Legitimate Genres

My first thought when people come after a genre because it isn't a "legitimate" read is, "And your findings are based on your opinion, simmer down". It takes to much unnecessary effort to be so negative over something that doesn't affect you. I have gotten into debates with friends and colleagues about the merits of certain genres (Romance and Young Adult).
     
I will admit that I once thought of these genres as "trash reading" but over time, I have come to realize that this was because that is what I was taught to think. From elementary to even into college, it is implied that the only books worth reading are the classics or sophisticated literary fiction. Since working for a library, I have developed the mentality that the only qualification for a book worth your time is one that you want to read. 

I think the first step to breaking the stigma towards any genre is to stop that train of thinking early on. Or even have debates with patrons on the subject but no allowing it to get any more heated than a friendly discussion. I use the argument that many people use reading an escape from their own reality and we all have different ideas of where we'd like to escape to. 

All books are for everyone, regardless of age.

Another way to expose more people to genres like Young Adult and Graphic Novels is when creating Reader's Advisory Displays is to include these novels as well. For example, if the display is for memoirs, include Graphic Novel memoirs in the mix. Sometimes the way to introduce someone to a whole new genre is to present them with something very similar to what they already like to read. 

There are bigger fish to fry, read what you want and let others do the same.