Diversity In Dark Romance And Why It’s Important To Read Diversely
In this article I will be discussing the significance of reading diversely specifically in the context of dark romance. In general, it is good to read stories that you inadvertently do not relate to, to understand other experiences, even in fiction.
In dark romance it is especially important to read diversely due to the fundamental basis of what the genre is. It is the pushing of boundaries of cultural and societal social norms in relationships as well as dark physical and mental plot lines. The boundaries of cultural and societal social norms are dependent on what culture or group individuals are in. An example of this would be status quo in the layout of relationships, interactions, etc.
I will cite anecdotal evidence for this As a Black Biracial women with family roots on seperate sides. The friends, familial, and intimate relationships between each other are different. This plays a role in dark romance when the characters are building a relationship. Although the typical norms are pushed, it is still rooted in culture. Aside from relationships, the way of life is different. In dark romance this can play into why crimes are committed or characters join organized crime and how they carry themselves.
The way of life between the two sides of my family has been one of my greatest blessings. Neither side is wrong in how they go about their lives. I’ve had a first row seat to see two different cultures, American and African American. It has enabled me to see life and fiction from a different lens, maybe one that isn’t even my own.
What’s dark romance without spice? Sex and the way these moments are written about is something that can be different between cultures. Reading is for experiencing lives you would not have otherwise even imagined. In dark romance pushing the typical narrative of intimacy can be based in culture. By simply reading more diverse stories = getting more knowledge on the intimate fun parts.
Dark physical and mental plot lines almost always involves some type of trauma. Trauma is very culturally significant and different ethnic groups tend to have different traumas that can often be carried generationally. In dark romance, that can look like what a character went through as a child or even as an adult and how it plays into who they are today. This scenario can give the reader insight to systemic issues that others may face.
In dark romance, reading diversely inside my culture has made me appreciate feeling seen. Reading diversely outside of my culture has given me a different perspective. Fundamentals of other cultures I would have never realized or been privy to before. Even though these texts are fiction, they are all based off of real life and created by a real person. I believe readers can gain small insights and new ways of thinking for their life’s and/or situations through reading. Dark romance has helped me in many ways and a huge part of that comes from reading diversely because it offers me a new perspective to think about.
This is why I think it’s important for dark romance lovers to read diversely because it can put you into extreme front view of another way of life. Sure, it can be shell shocking but the reader is already reading dark romance anyways.
Happy reading! Below is a list of some of my favorite BIPOC and latinx authors as well as some book boxes who frequently have diverse picks.
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BB Reid
Avina St Graves
Nouha Jullienne
Santana Knox
Elle Maldonado
Asia Monique
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Yo Leo Sola
Dark and Disturbed