Women’s Magazines
I stopped reading women’s magazines because I just can’t handle this type of content anymore:
1. Women’s magazines publish ads and fashion spreads featuring super-thin, airbrushed-to-perfection young models. Women of all ages feel inadequate when they compare themselves to these unrealistic images.
Image credit: merci
2. Women’s magazines tell women that they should let men be in charge. “Letting him see your vulnerable side will bring him closer because it unlocks his instincts to take care of you. So give him chances to take charge, and thank him after he does.” Cosmopolitan.
3. Women’s magazines subtly convey the message that getting married is a woman’s most important goal, then proceed to teach women tricks that would help them achieve that goal. “He still hasn’t proposed? This famous recipe might do the trick”. Glamour.
Image credit: m.a.x
4. Women’s magazines encourage women to spend ridiculous amounts of money on shoes, handbags and clothes, and often place no value on being thrifty, on saving and on becoming financially independent. “Need it now: Manolo Blahnik heels - $685.” Vogue.
Image from Kate Spade
5. Women’s magazines think women should freak out about aging at the tender age of 30. Thirty! Marie Claire.
Image credit: whatnot
6. Women’s magazines say that “over the next year, dieters will shed pounds and gain confidence.” Can’t women gain confidence without losing weight? Allure.
Image credit: slushpup
7. Women’s magazines encourage women to follow idiotic fashion and beauty trends while completely disregarding practicality or eco-consciousness. “Usually it’s women who suffer in the name of beauty, but next fall, it just might be the ozone layer. Break out the hairspray, because high-maintenance hair that requires more than a few spritzes is about to be everywhere.” Elle.
Image credit: Dr. Monkey
8. When encouraging women to lose weight, women’s magazines often focus on looks more than they focus on health. It’s no coincidence that Shape Magazine’s diet plan is called “Bikini-body countdown.”
Image credit: Thomas Hawk
9. Women’s magazines tell women that “men want to be constantly admired. Guys know they’re not perfect, but they want you to tell them they are, or at least highlight frequently the things they do best.” Ladies’ Home Journal.
Image credit: monolith68
10. Women’s magazines promote a 5-week diet plan instead of slow, healthy weight loss. Women’s World.
Image credit: malias
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Related Reading:
Media Portrayal Of Women
Photo Retouching
Vogue Magazine
Cosmo Magazine
Edited to add: Kat says in her comment below: “While I agree with you 100%, your last entry appears to be an independent site, not affiliated with magazine Woman’s World.” Thank you, Kat. You are correct.
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suburbancorrespondent responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 8:37 pm →
What cracks me up is how magazines such as Family Circle, LHJ, and the like are about evenly split - half their articles are about weight loss and the other half are recipes. In other words, they make you hungry and then they tell you not to eat!
suburbancorrespondent’s last blog post..Home Remedies (Geopolitical and Otherwise)
Ryan responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 8:43 pm →
Hmmmm… I agree about the confidense killing techniques and the rediculously skinny (and silly looking) models and the overt marketing garbage; but… some things are a little more gray. Take, for instance, marriage or dieting programs. It’s more about personal opinion, and in these two cases, many people may share the opinion. It’s one of those “if it works for you, go for it” sort of things. Unlike skinny models and extremely expensive hand-bags, eating carrots five days a week or desiring to get married is not nearly as confidense crushing or degrading or prone to cause personal dissatisfaction.
Max Forlani responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 9:05 pm →
Hi Vered,
I’m obviously not an avid reader of women’s magazines, but I do read in the news quite a few times that some models for big European fashion shows were refused simply because they were too thin.
On the other hand I wonder what your take is on a soap serie like Sex and the City? The characters obviously ’struggle’ with the same issues, but at the same time add to the fashion awareness… hence these very popular Sex and the City NY tourist trips, expensive shopping included.
Cheers,
Max
Max Forlani’s last blog post..Clueless Fridays
Scott McIntyre responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 9:24 pm →
Well, Vered… I must confess that in my time, I have read one or two magazines which have been left around
Even from a male perspective, I can fully appreciate the points you raise.
And, with a slight change of gender focus, most of these issues you suggest apply just as similarly to male lifestyle magazines.
Yet, these publications only sell because sufficient numbers of both women and men want to hear the messages they communicate. Worryingly, these messages- sometimes damaging psychologically- are being conveyed to ever younger readers.
There is a hungry audience of image conscious readers of both sexes willing to support the modern obsession with designer-clad, photoshopped illusions of reality. Sadly enough.
Stephanie responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 9:42 pm →
Great points. I think I read women’s magazines only a couple of times in my 20s, then gave them up. Just not me.
My mother does still jokingly celebrate the xth anniversary of her 29th birthday, but it’s all in fun, not a desire to remain younger than she is.
Stephanie’s last blog post..Family Game Night - Free Fun Fridays
Marelisa responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 9:50 pm →
Oh Vered, I have not read a woman’s magazine in so long I can’t even remember when was the last time I did read one. As you point out, it’s the same ridiculous articles hashed out with different titles. I can’t believe I once read that stuff! Now I’m just myself,and much happier for it.
Marelisa’s last blog post..20 Ways to Raise Your IQ
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 10:20 pm →
@ suburbancorrespondent: It’s true! It’s either recipes, or articles on diets! Ha.
@ Ryan: Thank you for your comment! While I disagree with you, I am always happy to hear an opinion that’s different than mine. It makes life more interesting. My point is, that women can be happy without getting married – but to judge by these magazines, they can’t. Also, women should strive to be healthy and fit rather than go on a short-term diet in order to look nice in a bikini.
@ Max: I liked Sex and the City because it featured a beautiful, supportive friendship between women. The fashion fixation was a bit much, even for a fashion lover like myself.
@ Scott: I agree that it’s even more troubling when teens are exposed to these messages.
@ Stephanie: I used to read them in my teens and twenties. I actually liked them. It took me a long time to realize the damage that they were doing.
@ Marelisa: I know. It’s ridiculous. I still pick up a magazine at the hair salon once in a while, but I can’t enjoy them anymore. I just get MAD.
Julie Amar responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pm →
Hi Vered,
I am a twenty-something woman. I’ve seen three generations of women in my family torn apart by their own private battles with self-image and self-identity. I do not read women’s magazines, but all of the other media outlets spew enough of the same regarding the female image that your points hold true. I am so tired of being subjected to false image and behaviour expectations! Thank you for posting about this.
Vintage Mommy responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 10:32 pm →
I was addicted to magazines like Glamour when I was young, and then I moved on to the “fitness” magazines. What I noticed was that even mags like Health and Prevention became mostly focused on losing weight, with much less info about general good health, etc.
I’ve given them all up; I now just receive Vogue Knitting (which in truth also has scary models), Everyday FOOD, and a couple of scrapbooking magazines which are refreshingly free of all that stuff.
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: September 7th, 2008 at 11:29 pm →
Hi Vered,
I totally agree with what you’re saying. About six months ago I was decluttering and rid myself of old magazines that had stacked up. One thing I noticed is most magazines have the same content. Then to fill the pages they are displaying ads you’ve spoken about for losing weight, growing hair, wrinkle cream, make up, hair color, and accessories that cost more that some people make in a week (or more).
When insecure women are exposed to this data, their self esteem goes down the toilet, and their hard earned money is spent on items they’re told will make them happy and look more youthful, instead of stressing that beauty comes from the inside.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Reflecting On Our Online Presence
Christina Narciso responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 1:43 am →
Vered- Thank you for addressing the mixed messages that women’s magazines have been producing. Even young teen magazines like Seventeen magazine start with “tips on getting your crush to fall in love” and “get fit” articles. Love this post.
Adrenalynn responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 2:03 am →
You know? I don’t mind the ridiculously skinny models. They have stupid jobs and are only there to show off the pretty clothes, which works for me. Plus; super-skinny isn’t very hot.
I also think that we should try to make our men feel good and boost their self esteem whenever we can. I don’t say enough nice things to my husband, and reading your point no. 9 actually made me think that I should remember to do that today. Of course, I believe men should do the same for us, but we can only control what we do ourselves. What better way to care for a relationship than to admire the one you’re with, despite their flaws? If I tell my husband how great I think he is, will he not try to be an even better person and husband? I know I would. And I like it when he takes care of me, even though I can take care of myself. And he knows that, too.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusk responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 am →
I totally agree with all of those comments and get I still require a ‘fix’ of glossy mags. The trick is not to take them seriously - it’s the best laugh I have all week.
And what does it mean for the men that read them? My husband can’t resist flicking through but when I challenge him on it he says “I was just bored, flicking through and looking at the pictures”. Tcha! I saw you linger on the picture spread of Brangelina’s brood!
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusk’s last blog post..Am I the only one with fond memories of 9/11?
