Why does the fantasy genre have such a bad reputation?

[redchild]

It may be that the element of suspension of disbelief can so easily be abused in fantasy stories. It's just too easy for a writer to come up with something corny or contrived, as things don't have to be so rooted in reality.

But to me, it may really be because most people think fantasy to be a "waste of time," when there are so many things in reality that are so much more "practical" and "real." Frankly I find that all BS. It's the complete opposite. Fantasy and mythology is so deeply ingrained in the human psyche. People identify with the archetypes because they are part of being human. How is it impractical or unreal to want to expand and explore ourselves?

And just what does "being literary" mean? It can't be just entertainment, one hears the snobs say. But look at the great writers of the past! I'm currently in the middle of Dumas' The Three Musketeers and I've read The Count of Monte Cristo before recently. Those are novels about adventure and revenge, which were originally serialised in newspapers. It's entertainment, pure and simple. (Which isn't to say that they have no depth - they do, especially The Count of Monte Cristo. Stuff that is entertaining and has real depth, that's the real good stuff.) Likewise, Dickens wrote entertainment. Shakespeare wrote entertainment. That's why their works have survived. Who are we to judge what is and what is not "literature" based solely on genre? In the end, if it's not fun, nobody will remember it in a hundred years. (Although sadly, a lot of good stuff will be forgotten, simply because times and tastes change.)

That is a very good case. You should bring this up with your uncle. Perhaps you can change his mind. :)