"Clean" vs. "Closed Door": Why the Language We Use Matters
We're fully aware that the "clean" vs. "closed door" conversation has been a rather heated one over the past few years. So, let's just get it out in the open: Hawthorn & Aster doesn't subscribe to the usage of the word "clean" to describe romance or any genre. In fact, we find it pretty harmful.
Before we get too deep into the why, let's first discuss the bias that surrounds the romance genre as a whole.
Romance is widely regarded as being "sub-literature." It's often mocked within reading and writing spaces. Anyone who writes romance isn't a "real" writer. Anyone who reads it isn't reading a "real" book.
There's also an element of misogyny to it. Only women write romance, right? Men would never.
Working in this space, we contend with the bias on a day-to-day basis. Adding in the fact that our authors are predominantly self-published or indie to the cauldron... and yeah, it's a particularly stinky draught to swallow.
Add in this internalized hierarchy where romance is categorized as "clean" or "smut" and now the odds are stacked against romance authors. It seems like there is no way to win. And worse, using this language can alienate readers from consuming your work because of the weighty label.
If you are someone who feels strongly about not commingling the two, then it was nice to have you here—but the rest of this blog isn't for you. For anyone else who may be interested in learning why our labels matter, and who would most benefit from a different descriptor, let's keep going.
Why Not "Clean?"
The reasoning is pretty simple. Saying something is "clean" implies that the counterpart is "dirty."
This directly states:
The absence of on-page intimacy/sex makes this morally superior
The presence of on-page intimacy/sex makes this morally inferior
Now, let us be clear. You as an author or reader should never be expected to create or consume content that you do not find enjoyable. It is well within your rights to take the creative journey that best serves you.
Preference is not and never will be the issue. The language is.
What We Say Instead
"Closed door" is our preference. This indicates that there is no on-page intimacy without prescribing morality to it.
There are plenty of reasons why someone would prefer closed-door intimacy. People on the ace spectrum, for example, or those who have trauma history. Or, people like me who get awkward and red-faced reading spicier scenes.
All That To Say
Our take isn't particularly insightful or ground-breaking. We're just another voice added to a conversation that has been going on for far longer than our doors have been open. Still, we feel it's important to continue to lend our voice and our platform to things we believe in.
Our concern is preventing accidentally alienating readers or authors by using divisive language. Often, we find terms like "clean and wholesome" being used as general marketing phrases without understanding the broader context and impact.
Regardless of where you sit, whether you're an erotica expert or someone who prefers cozy stories that only depict hand-holding, we hope to see a world where we can all enjoy romance as a genre.
Because we all love love stories. And that's the most important thing.
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