Author Shannon Hale posits that a core driver of why boys are discouraged from reading about girls is a deep, often unacknowledged homophobia. The fear is that if a boy empathizes too strongly with a female character, it might somehow alter his sexual orientation.
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The societal message that women should be quieter or less bold is a historical strategy for control. This fear is rooted in the perceived "safety" of conforming to unnatural, prescribed roles, making women believe the problem is with them, not the system.
The popular book series originated when Shannon Hale's daughter claimed princesses don't wear black. Hale realized this stereotype limited a girl's potential, inspiring her to create a superhero princess who is a "girl coming into her full power" and defies expectations.
While young men may be fans, it's their mothers who are the most effective supporters and advocates for addressing the issues facing them. Mothers see firsthand when their sons are struggling compared to their daughters, making them a powerful and credible cohort for advancing the conversation productively.
Galloway reframes masculinity away from aggression toward protection. He argues a man's default instinct, even without fully understanding a group like the trans community, should be to protect them from being demonized. This approach bridges traditional masculine ideals with progressive social values.
Contrary to the belief that banning a book increases its sales (the Streisand effect), the current wave of book bans is successfully creating a chilling effect. This leads to decreased sales and access for authors, particularly those from marginalized groups.
While the right promotes a flawed version of masculinity, the left's common response is to suggest men adopt more feminine traits. Galloway argues this is ineffective because it fails to offer an aspirational, positive vision of masculinity, leaving many men feeling alienated and unrepresented.
By signaling that stories about girls are not for boys, society discourages boys from exercising empathy for female perspectives. Author Shannon Hale argues this isn't just about book choice; it's a cultural practice that trains boys to devalue female experiences, upholding patriarchal power structures.
Unlike watching a movie as an observer, reading makes you embody the character, lighting up the brain as if you're living their experiences. This unique power to generate deep empathy is why books face such intense banning efforts from those who want to control who children empathize with.
Schools often stick to an outdated canon not by choice, but as a defensive move against parental fear and book-banning efforts. Author Shannon Hale argues parents are familiar with classics and view them as 'safe,' preventing teachers from introducing more relatable contemporary literature.
The system of American patriarchy, which elevates dominance, is detrimental even to its primary beneficiaries. It forces men to sever their natural connectedness to others and deny their own vulnerability, leading to negative personal and societal outcomes.