Lance responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 3:10 am →
We used to get a copy of “Fitness” here. So, I’d page through it every now and then. The titles always conveyed losing weight to “look” better. It was about feeling better on the inside, or having a higher quality of life. Probably because image sells. What sounds better - “Get a Bikini Body in Six Weeks” or “Eat Healthy, Exercise Regularly, And Improve the Quality of Your Life”. In our want it now society, I wager to bet that the first title would sell more magazines. And yet, the truth is - all it creates is people who become depressed because they don’t get the magazine picture body after six weeks. So, try the next one that comes out - to similar results. A downward spiral.
As the father of a daughter, I don’t want her reading these magazines - ever. I want her to be confident in herself and her abilities - not on the reliance of her “looks” or her “man”.
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Avital responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 3:51 am →
Agreed. There is no doubt about it, the magazines are trying to manipulate the women’s minds. They are financed (hell, they are profiting lucratively) by selling advertisements and are trying to convey the message of their benefactors throughout the magazine. They do not always follow good journalism rules and the messages they are sending are so mixed that there is nothing an intelligent person can derive from them. So, yes. I agree.
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 4:38 am →
I’ve often wondered why I’m dysfunctional, got low self esteem and totally like a bimbo! You’ve just explained why! The question is how do I prevent my daughters from reading such trash as they grow up?
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map’s last blog post..An Enchanting Vision From My Angels
Emma responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 4:39 am →
Fantastic article, very well thought out and written. I rarely read magazines for many of these reasons - now I have more reason to hate them than ever!
PeaceLoveJoyBliss responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 4:44 am →
I have to wonder: are the magazines responding to a market of women who want this stuff or are the magazines driving the market to compel women to want it? If the former, then who am I to say “no, ladies, but you can’t have this, that, or the other thing”? If the latter, then what would this say about women’s capacity to choose their own fashion destinies? I’d like to think that they can choose them.
Christopher
Beshlie responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 5:16 am →
Absolutely agree and am sending your comments to all my female friends and my three daughters! My youngest has suffered badly with anorexia and tells me plainly that the skinny impossibly perfect images in these mags definitely helped worsen her condition plus the endless diet tips. She has written to the PM about it and is eagerly awaiting a reply!
Dominique responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 5:24 am →
Hi Vered,
Interesting stand on Women’s magazine. I agree that the messages that they try to convey as confusing and somewhat distorted. I read those magazines off and on and have lost interested in following the latest trends/fads as it is simply a waste of money. I rather spend the money on the kids or something more educational.
Dominique’s last blog post..My cunning little baby
Dave Fowler responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 5:50 am →
Hi Vered, You make some fantastic points, but I guess it depends on your mindset – and maybe therein lies the problem – however I’ve always seen these kind of magazines as comics. The images they project are so far from reality that I struggle to understand how anyone could take them seriously. Obviously people do and I don’t judge them for that and I’m not claiming to be in any way superior but I personally don’t worry too much about it. I wouldn’t have a problem with my children seeing these magazines but maybe that will be a decision I may live to regret. Again, not judging, just trying to think through the issues aloud (if you know what I mean).
Dave
Suzie responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 5:55 am →
I hate those mags. They also smell so badly with all the perfume samples I cant handle it.
Suzie’s last blog post..Dinner and Keanu
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:07 am →
I agree with everything; except for the use of the word “subtle.”
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Poop. Put it in the Potty
Urban Panther responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:09 am →
Actually, it honestly depends on the magazine. I won’t buy Shape. They have all these articles on being healthy and then show uber skinny models. However, I have found a FANTASTIC women’s magazine called More. It is for women 40+, and it is totally realistic and down to earth. And it’s purely Canadian content, although it may be a spin off of an American one, I’m not sure. And although I don’t read Chatelaine anymore, it is another good one. I have stopped reading O (Oprah) only because I find it almost a bit depressing, but I never found anything unrealistic in there either.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..To poo or not to poo, that is the question.
Lin responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:10 am →
Vered, I couldn’t agree with you more. Women’s magazines and many teen magazines send ridiculous mixed messages.
It’s no wonder women and teen girls struggle with self-esteem and eating disorders in order to have the “perfect body” or attempt to look like the models shown in ads. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulemia are affecting so many teens and young adult women, it’s sickening to see how magazines for women and teens get away with projecting a ridiculous and unhealthy body image.
Lin’s last blog post..2008 Christmas Hot Toys - Hot Toys for Christmas 2008
Dot responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:41 am →
Hi Vered,
I grew up on women’s magazines, and I blush to admit that my Woman’s Day subscription just expired. At least I’m not renewing it, though. My mother read women’s magazines all the time, and she (and my friends and I)internalized their negative messages. She was always telling me how hard it was to “bolster a man’s ego,” which she felt was part of the job of being a wife, as the magazines and other cultural influences told her.
I would add two more reasons. Well, one of them has been touched upon in the comments — there is always a cake or other elaborate dessert on the cover and always information about dieting on the cover. A bit of a mixed message. Second, I spent many of my young years trying to duplicate the makeup advice, until it eventually dawned on me that the makeup section is really a display of new products, and the advice was probably deliberately vague and confusing so that you’d have to consult a “beauty expert” in the stores.
Shilpan | successsoul.com responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:49 am →
Vered - These magazines ALL have one common goal - Sell stuff that you don’t want. We are a nation of ‘consumption addiction’ and these magazines contribute a great deal to this growing addiction.
Shilpan | successsoul.com’s last blog post..Charlie Chaplin’s Guide to Picking Yourself Up When Life Knocks You Down
Stacey / CreateaBalance responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:50 am →
I never understood these magazines. I rarely looked at them growing up….probably b/c I couldn’t relate to them. I have two boys, but if I had girls I would be concerned that eventually they would read these magazines. Sometimes I just want to shake our culture upside down!
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am →
Agree. Agree. Agree. Womens magazines are no good for us at all. Except for rare examples of quality reporting about womens issues in publications like Marie Claire, there is a primary focus on over-priced beauty products and clothes, dieting, how to win and keep a man, celebrities and their clothes and men, and the all important “how to give blow-jobs like a pro”.
Is it any wonder young women today wear t-shirts labeling themselves porn stars and want to learn how to pole dance? As PINK so eloquently says, “What happened to the dream of a girl president? She’s dancin’ in the video next to 50 Cent…”
Kelly
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..Kickstart Your Brain With 21 TRUE Trivia Tidbits
Bunny got Blog responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 7:28 am →
I agree totally with you . I switched to reading men magazines just to carry a conversation with a group. basically male co-workers.
Then after reading rather or not women settle for Mr. Good enough after they turn 30, I started my blog.
I like your article very much.
Keep up the good work
Bunny got Blog’s last blog post..Bunny’s Bucket List - In Celebration of Dave Freeman’s Life
phyllis responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 7:36 am →
agree 100%.
sometimes i feel the same way about the parenting magazines.
phyllis’s last blog post..18 months going on 18!?
MizFit responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 7:42 am →
devils advocate here.
I LOVE magazine.
a lot.
I love reading about trends even if I choose (which I typically do) not to partake.
for some reason (which I am trying to figure out…for me and for my ToddlerDaughter) I gloss over them telling me what to do.
I ignore it and never had seen it as a decree (from being skinny to how I should parent) but rolled by eyes and moved onward with my life.
which speaking of is YANKING ON MY PANT LEG AND WHINING.
toddler calls.
MizFit’s last blog post..Monday Facetime. Bent Over Row: The Dress Returns.
Akhila responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 7:44 am →
Thank you for your post. It is thought provoking. Several things struck me as I read what you had written and the comments people like me made.
One, Why, why is there this suggestion that women need a separate magazine? Almost as if women can’t read or enjoy or ponder over non-gendered magazines.
Second thought: All these are like adverts: Never be satisfied; you are nothing if you do not buy this product that is designed to make: others envious; you the hero(ine) of the hour and
Third: Like ads, like films made in Hollywood, in India (where I am from) it is all about maintaining status quo… very like that sketch of the man in bed and the woman serving… make sure that everything is used: environment, science, social equity….. use all of this cleverly to make sure nothing ever changes fundamentally. Ever. regards Akhila
zoe responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 7:59 am →
Well I don’t read them because they just don’t relate to my life. Even if I were straight, I don’t think they’d appeal to me. I’d rather read about thing like architecture, hockey, kayaking, backpacking…fun stuff. I don’t often read gay/lesbian magazines either, unless they have an interview I want to read.
zoe’s last blog post..How Things Get Done Around Here
Becky responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 8:20 am →
*nods head*
Well said.
RC responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 8:22 am →
You know, I just realized I haven’t read a “women’s magazine” in ages… These days it is parenting magazines and Reader’s Digest. Oh, and a little Consumer Reports thrown in… Yes, I know, I’m boring, but I think I got sick of the content, too.
