Superman
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Lois, if anyone knows what it's like to be on the outside, I do. Sometimes I feel like I'm out there fighting all alone. Sometimes I feel like giving up. But, then I remember that what I stand for is more important than anything else.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Comic book girl
I just wanted to comment on the environment of the comic book store by explaining a recent scenario I experienced.I walked into a comic book store that I had never been in L.A. with two of my best guy friends. I was looking forward to buying the new book regarding superman and his "NEW" hipster image. As an avid superhero enthusiast I'm pretty knowledgeable of the happenings in a comic book store and pretty much know a little about every superheroe. However, when I walked in the employee at this said comic book store walked past me and straight toward my guy friends. I guess since I was a girl he must of figured I was just tagging along while my friends were the actual consumers. Might I add my friends pretty much know zero about the comic book world so it just had me wonder how deeply embedded the idea that the comic books are only for boys is in the industry. It goes without saying that I had a nice long chat with said employee who afterward gave me his full attention. However, I find myself annoyed because I don't feel that I have to prove myself in anyway to be a consumer. Any ideas?
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Jackie, I had a similar experience of gender discrimination at a comic book store, only it was the opposite of your experience. When I went into the store I knew exactly what I was going to get and where I was going to get it. However, the male employee seemed to automatically assume that I had no idea what I was doing. While other male patrons were left alone to shop in peace, I felt like my every move was being followed by this employee (and he looked surprised to find that I did in fact know what I was looking for). I also felt like I had to prove myself to be a consumer of comics. I think that comic book stores are inherently a male-dominated space, even though there are women like you who are regular customers. As we mentioned in class, its hard to pin down exactly why this happens, but there's really no denying that it does. If its any consolation, I'm pretty sure that there are a number of stores where men feel out of place as well.
ReplyDeleteWhile other male patrons were left alone to shop in peace, I felt like my every move was being followed by this employee (and he looked surprised to find that I did in fact know what I was looking for).
ReplyDeleteIn this case, it sounds as if the employee had been given some advice or instructions regarding reaching out to "new" shoppers and trying to appeal to women as well as men, and that he took that advice rather too earnestly!
PS. Karen Healey's essay "When Fangirls Perform" definitely speaks to all this!
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