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The Privileges of Reading

Open pages of a book against a blue sky

I'm starting to spend more time on Threads now, largely because I'm running into issues and glitches on Instagram, and because there are some good thought-provoking questions around reading that people are asking.

One of these questions was posed by a user whom I don't follow (credit to taterturnspages for this intriguing query), but which has made me think a bit since I've seen it. Her question is basically whether some Bookstagrammers are more favoured to succeed over others, and whether there might be privileges attached to it.

I understand that the topic of privileges can be contentious as to an extent, defining it can be subjective. At the same time, it's a reality that some people do have life circumstances that make things easier for them than for others. As a Christian, I am especially careful in not wanting to dichotomize people into groupings like "haves" and "have-nots" as this reduces complexity and can contribute toward antagonism where it is not necessary.

At the end of the day, all of us have different abilities, gifts, contexts, and preferences that make us who we are. However, when it comes to those who promote books, it is a fascinating thought into what tends to be marketable and/or popular.

I only note these as observations and not as judgments, but in my limited experience so far, I've seen that it's not always easy being a Bookstagrammer (or book reviewer on any other platform). Here are a few things that I've seen in play, with the disclaimer that I am an extremely tiny fish in the pond and am largely on the outside looking in:

  • Promoting books takes time. It's not just time spent in reading. It's the additional time to write a review, share it, and add it to various platforms. It's also the time to take pictures or create graphics—basically, all of content creation. Not everyone is gifted with this time, so in a way, those who can devote more time and energy have the advantage of putting out more content, which can garner more eyeballs on it.
  • Promoting books can get expensive. It's true that readers and reviewers can avail themselves of the library and other free resources, but the typical account usually depicts a certain aesthetic or the act of book hauls. Some of the accounts I enjoy most keep it simple, but as I've shared before, part of book culture is predicated on amassing more and more (of which I am absolutely guilty). If it's not a physical cost, there is also the time cost in finding titles.
  • One of the most common sayings I've heard in marketing is that if something is free, then you are the product. While this can become a cliché, there is an element of truth to it. As the product, we are constantly subjected to advertising alongside algorithms that seek to increase engagement on the platform. Behaviour is curated so that it maximizes the desired outcomes of the company whose products are being utilized. This is why gamification and other brain stimulating activities keep us hooked. On the flip side, I also see the commodification of the user, in that followers can start to "consume" someone else's life. This has happened to me where I have followed an account for years (and still do), used this account's services, and enjoyed their content so much that it started to feel like they became a friend based on what they shared. This account is hugely successful for some of those reasons, but it's always a reality check for me that I'm simply a client. The stuff that is shared online is a partial glimpse into what a person is willing for others to consume and is not their whole life.
  • If a person and their life can be consumed like a product, there are also certain advantages or privileges that come with that. Those who seem to garner the most or fastest attention are those who are able to present themselves in the best light. Some of the comments on the thread that I came across mentioned that attractive women, specifically thinner women, seem to generate more success online. I'm saddened by this but not surprised. I'm thankful that I follow a wide array of accounts and I'm hopeful that there will continue to be diversity in this space, but I'm not blind to seeing what's popular.
  • Another privilege is access, specifically access to resources, skill development, or people. While it's true that anyone can generate content, successful creators seem to have access to a lot of things, whether it's features they can pay for or the ability to undertake training from others. I definitely agree with the notion that skilled people should be paid what they're worth (James 5:4), so I've no doubt that those who are successful are charging for their knowledge and expertise. Though not every one takes advantage of this, it can be a barrier for those wanting to progress further.
I suppose most of this can be taken with a grain of salt as I am very blessed that I get to indulge my hobby of reading by sharing it with others. In terms of time, energy, and expense, I have been able to buy books without too much additional thought. I also have the capacity to read ARCs and support authors in other ways. At the same time, as a rather anonymous account, there are some limitations in that I'm not likely to show my face or share too many personal details of my life. Whether this is a hindrance to what I can do on here remains to be seen.

Part of it is that I don't want to be seen (I definitely don't fit the parameters of what I shared earlier!), another part is the fear of judgment from others (I understandably fear God more than people's opinions, but I don't want to be subjected to it mercilessly either), and part of it is a recognition that this is a season in life where I am able to be on social media in the smallest of ways. After some of the flags that have popped up for me recently, God is teaching me to hold this platform and work loosely. 

I acknowledge that I'm in a special place where I get to read as much as I want and I get to share some of that with others. For however long I'm reading and writing away, I want to bless others and point toward God. To turn the word privilege around, that, I believe, is the most gratifying privilege of all.

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