Readers' feedback on Fahasa bookstore in Thu Duc displaying BL books opposite the children's book counter - Photo: FBNV
On Facebook, reader NVMH posted a photo of a BL bookshelf at Fahasa bookstore and wrote: "Since when did Fahasa bookstore have 15 bookshelves, including a BL bookshelf? The bookshelf is for 18+ but is gorgeously opposite the children's book counter?".
Saw students reading BL stories in the bookstore
Reflecting to Tuoi Tre Online , reader NVMH (living in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) said he was very surprised and upset that Fahasa bookstore had a shelf of BL books opposite the children's book area.
Ms. H. said that at 10:20 a.m. on March 22, she took her 4th grade son to Fahasa bookstore on the 3rd floor of Thyskymall (Thu Duc) to buy books and stories for him.
BL book counter at Fahasa Thu Duc bookstore - Photo: Fahasa
When she arrived at the children's books and stories section, she was surprised to find a bookshelf with a BL theme opposite.
It is worth mentioning that Ms. H. also saw students sitting and reading BL novels on the row of chairs arranged in front of the bookshelf.
"I was really sad to discover that a reputable bookstore like Fahasa arranged a BL-themed bookshelf next to the children's book section.
I was even more shocked when I saw students sitting in the row of seats in front of this area reading BL novels.
The rows of seats are hidden from adults' view by shelves of children's books. Here, children can sit and read comfortably without being supervised or reminded by adults," Ms. H. shared.
Under Ms. H.'s Facebook post, many readers also expressed confusion and frustration over this issue.
"What a surprise! I haven't been to Fahasa Thiso yet, so I don't know about other bookstores. It's hard to understand Fahasa's intentions"; "This is really annoying. In the province, Fahasa is the only biggest bookstore, if you don't go there, you can't go to any other bookstore";
"The shelves will probably be arranged according to sales statistics, best-selling categories will have many good locations, if there are no specific legal regulations, businesses will prioritize economic issues"... are comments from some readers.
Fahasa Thu Duc bookstore will be required to adjust the display location.
Tuoi Tre Online raised the issue and asked questions about this issue to the Deputy General Director of Fahasa Company, Pham Thi Hoa. According to Ms. Hoa, the BL book genre belongs to the literary genre, accounting for a low proportion of revenue in the literary genre of books in the Fahasa system.
"With the BL genre, countries around the world publish and release it.
In Vietnam, BL books are also published by reputable units and licensed by the Publishing Department.
There are also some readers who have a need to read, so Fahasa still imports and publishes books.
Because if it is not published, Fahasa will sometimes be criticized by many readers for being discriminatory" - Ms. Hoa said.
However, to limit the access of young customers and those who are not suitable for this genre, Fahasa Company also requires bookstores to display this type of book in hidden locations such as: wall shelves; spine display; not displayed near children's books and manga areas; shelves must always have warning titles for readers over 18 years old.
In addition, the book is shrink-wrapped to limit customers from experiencing the book's content.
"When customers reported that Sala Bookstore (Thu Duc) was displaying BL books near the children's bookshelf, Fahasa will immediately check and adjust the display, display them in a hidden corner, and display the entire spine, to limit children's exposure to this type of book.
In particular, displaying in hidden corners to limit children's access is the most important solution. We will note this issue with the bookstore and have a solution to adjust the display immediately," Ms. Hoa added.
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