Oh, and parenting magazines tend to make me cringe when they go on and on regarding the “must-have” toys, furniture, accessories or bedding for your child. Um, yeah… My child is being raised on a budget - we shop resale, rummage sales, clearance and store-brand. Yes, I am unfashionable and am living with it.
(It isn’t that my child never has the latest and greatest, but we are pretty picky about how we are going to spend our money, so we really have to see a benefit to pay close to full-price or buy something name-brand. Or my child’s relatives have to be feeling generous…)
RC’s last blog post..Memory of Trees
Miranda responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 8:25 am →
I have never read women’s magazines. Not necessarily due to the reasons that you give in this post (although they are excellent reasons), but because I just don’t find them that interesting.
Miranda’s last blog post..Taxpayers: You Are Now on the Hook for Fannie and Freddie
Nathalie Lussier from Billionaire Woman responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 8:45 am →
Wow, I couldn’t agree more. I often feel worse after I read magazines than before I started!
Thank you for encouraging women to read alternative articles, those that will actually help them instead of brainwash them! It is also helps the wallet, since spending horrendous amounts on handbags, shoes and other accessories is really a waste.
Way to go Vered!
Nathalie Lussier from Billionaire Woman’s last blog post..One Number That Has The Power to Change Your Life
Fiona responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 9:19 am →
Also add - they push motherhood. I’m a writer and approached several magazines about writing a piece for women coming to terms with infertility and showing that you can be happy without children. Their response? Not interested because there is no “happy ending” to it!
Plus the articles are so bland most of the time. A fellow writer recently pointed out something I hadn’t considered - women’s magazines rarely carry good travel articles.
I also love the “love yourself whatever size you are” messages coupled with diet pill ads.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 9:32 am →
@ Julie Amar: “I do not read women’s magazines, but all of the other media outlets spew enough of the same” – sadly, this is very true. I am tired of these messages too and am really upset that despite all that women have achieved, my daughters (6 and
will STILL have to face these messages when they are teenagers.
@ Vintage Mommy: I went through the same stages – I did use to read women’s magazines and moved on to “fitness” magazines only to realize they were not really any better.
@ Barbara: I completely agree that reading one of these magazines has the effect of lowering a woman’s self esteem.
@ Christina: Targeting teens with these messages is the most disturbing.
@ Adrenalynn: Needless to say, we will have to agree to disagree… but I do appreciate that you spoke your mind.
@ Tara: It IS funny when men read these magazines.
@ Lance: “As the father of a daughter, I don’t want her reading these magazines - ever.” Me too. I’m not sure we are going to be able to stop them from reading them, though. I think the best we can do is build up their self esteem as much as we can while they are still young enough to actually listen to us.
@ Avital: “the messages they are sending are so mixed that there is nothing an intelligent person can derive from them”. Amen to that! Very well said.
@ Evelyn: Now you know.
“The question is how do I prevent my daughters from reading such trash as they grow up?” I wish I knew. As I told Lance, I suspect the best we can do is address self-esteem issues now, before they stop listening to us.
@ Emma: Thank you for your comment! I don’t know why it took me so many years to realize I should stop reading these magazines. I read them throughout my teens and twenties.
@ PeaceLoveJoyBliss: Good questions. I don’t know! Thinking back to the times I used to read them, I don’t think I was actively looking for that type of content, but it was there, colorful and glossy and full of promise to make me feel better about myself. So I bought into that.
@ Beshlie: I’m very sorry about your daughters’ anorexia. I hope she’s completely recovered. I have two young daughters (6 and
and this really scares me.
@ Dominique: I agree that following the latest trends is a huge waste of money. The way designers make sure that women who want to be current HAVE to purchase new items every season is very smart and very good for the fashion industry, but not so good for women’s budgets.
@ Dave Fowler: You’re making a very good point. I think that the main problem is, somehow, seeing those perfect airbrushed images does have an effect on us flawed mortals, even if we know they’re fake. Teen girls are especially susceptible.
@ Suzie: The perfume samples ARE annoying.
@ Writer Dad: You’re right. I shouldn’t have said “subtle”!
@ Urban Panther: I’m not familiar with More or with Chatelaine, and have never read Oprah’s magazine. Thank you for adding your point of view!
@ Lin: “it’s sickening to see how magazines for women and teens get away with projecting a ridiculous and unhealthy body image.” It really is. Sickening, and scary.
@ Dot: “the makeup section is really a display of new products” – very truw, and the same goes for many “articles” that in fact are just ads in disguise.
@ Shilpan: It’s very true that it’s all about selling us stuff that we absolutely don’t need.
@ Stacey: “Sometimes I just want to shake our culture upside down!” ME TOO!
@ Kelly: Very well said! It’s sad, really.
@ Bunny got Blog: “Then after reading rather or not women settle for Mr. Good enough after they turn 30, I started my blog.” Ha. You’re smart.
@ phyllis: Agree on parenting magazines. Stopped reading them too!
@ MizFit: I think it’s great that you were always able to ignore the messages and just enjoy the aesthetics. Unfortunately, many women are unable to do that.
@ Akhila: “make sure nothing ever changes fundamentally. Ever.” This is very true and very disturbing. It is disturbing that despite achieving SO MUCH, women are still expected to conform to certain norms and expectations that undoubtedly hold them back.
@ zoe: Despite being a feminist, I do like fashion. I love aesthetics. So, these magazines do appeal to me on some level. I used to LOVE reading Vogue because the fashion spreads – even the ads – are simply gorgeous. However, I slowly realized that the way models looked, and the price tags of the items featured, were plain ridiculous – and damaging.
@ Becky:
@ RC: I agree with Phyllis who said above that parenting magazines often suffer from similar issues. I agree about the “must have” nonsense, and I also think that they can really make you feel inadequate as a parent.
@ Miranda: So, you feel like zoe. I get what you say. It’s different for me. I really do love fashion. I just wish that love of fashion and aesthetics didn’t have to be tied with those demeaning messages. I think it’s totally unnecessary.
@ Nathalie: The message that you should spend thousands of dollars each year on clothes and accessories, instead of saving or investing this money, is one of the most dangerous messages out there. Women are already at a disadvantage financially because they still earn less than men do. If they don’t start saving aggressively and early, they are putting their financial future at risk.
@ Fiona: Totally agree about the blandness of the articles. I can’t say I’m surprised that they refused your article. There’s certainly the message that a woman must be married and have children to be happy. How fifties.
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 10:00 am →
I agree with @Suzie about the perfume samples. The smell makes me sick to my stomach. And @phyllis is right about parenting magazines. I subscribed to them before and after my daughter was born and very rarely did I get useful information from them. Instead I felt like an inadequate parent.
I liked women’s magazines when I was 11-15 years old and usually looked at my mothers’. The magazines have a much stronger influence then we realize. When I was 11 I shaved all the hair off my arms because it didn’t look the models in the magazine had air on their arms. Only later did I learn about airbrushing.
Now I am more interested in technology and video games then fashion and how to get man so I tend to read publications like Wired and Edge. I find, however, that now I am fighting the misogynistic attitude often displayed in a more “male” oriented magazine.
Natural responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 10:29 am →
Vered this post right here is the truth dot com! I dislike no. 2 and no 9…I rolled my eyes so far in the back of my head they fell out of my neck. I’m much too much of my own person to allow women magazines to dictate what I should be doing or wearing. My hair is not in “style”, my clothes are conservative but classy (old), a hand bag? I have 2 and my momma bought one of them. Diet? I need a life style change for health reasons considering my family history. I don’t wear make up everyday either, more like for special occasions. I don’t care if my shoes are not in style, I wear shoes that fit…don’t care whose name is on them, they are mine now. I totally agree. I prefer to read psychology, writing and investment magazines…nobody cares what you look like if you’re smart, rich, writer. LOL Why am I late to the party?
Natural’s last blog post..Butt-to-Gutt Ratio Gone Wild
SpaceAgeSage responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 11:23 am →
I never enjoyed reading women’s magazines because they never fit me as a Mad-Magazine reading, intellectual, tomboy farm girl who grew up to be a third degree black belt, EMT, and freelance writer and journalist who is happily married to my soul-mate husband now 15 years. (Now that’s a niche for ya!)
Until women start valuing themselves and learning to combat insecurity instead of each other (i.e. abortion issues, status, religion), many of us will continue to be enticed by the what someone else is calling “pretty” at this moment.
Author John Eldredge (Wild at Heart) writes that one deep root of women’s soul is the desire to be seen as beautiful. I know we all value more than that — more than he explains — but that lure seems to run through pre-marketing history as well and not just because of a male-dominated history of mankind. I just wish we all valued strength, poise, resiliency, and the ability to lead, find consensus, and create change instead of falling for the bait cleverly concealed in the magazine hook.
SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..Five things 15 years of marriage have taught me
Friar responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 11:33 am →
Don’t forget the covers of Cosmo: Constant sex-tips of how to drive your man crazy in bed.
(No, I DON’T READ Cosmo…I just can’t help glancing at the magazine covers when I’m in the supermarket standing in line).
PS. I really love Number 7. Ahahahahah!
What a HELMET-HEAD!
Friar’s last blog post..Fishing while Striving for Excellence
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 11:51 am →
Hi Vered - I stopped reading women’s magazines ages ago for many of the reasons you’ve given. And also because I’m tired of reading the same old rehashed content.
I totally agree - the handbags and shoes featured in many of them are outrageous in price and I hate the way they encourage the average women that it is the norm to pay those prices.
Also, much of the content is advertising in disguise - particularly the beauty product reviews etc.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..47 Brilliant Blog Marketing Resources
apricot tea. responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 11:53 am →
I couldn’t have said this better. I actually did a post not too long ago on my own blog about how much I loathe women’s magazines these days. But I hardly covered the ground you did here.
I 100% agree with you. & while I do agree, I feel a little sad, because it would be nice to belong to a subscription of a decent magazine. I would like to think that there are well rounded magazines out there, but with each one that I have read, I become more & more disappointed.
Do you have any suggestions on a type of magazine that is worth reading? & if not, what are other alternatives? Books, maybe?
I really enjoyed this article. :] thank you so much for sharing.
apricot tea.’s last blog post..apricot’s closet: fishnets.
Dave Fowler responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm →
Vered – As always, thanks for the personal response. I liked your response to Lance. That’s the approach I’m going to take. I feel that I can’t shield my children from every ill the world contains, so it’s better that I teach them to deal with it. At least having the issue out in the open and up for discussion allows me the chance to influence my children in an open and honest way.
This is a great topic for discussion, and you’ve presented it very well. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments. Great stuff Vered!!
Carla responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 1:15 pm →
I used to read women’s magazines (mostly fashion magazines: Vogue, Vogue Paris, Elle, etc.) mostly for the fashion spreads, clothing, etc. Glamour started sending me a comp subscription to their magazine that I didnt request, but I was impressed with some of the ‘what to wear’ articles when they featured plus sized models and average women. NOT the typical so-called plus sized women who are a size 10, but women who are a size 18, 22, etc. They are few and far between but it’s a start.
I typically stay away from them (for the most part) and now satisfy my love of fashion through forums and blogs.
Carla’s last blog post..September update
Carla responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 1:29 pm →
Fiona - Great point
I have read probably a dozen magazine and newspaper articles on infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, in publications from San Francisco Chronicle to Marie Claire to Mothering Magazine and they ALL end on a “happy note”: a baby. I have posed the question as to why all articles, stories, essays that have to do with the above always end with a baby. No one is interested in the topic of life after infertility and/or loss that doesnt end with a child, biological or adopted. The New York Times recently dared to cross that path, but I still don’t see anyone else jumping on the bandwagon anytime soon.
Carla’s last blog post..September update
feefifoto responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm →
While you’re at it, add People magazine to the list, for encouraging readers to believe that if you ain’t famous, you ain’t nothin’.
feefifoto’s last blog post..McCain Vs. Obama
Andre Kibbe responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm →
Excellent observations. And more than a few a them apply to men’s magazines as well (if inversely). Gender should be a state a being, not a role.
Chris responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm →
I guess they can make more money saying all these garbage…It’s more about our intelligence really, we never look at these magazines or advertisements critically. We just look at the pictures and say WOW…
Chris’s last blog post..A Friend In Need…, Part 8
Sara at On Simplicity responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 2:20 pm →
Gave ‘em up a couple of years ago and haven’t missed them since. I do read Cosmo after my mother-in-law’s done with it. My husband and I like to pick apart the contradictory advice given within a single issue. He hates Cosmo with a passion because every month, without fail, they’ll include a tip that is completely degrading to men. I’ll give the mags this, though: they do an excellent job of keeping our marriage healthy, because we bond over trashing the advice. And I can’t take the ads and product placement either.
Sara at On Simplicity’s last blog post..Three Traits You’d Want People to Remember You By
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 2:55 pm →
@ Kim: “The magazines have a much stronger influence then we realize. When I was 11 I shaved all the hair off my arms because it didn’t look the models in the magazine had air on their arms. Only later did I learn about airbrushing.” WOW. That’s an incredible story and a perfect example of how magazines influence young girls. Thank you for sharing it.
@ Natural: I too read personal finance magazines but I have to say that they too are usually disappointing. I guess magazines just often feature low-quality content.
@ SpaceAgeSage: I agree that beauty has always been an ideal, and more so for women than for men. I also agree that it’s not really changing, despite progress in other areas.
@ Friar: I know… I used to READ COSMO when I was a teen. (Blush).
@ Cath: It’s very true that much of the content is ads in disguise. It’s true for the beauty product reviews, and also the fashion spreads.
@ apricot tea: Sure, books are great, but if you’re looking for something lighter, I say ditch magazines and read blogs. That’s what I do.
@ Dave: “I can’t shield my children from every ill the world contains, so it’s better that I teach them to deal with it.” Absolutely agree – and I hope that whatever we teach them will stay with them even as they enter their teenage years.
@ Carla: I love fashion too. I just wish it wasn’t (almost) always about 15 years old skinny airbrushed models and $1000 shoes. Re babies, I believe that the underlying message is “a woman can only be happy and fulfilled if she’s marries and has babies”.
@ feefifoto: True, and also for making us think that celebs are happy and should be our role models.
@ Andre: “Gender should be a state a being, not a role.” Maybe some day it will, but probably not in our lifetime.
@ Chris: I agree that the fact that people are buying these magazines says a lot about us.
@ Sara: “He hates Cosmo with a passion because every month, without fail, they’ll include a tip that is completely degrading to men.” I haven’t noticed that – but I believe him, and can’t say I’m surprised!
Rita responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 4:37 pm →
Vered,
Of all of your blogs, of “lists,” this one is my all-time favorite. Having worked in this industry for SOOO long, you have captured the flaws of the”shelter” magazines, the “women’s magazines” and the “women’s health magazines” all in one. (The only women’s magazines that I believe belong on the list as well are the “Bridal Magazines,” which tell you how to spend your honeymoon…umm, if you don’t know, why are you getting married? And they’re just an excuse to show-off dresses that nobody can afford.)
This is fantastic. and though I read all 10, I must tell you that I only needed one reason: they’re awful!
Thanks for this blog. WAAAAY overdue, and I’m glad you posted it!
Rita
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 5:50 pm →
I think these sorts of magazines express a lot of unhealthy philosophies.
The ones that stand out in my mind are the super-thin models which I don’t always find attractive. The other is the obsession with aging. It’s ridiculous. Far more important to live a meaningful, thoughtful life - than to obsess over aging. Everyone ages. It’s a mute point.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..The Stain Demon Can and Will Taint Your Life
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 6:44 pm →
@ Rita: Glad you like it. My list post are lots of fun to write but I do try not to overdo them. Agree about bridal magazines - I never read one, but it’s enough to see the cover to know that the content is low quality.
@ Bamboo Forest: It’s refreshing to hear a guy say that super-thin is not necessarily attractive. As for aging, it’s no secret to anyone who reads this blog that I’m having trouble with it. although 30 seems a tad early to start worrying about it.
I really like your perspective.
Carolee responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 7:34 pm →
What I don’t understand is how these magazines can have articles about gaining self-confidence and how every woman is beautiful on one page, a 3 week only-drink-water-and-eat-a-carrot diet on the next page, and a recipe for 1,000 calorie a slice cake afterward. I can’t read those magazines anymore because they usually do more harm than good, especially to vulnerable teens and tweens.
Theramblinghousewife responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm →
Reason #11
They interfere with the important things in life . . . .Like, say . . . .blogging!!!
Duh!
Theramblinghousewife’s last blog post..Questions
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 8:20 pm →
@ Carolee: I know. It’s crazy. Talk about mixed messages!
@ Theramblinghousewife: I definitely prefer blogging and reading blogs to reading magazines.
Friar responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 9:51 pm →
By the way, regarding the anorexic bean-pole models in (#1).
Tell me, just WHO finds that attractive?
As a guy, I can tell you I certainly don’t.
It’s safe to say that none of my buddies would either.
And normal women are just pissed off at the whole concept.
So just WHO keeps perpetuating the myth that it’s okay to look like a concentration-camp victim?
And why do we keep listening to them?
Friar’s last blog post..How to be a Tortured Intellectual
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 10:54 pm →
You mean if I read women’s magazines, I too could have hair like #7? Wow.
