What's So Bad About Performative Readers?

I’ve seen the phrase ‘performative reader’ thrown around as a bit of an insult recently on pretty much all bookish social media. Users criticise people who ‘pretend’ to enjoy classics or advanced non-fiction, or set themselves up in public to be seen with the chunkiest book possible. It feels inauthentic, cringey and ostentatious. I can see where the criticism comes from, especially by those who categorise themselves as ‘genuine’ book lovers. My only problem with performative readers is that I think I might be one. 

I enjoy reading in public and sometimes that includes classics. Am I aware that it may look a bit ‘showy’? Yes, it plays into it why I do it. I literally always have a book in my bag, sometimes just to take it for a walk. Then I feel good about myself because I’ve taken a book with me like a ‘proper’ book worm. I try not to start a book in public, I like to be about twenty pages in and I’m not even sure why. It’s as if I think that people will assume it’s the first time I’ve ever read if they see me reading from the front cover. Sometimes, I’ll set up a little reading nook with candles, blankets and pillows and that’s when I don’t even have an audience. In fact, despite being in public, a lot of the time I do these ‘performative’ things without anyone to perform to. So, why do I do it? 

For me, it’s all about the ritual of reading. I like to have a set up so I can relax into a reading headspace. I also like reading whenever I get a chance, which sometimes means whilst waiting for appointments, before work or just whilst waiting in public. If it’s a nice day, reading in the park with the sun on your face is a real treat.

A lot of the time the people who we are calling performative really are just reading for themselves. In general, a lot of people can have the habit of thinking everything done in public is meant to be observed and judged, and yes being in public opens you up for this, but in the most honest way; sometimes we have to remember not everything is about us. That guy reading feminist literature on the tube? Maybe that’s just his reading taste and he’s cramming in some pages before work. 

But, what if he’s not reading it for himself?

What if he wants to be seen? 

So what? 

I do occasionally feel a bit smug that someone might think I’m smart for reading a classic. Sometimes, reading certain books in front of the general public is for social points. Maybe to look more sophisticated, educated or informed on literary trends or political and social issues. The thing is, as long as they are reading the book, they actually are achieving all those things. Regardless of the intention being about aesthetics, they are still reaping the benefits of reading those books.

If the performative nature of reading outside gets books into more people’s hands, I really struggle to see an issue. What’s perhaps more harmful is people who judge other’s reading habits, calling them fake and performative and gatekeeping reading as some private exclusive hobby. Reading is for everyone, no matter the book, the location or any kind of performative intention. If social kudos is what it takes to get more people reading, that is all good with me. Afterall, I am a proud performative reader myself.