)

I must say I was shocked (naively so, I presume) when I came across a thread asking what attributes a female hero should have and some of the misogynist replies that were given. Apparently female fictional characters only have two options: sweet and kind or smart and sassy (that was the thread starter by a woman). This bothered me a bit, limiting what fictional female hero's could be but I don't think the OP was being malicious (or overly thoughtful) in the question she posed. What bothered me even more was the discussion that was born later in the thread about femininity and masculinity.

One guy declared all female hero's should be 100% female/feminine with only the BEST masculine qualities ("bravery, occasional detached violent tendencies and dry humor&quot . If a female hero is too masculine then she will "alienate male readers and confuse female readers" (our simple little lady brains couldn't handle it apparently). He later takes a swipe at clearly defined gender roles (he's totally FOR those clearly defined roles) and "who ever heard of a transgender hero?" Following up with "personalities should reflect their God-given design...i.e...being a female." I can only imagine what his idea of god-given female design is.

Another guy proclaims that the fictional female character's he writes must be f*ckable and "assertive without being pushy." The same guy also refers to female commenter's by appending "poo" to her first name (i.e., Cindypoo). This same commenter tends to refer to women as "dame's" as well and thinks the left is very intolerant when we challenge him on his comments.

And, apparently, some sweet and sassy fictional character's somehow lose their femininity along the way, some are "strong and self-assured but shy around men", or "weak and demure until the (male) hero brings out her strong side."

I was telling my (male) roommate about this this morning and he reminded me that we live in a very happy, liberal bubble which makes coming across these types of attitudes all the more shocking. Of course, I'm still shocked over some of the replies, though, I guess, I shouldn't be. I do know one thing for sure, the are two male authors I'll never buy books from.

BTW, I've debated about whether or not I should link to the site (it's for indie eBook writer's) and have decided for now not to but if requested, I will do so.

Edited to add:
The thread is 5 pages long and the horrible (and sometimes wonderful) comments are sprinkled throughout the entire thread