If you want a magazine that makes you think, check out Harvard Business Review. I happened to flip through an issue and it changed my life.
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..3 Myths About Strengths and Weaknesses
Adrenalynn responds:
Posted: September 8th, 2008 at 11:56 pm →
Actually, I do kind of agree with you- my values and self worth are not easily influenced by these magazines now, but that was not the case when I was younger. This is just one of the reasons I’m glad I only have sons! Of course, I also have to be aware of what influences them, but I feel that girls are more of an easy target; at least in regards to body image. We tend to be so insecure. Although I don’t agree with you 100%, this was a great post!
Adrenalynn’s last blog post..The good conversation
Robin responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 12:33 am →
Hi Vered - I don’t ever read women’s magazines. EVER. Even Frank reads them more than I do, like today in the chiropractor’s waiting room (then again it was Who Weekly, not really a women’s magazine). I’m just not interested. See you!
Robin’s last blog post..Feelings Are There To Be Felt
Linda Abbit responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 12:49 am →
When I was in my teens I read Seventeen magazine and tried so very hard to look like the models. As Kim Woodbridge said, we didn’t know about airbrushing in those days, and we were trying for something no “normal girl” could obtain. Don’t know when I learned about the fakery in these mags, but I haven’t read a women’s magazine for years, and don’t miss them. I don’t like to cook, and don’t want to read recipes either!
Aside from the magazines, however, this society is sending terrible messages to young women in many other ways (some of which you’ve blogged about before), and that is why so many parents (Moms most likely) are allowing their children to dress like prosti-tots! Disgusting! I’m glad I had a boy and didn’t have to deal with a young girl’s self-image issues as she grows into womanhood.
Amen! Stumbled.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 8:27 am →
@ Friar: Great questions. I’m not sure. I do know that most guys think it’s unattractive.
@ J.D. Meier: Ha. You like that hair, don’t you?
An issue of Harvard Business Review changed your life? Interesting. You’ll need to tell us about it in your blog (unless you wrote about it already?)
@ Adrenalynn: “my values and self worth are not easily influenced by these magazines now, but that was not the case when I was younger.” I can relate.
@ Robin: Smart choice.
@ Linda: “I’m glad I had a boy and didn’t have to deal with a young girl’s self-image issues as she grows into womanhood.” I will have to face that with my two daughters. It’s why I’m so frustrated with these messages. Thank you for the stumble! Much appreciated.
Rita responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 9:38 am →
Vered,
Wanted to let you know: last night, when the mail came in, my 17-year-old’s copy of “Cosmo Girl” - the “teen” Cosmo was there. Your blog got us talking, I asked her to go through the magazine and pick out the outfit she most liked. 5 minutes later, she was back, and said, “Ma, these women all dress like tramps - I want to cancel the subscption.
Thanks for helping to provide a REAL LIFE, wonderful mother-daughter talk!
Rita
Ellen Wilson responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 12:20 pm →
You know how I love this stuff! Especially 9. Was this a recent thing? Or did you glean it from a current magazine? Ah, yes. Let’s just feed the male narcissistic fantasy that has already thrown the world into an unhealthy balance.
Sorry. I don’t take a bake (what a slip!) back seat to any man. Is this why women are more quiet at parties? Or anywhere for that matter?
You know, an interesting thing I heard about women. As they get older they tend to become feminists. Or at least realize how the world will treat them. But it is the younger women who think they can “play” the world. Until they find our how sorely it plays them. Sad when you think about it. But for many age does bring wisdom.
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..My Social Experiment: RSS Numbers
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 1:04 pm →
I hadn’t read them in years and then helped my Mom out at her beauty shop this summer and was paging through some of them and was horrified!
I like Cooking Light on Line. That is the only one I look at. I don’t have any that come to the house. Why hurt a tree when you can read them on the computer now?
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations’s last blog post..The Power of Your Secret Weapon
Steve responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 2:29 pm →
well done! This list is great and hits on many problems with media aimed at women today. Thanks for the post!
Steve’s last blog post..Bomb The Blogosphere: Georgia V Russia (With Apologies to Edwin Starr)
Ananya Walia responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 2:52 pm →
Well, more men read Cosmopolitan for example than women. So one wonders if the target audience for women magazines are really women?!
Ananya Walia’s last blog post..Making Choice Between Puppy And Adult Dog: Learn How To Achieve
Al at 7P responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 9:26 pm →
Seems like women’s magazines are going from bad to worse. I’m not sure where the breaking point is, but the trend isn’t sustainable.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 9:30 pm →
@ Rita: I’m so glad this post inspired a real-life discussion. Thank you for letting me know.
@ Ellen: I became a feminist at a very young age (13). But I agree that many young women are reluctant to define themselves as feminists – until they realize, as you say, that they can’t play the world.
@ Wendi: “Why hurt a tree when you can read them on the computer now?” This is a very good point.
@ Steve: Glad you liked it.
@ Ananya: I think they do target women, but Cosmo has so much sex-related content and provocative photos, that I can see how a straight man would find it interesting.
@ Al: “the trend isn’t sustainable” - I certainly hope so!
angelie responds:
Posted: September 9th, 2008 at 11:21 pm →
Although I must say I read these magazines for (gasp) fun and have an artistic appreciation of fashion, I must say that it is refreshing to hear that other women don’t buy this ideology either…Once for an editing class I did a study on women’s magazines and men’s “fashion and lifestyle” magazines like Maxim, etc. It was astonishing to find that the men’s magazines were actually more respectful towards women–both verbally and visually.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 12:47 pm →
@ angelie: I do enjoy the aesthetics of fashion - a lot. That’s part of my frustration: I want to enjoy fashion without being subjected to these images and messages.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 1:55 pm →
“I do enjoy the aesthetics of fashion - a lot. That’s part of my frustration: I want to enjoy fashion without being subjected to these images and messages.”
Vered,
I hear you on that one. I love fashion too, but I can do w/o the messages. Sticking to foreign language fashion magazines helps (plus, they don’t have the annoying articles the more lifestyle oriented magazines have, but you still have the images.
Carla’s last blog post..Fear of blogging
Connie responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm →
interesting. i read these magazines, but now i see them in a different light.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 4:56 pm →
@ Carla: I like the idea of foreign language magazines… although I suspect they too use super skinny, starved, airbrushed models.
@ Connie: Good!
Brittany responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm →
I completely agree with you. I don’t buy magazines at all anymore unless it’s a music magazine.
I think society needs to accept women for the sizes they actually are. We need models that are real women’s sizes like size 10 and size 12 models. Even a size 8 or 6 would be better than the size 0 models they currently use.
And then, they need a real nutritionist to write articles on how to eat healthy instead of the “miracle” diets that supposedly work in a week.
After that, they need to start promoting equality of men and women.
That’s how I feel.
But I’m still young, so what do I know? (sarcasm)
Kat responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 5:19 pm →
While I agree with you 100%, your last entry appears to be an independent site, not affiliated with magazine Woman’s World.
You might just want to take that out for credibility’s sake.
Rachel responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 6:18 pm →
I am very proud to say that I do NOT read any fashion or gossip mags… anymore. However, as a child of the 80’s, I must confessed that I didn’t start out that way. When i was an emerging teenager and throughout high school, I fully admit that I maintained a subscription to Seventeen Magazine, (although my interest was primarily for the purpose of learning to draw faces, (and let me tell you, there is nothing like good close-ups of models’ faces to show the intricate details of the human eye)).
Once I reached college, however, I completely lost interest in the Fashionista. For me, it was always just too taxing to keep up with that ridiculous standard of beauty. Now, I find the whole industry laughable. It’s not worth the time or energy to read this garbage. It’s all such patriarchal drivel, replete with damaging stereotypes and double standards. I especially despise the advertisements.
Nowadays, the magazines that I generally splurge on reading and recommend to others are as follows: Utne Reader, Mother Earth News, E!, Natural Home & Garden and Eating Well.
On a side note, it is my hope that within the next few years, the vast majority of periodicals will be offered primarily as electronic versions. After all, human consumption of trees and production of paper waste is completely out of control!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 6:40 pm →
@ Brittany: I think it’s wonderful that you have such high awareness despite being young. Too many young women refuse to define themselves as feminist.
@ Kat: Thank you, Kat. You are correct. I decided not to take it out, because as a general rule I prefer not to edit articles after they are published, but I am including your comment in the article itself because I did make a mistake and it should be corrected (imagine that! I sometimes make mistakes).
@ Rachel: Wow. You said two things that are just SO TRUE. I don’t really have anything to add except to quote these two paragraphs from your comment:
“It’s all such patriarchal drivel, replete with damaging stereotypes and double standards. I especially despise the advertisements.”
