Five Stereotypes in Young Adult Romances

 



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In high school I used to devour any Young Adult romance I could get my hands on. This was right around the Twilight frenzy, so most of these books were also supernatural themed (which could be it's own post about stereotypes). As a young adolescent, I didn't have much relationship experience to know that what these books preach about romance is completely false. No one falls in love instantly, love triangles aren't exciting or sexy, you don't need to be in a relationship to feel pretty/sexy/wanted, big romantic gestures are overrated, and falling in love won't fix all of your problems. Obviously it's not up to the authors to educate our youth on acceptable relationship expectations, but I do think that they hold some responsibility in what they put out into the world.

1. Instalove

What it is: Our couple meet once and are unbelievably infatuated with each other from then on.

Why it's problematic: Most of the readers who read YA are still in high school. So many of these romances praise that these young characters found "the one" and do not address that most young relationships come to a natural end. When young readers find themselves at an end of a relationship, it feels like a failure because of the unreal expectations this stereotype creates. Also, this stereotype plays on the superficiality of love.

2. "Plain Jane" Meets "Mr. Perfect"

What it is: A "plain" character meets a good looking and successful love interest.

Why it's problematic: I've mostly noticed this stereotype taking place between a female main character and a male love interest. A main part of the plot usually includes the girl feeling inadequate and the guy trying to prove to her that she's great. This sends a terrible message to already sensitive female teenagers because it creates the idea that a guy creates a woman's worth.

3. Love Triangle

What it is:  Two characters, usually  male, are both in love with the main character, usually female. Most of the time she has grown up with one of the guys and the other guy is new, dangerous, and mysterious. This stereotype is problematic because it weakens the female protagonist. It turns this otherwise strong female character into a shallow and vulnerable girl who can't make a decision between two guys. Also, it just really drags the plot and is filler for what is actually going on.

4. Mental Illness is "Cured" by Romance

What it is: The main character has a mental illness that up until he or she meets "the one" has altered their life in such a negative way. However, once meeting their love interest, falling in love "cures" them and they are no longer plagued by their illness.

Why it's problematic: Mental illness is serious. This trope makes it seem like all a girl has to do to cure her depression is find a guy to fall in love with. Falling in love won't cure a mental illness just like falling in love won't cure diabetes. Only professional help can assist in dealing with a mental illness.

5. Big Romantic Gesture

What it is: The love interest, usually male, does a big romantic gesture to either win the girl back or to have her give him a chance.

Why it's problematic: This trope creates an unrealistic expectations for young reader's love interests and ultimately causes them to be disappointed.