Adult Content

 Image you see the following signs.

What’s the difference?

We probably think of “adult books” as ones containing overtly sexual content. The kind that we generally limit to “special stores” away from children. 

Then what’s an adult book fair? A book fair with naughty books?

I’ve found myself pondering this as two of our local indie bookstores have hosted adult book fair events: Queen Takes Book, and The Novel Refuge. Despite any initial giggle I might have had, I was pretty sure these were book fairs for adults, not book fairs selling Adult Books.

There’s been quite a bit of online discussion in recent years about nostalgic memories of childhood book fairs - - largely the Scholastic ones. For example:

Those rosy-hued reminiscences have grown into a full-blown phenomenon. The events in our own community are a part of a national trend.

Just one thing, though. I’ve noticed something about the use of the word adult in many of these events. It often means more than simply “adults are invited.” It often means alcoholic beverages.

So, that’s what adult means? It’s either dirty books or cocktails? 

I went to Google. Google didn’t help.

Then I found a website that was too helpful.

Rhyme Zone: Phrases that contain the word adult

I found some food for thought here: Let’s be adults about this, Staff Writer, Augusta Chronicle 

What is your understanding of the word "adult"? Elements of society tragically misuse the term, applying it beyond its intended application.

Actual definition: (1) A person fully grown or developed. (2) Maturity. (3) Responsible behavior.

Children are eager to become adults because of what they hear and perceive. What examples of adulthood does society show them?

Well, according to kids' observations and advertisements, adults get to smoke, drink, drive (fast), behave promiscuously and delve into pornography - all dangerous to physical and/or moral health. What’s available at your child’s fingertips (smartphone/computer, etc.) will blow your mind! Oh, but they are adult sites. Some excuse!

I don’t know how I feel about the author’s use of the term “moral health” here. But…it does feel weird to me that so many times when we use the word “adult” we’re assuming either sex or alcohol. 

Does that mean that we are assuming that childhood is merely the absence of sex or alcohol? And is the offer of alcohol essential for a book fair? I don’t know.

I feel conflicted about this. 

As a student at an all-women’s college (back in the last century) it was considered de rigeur to offer free beer if your dorm was hosting a mixer. The logic was that it was a necessary enticement to guarantee that boys from nearby schools would show up. The dark side, of course, is that the kind of boys who will show up only if you offer free beer are not necessarily the boys you want at your party.

I digress.

I love the idea of the HoCoLocal book fair events that have been cropping up around town. It’s another way for indie bookstores to become known and connect with new customers. It’s an opportunity for eager readers to connect socially around books. I haven’t been to one yet but I definitely want to. 

I’m just wondering about the assumption of alcohol and what that means for our friends and neighbors who are living sober and for our children watching us and forming their internal concepts of what it means to be an adult.

What do you think?

Village Green/Town² Comments