“It is my hope that within the next few years, the vast majority of periodicals will be offered primarily as electronic versions. After all, human consumption of trees and production of paper waste is completely out of control!”
And say a BIG Amen to both.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 7:03 pm →
@Rachel,
I do agree with the waste of paper, but as someone who works at a computer screen anywhere between ten and 14 hours a day, the last thing I want to do is read for leisure in front a lit machine for another 1-2 hours (especially in bed). Plus, its not very particle to bring my laptop everywhere I go. There must be a better way.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 7:50 pm →
@ Carla: I haven’t thought about that! You’re making a good point. There MUST be a solution, though. Magazines ARE incredibly wasteful.
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: September 10th, 2008 at 11:32 pm →
@Vered - I thought it was HBR — but it turns out it was ’strategy+business mag’ - here’s my post - http://blogs.msdn.com/jmeier/archive/2008/01/28/don-t-tell-ask.aspx .
That said, I learned good things from HBR too (http://blogs.msdn.com/jmeier/archive/2007/11/19/pattern-based-leadership-vs-fact-based-management.aspx ).
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..Social Loafing
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 11th, 2008 at 8:43 am →
@ J.D. Meier: “people don’t like to be told what to do and we’re wired to resist change.” Tell me about it. I work at a startup. We are trying to get people to use a new service for managing classrooms. “Resistant to change” is putting it mildly!
psi*psi responds:
Posted: September 11th, 2008 at 2:31 pm →
I agree with everything you posted! There’s only one magazine aimed at women I’ll read, and that’s Bitch. It’s insightful rather than fluffy and has very few ads.
Lucy responds:
Posted: September 11th, 2008 at 9:43 pm →
I have NEVER read women’s magazines because of the reasons listed in the article. I never recommended reading women’s magazines to any of my niece’s or young women I know. I never will, either.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 11th, 2008 at 10:09 pm →
@ psi*psi: insightful and few ads sounds great. I saw that the magazine’s tagline is “feminist response to pop culture”. I’m intrigued!
@ Lucy: You’re wise! I did read them during my teens and twenties, but not anymore.
» Friday Favorites : Ideas For Women Blog responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 7:02 am →
[...] at Mom Grind says: You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You Ten Reasons To Stop. I agree. Totally. Women’s magazines are bad. We are capable of so much [...]
Denise responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am →
I am an independent, self-sufficient single mother of three, and yes, I read my fair share of women’s magazines. Cosmo is a joke and I avoid that, but Marie-Claire, Glamour, and InStyle are some of my favorites. I like pretty clothes, doesn’t matter if I’m not as skinny as the models….they are the ones that are supposed to be clothes hangers, not me. I like makeup and am always up for directions about how to use it. I am intelligent enough to be able to pick and choose which “advice” is right for me. Honestly, since when does feminism mean denying your femininity?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am →
@ Denise: I’m glad you made a comment. It’s good to hear a different opinion. I respect your point of view, but personally, I would like to enjoy fashion without being exposed to the messages listed in this article.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 12:06 pm →
That’s the thing. I’m not abandoning my Vogue and Glamour but I would like to see larger women featured as part of the rule, not the exception “special issue/article”. I am not plus sized or overweight but I’m not a 00 either. The mindless articles don’t bother me, I just want the clothes.
Carla’s last blog post..Fire retardant chemicals found in toddlers’ blood
Dave Fowler responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 1:02 pm →
Carla, well said. I’m totally in favour of seeing real women in these magazines. It doesn’t matter the size of the women and nor do they have to fit the industry definition of beautiful. To be honest I find some, actually, MANY of the women currently in these magazines unattractive.
The women I see in normal everyday life, running busy homes with kids in tow are the real beauties. A kind of natural beauty i.e, as nature intended. The term ‘Plus sized models’ is a joke. They’re perfectly proportioned. It’s the magazine models who are disproportioned.
Sorry. I get the follow up comments through the feed and I couldn’t help but respond with a ranting approval.
Dave
junebug responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 7:08 pm →
You hit the nail on the head! I stopped reading those magazines shortly after I finished high school, when I began to realize how full of crap they were…
daretoeatapeach responds:
Posted: September 12th, 2008 at 7:18 pm →
I don’t often read fashion mags anymore. One holiday while I was visiting family I sat down and poked through my mom’s stack of Glamour/Marie Claire/Cosmo and I distinctly remember suddenly feeling like I needed to spend more time focusing on my wardrobe. It was uncanny. I was looking at the pictures and asking myself “Why don’t I look like that?” and “What do I need to do to look like that?” I suppose there are some women who feel like that all the time.
April responds:
Posted: September 13th, 2008 at 12:36 pm →
While I agree with everything you’ve said here, I have to admit, it’s not going to stop my shameless addiction to women’s magazines. *sigh* That being said - I don’t purchase them, instead I choose the longest line at the grocery store and read until it’s my turn at the register
April’s last blog post..Negative, Ghostrider.
BC Doan responds:
Posted: September 13th, 2008 at 6:25 pm →
I stop reading women magazine about two years ago, after observing the many same issues discussed it here! They are a waste of money, time, and implant wrong images of real women!
BC Doan’s last blog post..Pictures for the Second Week of September
bulgarian solicitors responds:
Posted: September 14th, 2008 at 1:13 pm →
Womens mags truly are a throwback to 50s feminism . Especially the bit about making sure your man is in charge, and thanking him afterwards. That kind of logic is dangerous and often leads to sentences like Thank you for knowing we were both in the mood for sex .
bulgarian solicitors’s last blog post..Bulgaria Lawmakers Pass Flat Tax Reform
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 14th, 2008 at 7:07 pm →
@ Carla: I agree about larger models. I would also like to see models of all ages and less airbrushing.
@ Dave: Oh, please don’t apologize! I LOVE men who say that they like NORMAL women as opposed to these unattainable images. “It’s the magazine models who are disproportioned.” – I completely agree.
@ junebug: You’re smarter than I am. It was still reading them in my twenties.
@ daretoeatapeach: “I was looking at the pictures and asking myself “Why don’t I look like that?” and “What do I need to do to look like that?” I think this is a common reaction. I feel the same.
@ April: “I choose the longest line at the grocery store and read until it’s my turn at the register”. That’s a good system.
@ BC Doan: I’m glad you stopped reading them. I wish I could convince every woman on the planet to stop reading them (ambitious, I know). Maybe if we all stopped buying them, they would finally change their content.
@ bulgarian solicitors: “making sure your man is in charge, and thanking him afterwards” – I agree: that bit of advice was especially disturbing.
Ashley responds:
Posted: September 14th, 2008 at 7:15 pm →
I completely disagree with this article. While it does bring up valid points — most of the quotes are taken out of context (and no, I do not work for magazines). Yes, there are bikini points but there are also points about loving yourself for who you are both inside and out. There are also many articles on self-esteem and raising it…and also real-life stories of women’s life-battles (and they’re even worse than breaking a nail!).
Quoting Marie Claire as saying “Thirty!” does not mean they think you’re ugly at 30. I’ve seen MANY articles AND advertisements in magazines of women in every shape, size, ethnicity etc. Yes, I agree it’s mostly slanted towards celebrities and thinner women but are we seriously going to swear them off because of it?
Magazines are an excellent way for women of all ages to get information about healthy body images, health problems, read fictional pieces, and overall have a good laugh (do’s and don’ts are always good).
Overall, I think THIS article does not give women enough credit. If we want to sit down in the afternoon and breeze through some articles we can. We have the ability to make decisions on our own without reading a quote about men wanted to be pleased and then turning into a Stepford Wife.
Oh and P.S. the Manolo shoe comment — I’ve never, ever seen a magazine say to buy a $700 pair of shoes without having the bargain equivalent (e.g. at Target) for thrifty shoppers. So, go on and keep taking things out of context.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 14th, 2008 at 7:36 pm →
@ Ashley: I am always happy to hear a different opinion than mine. Obviously, we will have to agree to disagree on this subject. Regardless, I appreciate that you took the time to write a comment. Thank you.
Diane responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 6:03 am →
We watched Dawn Porter’s “Naked” last night on TV which showed how much airbrushing goes on in magazines and how disfunctional women are as a result.
I’ve made a stand and am not going to buy any women’s magazines anymore.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 20th, 2008 at 11:09 pm →
@ Diane: “I’ve made a stand and am not going to buy any women’s magazines anymore.” I completely support this decision!
Jess Sanders responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 7:48 pm →
SUCH a good collection of reasons NOT to buy what those magazines are selling. Thanks for re-confirming my decision several years ago to stay away!
