Approval Quote by Tana French
“I listen to the things people want out of love these days and they blow my mind. I go to the pub with the boys from the squad and listen while they explain, with minute precision, exactly what shape a woman should be, what bits she should shave how, what acts she should perform on which date and what she should always or never do or say or want; I eavesdrop on women in cafes while they reel off lists of which jobs a man is allowed, which cars, which labels, which flowers and restaurants and gemstones get the stamp of approval, and I want to shout, Are you people out of your tiny minds?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Likeness by Tana French, 2019
People obsess over rigid gender norms and expectations, reducing individuals to stereotypical roles, which the author critiques as absurd.
In simple terms: Society imposes narrow gender expectations.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge limiting stereotypes.
Themes
gender
norms
stereotypes
identity
social critique
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
social
cultural
When to use this quote
- dating
- workplace
- media representation
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
feminism
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What stereotypes have you encountered?
- How can we promote more inclusive expectations?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated cultural attitudes is difficult.
