Why Don't Straight Men Read Novels? Reddit Reacts to Viral Article

An image from a recent article has sparked a lively debate on Reddit about the reading habits of straight men. The image shows a young man lying on a bed, engrossed in a novel. The article, published by DAZED five days ago, poses the provocative question: "Why don't straight men read novels?"

Redditors quickly jumped into the conversation with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary. One user quipped, "Eh, you don't have to be gay to read novels. I'm bi, for example." Another humorously asked, "Fellas, is it gay to read novels?" sparking laughter and further discussion.

Among the comments, one user joked about needing to "break the news to my wife of 20 years and three kids as I start my annual reread of LotR," referencing J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." This sentiment was echoed by others who mentioned their favorite books, like "Malazan," before humorously lamenting their newfound "gayness."

Some users took a more analytical approach. A librarian offered an interesting perspective by saying, "A vast majority of guys reading popular novels (popular means what is popular on Tiktok) are gay. Young women almost exclusively read light romance while older women read popular psychology. Older men usually read about history, philosophy or economics."

This sparked a debate about the kinds of literature marketed to men, with one user stating, "If straight men are reading novels less, then maybe the issue is what is being offered them by the major publishers." Another chimed in with a list of supposedly "unmanly" activities, humorously adding, "Add this to the list of things straight men can't do: 1. Read Novels, 2. Peel and eat a banana, 3. Lick an ice cream cone, 4. Cry."

The image and its accompanying article have undeniably struck a chord, as evidenced by the diverse responses. From humorous takes to serious discussions about gender and literature, this viral post highlights the myriad ways people engage with the topic of reading and its cultural implications.