Jess Sanders’s last blog post..Finally! PINK Mag Challenges the Business Mag Boy’s Club
alex knapp responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm →
I think this is a fantastic article, and i , speaking as a man, dont find the uber skinny stick figures that magazines portray to be attractive at all. i am tired of watching these easily manipulated girls jump through hoops to please god knows who. hopefully through the spread of information and through a change in perception, future generations can learn to break free from this constant fear of criticism.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm →
@ Jess: “my decision several years ago to stay away” - a very smart decision!
@ Alex: Amen to everything you said. We need more men like you.
dishthehappyfish responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 am →
I got quite a chuckle out of some of this apparently print worthy advice. However, I would like to point out one thing about all the advice and images that we get to experience through our human interaction.
We often see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear. For example, pertaining to item one above, even though you picked out skinny models, when I look at a women’s (girl’s???) magazine, I see boobs….big ones. And then I don’t measure up.
If I compared to myself to the girls in item one, well, I could have done that look in my youth, with a little help from a stylist and make up artist. But that is not what I wanted. I wanted boobs. so every magazine I looked at was full of cleavage.
I think I could go through, issue by issue, and spin everything to be all about me. Why is this magazine portraying beautiful houses, and this one beautiful women….and my least favorite….all those successful types in Ms. who handle careers and whose husbands and partners help with the kids and the wash? Are they doing this to inspire me? Really? Or are they trying to make me feel badly as I possibly can about me? Nah…I don’t think that would sell their magazine. They must be selling what people want to hear….something people actually desire….picture perfect lives.
Frankly perfection overwhelms me. But I certainly don’t want to read about the dishrag (my old screen nic…loved that one) down the street with the stopped up drain and the part time job at Walmart whose mummy watches her kids and hubby hangs out at the bar after a week at the factory. Even with an Erma Bombeck spin for some humor, its a big yawn and the pictures aren’t very pretty either.
I am addicted to beauty….another story. I don’t have it, but I love looking at it.
...love Maegan responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm →
OOh, what a great post!
This is a hard one because while I know all of that, I still really enjoy magazines …especially fashion mags. However, I’m ALWAYS telling the women I know how airbrushed and in some cases, completely changed, an image of a model is. So, I never really have an issue with that but every other woman I have been in contact with certainly does.
…love Maegan’s last blog post..Tagged Graffiti Style - well, not really
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm →
@ dishthehappyfish: I agree about beauty. I love beauty too. But I don’t want to see beauty that’s fake, airbrushed and completely unattainable. I want to see women of all ages, of all body types, and I want to see their freckles and their wrinkles. A woman can be beautiful even if she’s not “perfect”.
@ love Maegan: I worry most about young girls. I think their exposure to these images is really harmful.
Lilith responds:
Posted: September 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm →
Hello Vered,
I’m an LPN. Did you know that “Disturbed body image” is actually a nursing diagnosis? Disturbed body image is evidenced by eating disorders and lowered self esteem among other maladies. We as consumers are being heard, but the action is slower than I would like to see. The European fashion industry is indeed refusing to use models who appear anorexic, But the magazines are still invading our homes, and our conciousness. If, after eating a balanced diet and exorcising in a healthful regimen, I am still not a “perfect” little size two? I’m not likely to be. I’m fine with that. What I am not fine with is the brainwashed lemmings who think that I should panic about it. I have seen lovely healthy women who are size 10 and up.
I also live alone. I chose to live alone. I am happy with my choices, and there are no victims here. My greatest respect to my sisters who live by their own lights and refuse to be herded into looking and acting and thinking a certain way.
You are indeed a rose!
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Lilith
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm →
@ Lilith: “Did you know that “Disturbed body image” is actually a nursing diagnosis? ” I didn’t know that. I do believe that the media is responsible for many cases of disturbed body image. I completely agree that “We as consumers are being heard, but the action is slower than I would like to see.” I do hope that we as a society have hit rock bottom, and that from now on things will get better, even if at a slow pace.
Maya responds:
Posted: September 25th, 2008 at 5:01 pm →
I think your article is ridiculous. Of course you’ll deny there are things out of context, but that’s the simple truth. Your entire article asserts things the magazines are not saying. For example, #5 is not the magazine saying your “should” freak out over turning 30. It’s the journey of *one* woman getting close to 30 and her thoughts about it. And since these are women’s magazines, they speak to women. Saying a woman should compliment her spouse ( #2, #9 )and be vulnerable and allow herself to be taken care of is perfectly fine…as long as it goes the other way too. I love to be cared for by my husband and care for him. That’s a relationship, not letting him be in charge.
And obesity, unhealthy eating and lack of exercise are a bigger epidemic in this country than eating disorders ( not that they aren’t serious). I don’t know when the last time you sat down and *objectively* read one of these magazines without having pre-concieved ideas was…but I see women in all shapes and sizes and colors (yeah!). I’ve read lots of very sound advice about healthier eating and good ways to exersice. Are you trying to say there is something wrong with healthy eating and exercise? are you trying to encourage women to be over-weight?
as for fashion, sure they show high end stuff, but by your logic, don’t go to an art gallery to look because it’s pressuring you to buy expensive art. I’ve read countless articles on a variety of meaningful topics that are especially important to women: from health and medical issues, the child sex trade, the hardships and triumphs of women around the world, women who are achieveing great things in all fields….the list can go on and on. Glamor had a series for years about a woman in her 20’s suffering from cancer, and her jounrney. and Marie Claire featured Marinanne Pearl writing aritcles of interest about women’s issues around the globe.
And while Cosmo is definately the fluffiest of the bunch, my Sept issue has such “horrible” things as: warning women against lies the tanning industry tells ( encouraging women to wear sunscreen to prevent cancer ), profiles on a female football player, a woman who was married to a con man, an amputee who works with animals who are also amputees, how to keep your home crime free and yourself safe, cheap and easy ways to have fun, a college survival guide including protecting yourself from sexual assault, profiles of female achievers and entrepenuers like a professional chef and a broadway star, an article all about women’s heath and not ignoring symptoms, plus lots of cheap fashion and beauty. And so what if they discuss beauty, fashion and sex? Is there something wrong with any of those things?
But if you think women are so easily brain-washed that mags like this shouldn’t even exist, that is a much worse reflection on women than anything these magazines are saying. I’m a feminist, and part of that means I’m not going to apoligze for liking to wear nice clothes, or wear make-up. I thought feminism was about women having the freedom to do and believe what they wanted. This board obviously only validates a narrow range of choices. Women are muli-faced people. I can be an intelligent, career driven woman, also a nurturing and loving mom, a sexy caring wife, champion women’s rights and look while doing it!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm →
@ Maya: Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed comment. Obviously, we will have to agree to disagree on the subject of women’s magazines, but it’s always good to hear another side to the argument.
dishthehappyfish responds:
Posted: September 26th, 2008 at 6:00 am →
I was thinking about this article this morning and it occurred to me that I have never subscribed to bought my own women’s magazine. I have only read them in waiting rooms, or borrowed my sister’s or my roomate’s. I rebelled against this sort of thing in my youth. But in old age, having missed out on all the fun of femininity and flirting, I wish I would have taken at least a little advice from my frivolous mom or the superficial magazines.
I have mentioned before that I love classic literature and read a ton in my teens. It was just as big an influence on my self image as the beauty magazines. Thin women in history (historical fiction) are often depicted as mean, spindly, pinched, cold, sickly. I took that image to heart, as deeply as any fashion mag with all that cleavage hanging out showing me what really makes a woman a woman.
I looked at those two beautiful models on the cover….and thought…. beautiful bodies, pretty faces, bad make up! Just an opinion….that’s all.
And then I thought of two women I know who are totally oblivious to fashion, beauty, trends. One is a stick with frizzy mousy brown hair and a pock marked face, and the other is a 36 year old bowling ball who recently stuffed herself into her wedding gown, and is frequently seen in a bikini walking about her father’s yard. Both are happy, loved and treasured, more than I ever was either in my childhood, or in my marriage. Some people are just lucky I guess.
I am off to do the grocery shopping, and I am much tempted to peek inside the cover of Vogue, to see what it is I am supposed to look like this fall. I might not be too far off the mark, providing the fashion industry hasn’t given in to the “fat is healthy” craze.
Oh…and I might look up a way to make my man happy too. He’s been a little down….and I am plain out of ideas.
Its all a matter of perspective.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 26th, 2008 at 9:21 am →
@ dishthehappyfish: I agree that it’s a matter of perspective. I do believe that some magazines offer SOME credible advice, but I also believe that the damage they cause to women’s body image and self esteem far outweighs the benefits.
Paolo responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 10:10 am →
While I understand what you don’t like about these magazines I think that blaming them for womens low self worth is a bit ridiculous. We are all bombarded by these images whether male or female. It is up to you whether you choose to take notice or to live above it,
I make a point of telling my wife how beautiful she is and slowly she is starting to believe me. Self worth has nothing to do with the media and everything to do with yourself.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am →
@ Paolo: I guess this is the big question, so to speak. Does the media AFFECT how we see ourselves, or does it only REFLECT how we see ourselves.
