The Romance genre, though oft-denigrated by those unfamiliar with it, draws upon a wide range of scientific, cultural and even spiritual traditions in creating a uniquely feminine interpretation of the development of relationships between women and men. Through use of tropes, symbolism-laden phrasing, and evocative imagery, Romance writers -- whether through intent or artistic instinct -- skillfully weave such disparate disciplines as human biology, the cultural constructs of human relationships, and ever-changing feminine memes into rich, entertaining fiction that resonates within the reader's psyche.
Detractors misunderstand the Romance genre, frequently misinterpreting its motifs and imagery. They approach the genre on a superficial level, ignoring the archetypal substructures, the internal landscapes that parallel those of its devoted readers. They deride the formulas that, in variation, are employed in other, well-accepted genres: is the pattern of mystery discovered - clues examined - crime resolved any more 'worthy' than that of potential mate discovered - relationship developed - commitment resolved? Much of the derision Romance receives seems to derive from a generally misogynistic culture and its disdain for literature by and for women.
In spite of our sometimes-subtly, but pervasively misogynist culture, Romance lovers are anything but misandrist. They recognize the ways in which the male of the species has, over the ages, acted in ways that have broadened the gap between the sexes. They understand that, because of this, women's roles and interests are wrongly considered secondary. But they also know that women and men were meant to be united. They know the innate power of women to bridge gaps, to gently but forcefully promote their interests and enhance their roles. It is this power that is celebrated in the Romance.
Repeatedly throughout this series of essays, there will appear depictions of the degradation of women by their male counterparts. Remember that this is not, in its turn, a degradation of men. It is instead, clear statement of the underlying and overt situations that women have faced and still do face in their relationships with men. Far from being misandrist, Romance embraces the vision that men can develop to become worthy lifemates for strong women -- and, importantly, that they will develop enough to finally see women as the worthy life partners that they are. The strength of the Romance genre lies in its insistence that, despite the conflicts or adventures that face the hero and heroine, her innate feminine powers will inevitably join them as was meant to be.
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