10 Bizarre Ads: What Were They Thinking? | MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am →
[...] this post, you might enjoy these too: Top Ten Fashion Mistakes Powerful Men, Half-Naked Women You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You Ten Reasons To Stop Mona Lisa, [...]
Kellen responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 6:58 pm →
This is a great and necessary article. I’ve long thought that women’s worst enemies are not men, but other women. We have to respect ourselves and each other first before we can expect men to.
Kellen’s last blog post..The psychological costs of the "War" in Iraq
Kate responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 8:10 pm →
I would also add that the super-skinny ideal is not only unhealthy and destructive, but not exactly attractive to a lot of men anyway. Not that this is the paramount issue but it just adds a ridiculous element that women are doing something to be more attractive to men, torturing themselves to live up to this standard when men are either a; indifferent to it, b. actively repulsed by it (my boyfriend for a start) or c. sadistic jerks who really do want a trophy model girlfriend regardless of what looking like that does to her health. And why would you want guy c in the first place?!
However I don’t think that women’s magazines should never be read. I find it easy to ignore the bits I think are nonsense (ie. the dieting, men should be in charge.) While I’d never buy the bags, shoes and clothes for the prices as advertised in the magazine, I do like to use these ads to get ideas for things I can get for less money. And sometimes the sex tips in Cosmo can be very very useful… and fun.
Don’t not read magazines. Just keep a few grains of salt to toss on the pages.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 8:31 pm →
@ Kellen: “We have to respect ourselves and each other first before we can expect men to.” I agree!
@ Kate: I too enjoy fashion. It’s true that a magazine fashion spread can inspire us and give us ideas for looks that we can recreate on a lower budget. But I’m not sure that ignoring the messages is possible - especially for teenagers and very young women.
Kate responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 9:00 pm →
Oh I would agree with you about how the magazines effect some young women and teenagers. I’m 26 by the way. I was mostly explaining my personal reasons for reading Women’s Magazines on occasion.
And I do admit that I have had opportunities to develop a quite strong filter against the messages of magazines. My mom kept a bunch of her old art history textbooks from college around and I spent the latter part of my childhood looking at The World of Ruebens. So when I started developing more along the lines of one of his models rather than a woman on Vogue I had a context to still think of myself as attractive. I also developed a strong interest in the evolution of beauty ideals, wondering how, as a society, we got from Ruebens to Kate Moss and the like. I’ve actually researched this problem in high school and college.
Most interestingly I found that the “war on fat” was in its beginnings, a war on the beautiful. The first sufferers of anorexia nervosa were documented in the middle ages as “holy anorexics.” These were women who starved themselves to destroy their earthly beauty and perfect their souls. They apparently had many of the same traits as a woman suffering this disorder today (perfectionism, self-loathing etc) but the context of the disorder was culturally based in the reverse direction.
Anyway, it’s kind of a pet subject of mine.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 9:06 pm →
Kate, I’m impressed with your perspective. You have a somewhat detached attitude towards these messages, which I think is great, because you don’t react to them emotionally but rather think about what they mean which enables you to filter them out.
I wasn’t aware of the origins of anorexia. Fascinating! I wonder if the current thinness craze will ever go away.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 10:53 pm →
To all of the men who say they don’t prefer thin women: where are you? I do not get the impression that (most) men are not lusting after women who are on the smaller side. On personal ads and “in real life”, I hear preferences that reflex more of what society tells us we should look like.
They say they want someone who is:
fit = thin
height weight proportionate = thin
non BBW = thin
…and so on.
As someone who has been kicked to the curb for not being the “ideal” I can say that I’m a bit jaded. I am 40 pounds lighter than I was three years ago but would not in a million years go out with someone unless they see all of me first. I have what some people would call an idea figure (hourglass) but I never heard it expressed before.
Well, anyway, I didn’t want to hijack this post, but I needed to get this out.
Carla’s last blog post..LA Times: California launches broad effort to control hazardous chemicals
Kate responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2008 at 7:01 am →
Carla,
I know how you feel. I think as far as the men go in terms of liking these thinner women, it’s down to two basic factors. First, for some it’s just preference. I can deal with that. I don’t bother trying to win them over. And I can’t really get mad at them for having their preferences. I’ve got preferences myself, having always been drawn to the pale, dark haired and slender intellectual of la Belle Epoch. And at it’s heart it’s no less shallow than a love for the Brad Pitt type.
The second factor rankles me a little because I believe it to be cowardice. Judging by how much I caught those housing the y chromosome ogling me in college, I could not have been unattractive to them. Yet I was seldom asked out. I speculate that while some men might be attracted to larger women, they are afraid of what others would think of them for going against a societal norm. These men I hold in contempt. It’s one thing to be shallow, another thing to be spineless.
As my current boyfriend (whom I mentioned briefly before) once said, “Heck, I’m just as shallow as any man you’ll find really. I just have a slightly different list of requirements.”
To which I replied, with a kiss to his pale, refined brow, “Me too.”
Kristi responds:
Posted: October 2nd, 2008 at 2:49 pm →
I used to be obsessed with fashion & celebrity magazines. After several months of not reading them, I find that I am not as self conscious about my weight, style of clothes, hair color, brand of purse on my shoulder, and many more things that I used to obsess about. Now when I diet, I do it because I want to be healthy, and not because I want to make it to a size zero, which isn’t realistic for many women. Great post!
Kristi’s last blog post..The Blogging Process
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 2nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm →
@ Carla: I agree with Kate. I’m sure there are plenty of men who conform to social pressure.
@ Kate: Sounds like you’re in a great relationship.
@ Kristi: It makes sense. You’re not being brainwashed anymore.
Lisa responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 5:27 am →
I think the images, the very concepts that tell us only thin is beautiful, only thin is acceptable is far more pervasive than just what is shown in glossy magazines. When was the last time your saw a chubby heroine (and don’t quote Ugly Betty who is in fact a size 6), or read a book with a fat character who was anything other than supporting cast. Every day we’re bombarded with messages in tv, movies, radio, newspaper and online about how important it is to lose weight, to be thin and healthy. What a crock. Not all thin people are healthy and not all fat people are unwell. And what’s wrong with having curves anyway. Curves are sexy.
D responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 8:03 am →
I’m a guy, and I agree with most of what you’ve said here. But I think your aim is off on a couple of points.
#2 and #9 are things I don’t see as problems with women’s magazines, and not just because I’m a guy. Here’s why. First, although we will never admit it, guys do need some encouragement from time to time. Just like women, we want to feel like we’re special. This doesn’t mean you should wait on us hand and foot, but let us know that we are important to you. Let us know why you want us around. You know you expect the same from us.
And women may not understand this, but one thing that makes us feel important is putting to use our manly knowledge on how to fix things that are broken, lift things that are heavy, and kill things that are scary.
#3 is not magazines’ faults. In many cases, getting married IS a woman’s secret goal. There are many different reasons for this, but the preoccupation with marriage is ultimately a modified expression of this country’s Christian history. Nowhere is the urge to marry (someone, anyone, quickly) more prevalent than among Christian youth. I earned my bachelor’s degree from a Christian college where, as one of my friends put it, “All the girls here suffer from the two by twenty-two syndrome. They all want to be married and have two children by age twenty-two.”
That sounds like a callous, mannish thing to say, but he was right, and it had nothing to do with the influence of women’s magazines. These young women had this philosophy hammered into them by their parents, their grandparents, their churches, and their classmates.
However, I agree with your comments on ridiculously expensive clothing and accessories and body image. While losing weight is often a healthy decision, the methods by which weight loss is pursued are almost always unhealthy. I don’t know if it’s true that women “of all ages feel inadequate” comparing themselves to fashion models, but they shouldn’t. You will never be judged by these eating-disorder kids. Any real women who would judge you against images in a magazine has problems of her own. And men don’t read women’s magazines and do not care about fashion models. We like real women. We’d never be happy if we didn’t.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 11:27 am →
@ Lisa: I agree. I just visited your blog and I’ll repeat here what I said over there: it is wonderful that you are learning to accept yourself just the way you are. Nothing is more sexy than self-confidence.
@ D: I agree that we all want to feel special and needed. As for marriage, I had no idea there were still women like these out there!
D responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 1:09 pm →
Man, my grammar switch is off today. I’m really not as stupid as this sentence sounds:
“Any real women who would judge you against images in a magazine has problems of her [sic] own.”
Fashion Mistakes | MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 8th, 2008 at 6:42 pm →
[...] you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy these too: Ten Bizarre Ads Powerful Men, Half-Naked Women You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You Ten Reasons To Stop Mona Lisa, [...]
Stew responds:
Posted: October 9th, 2008 at 10:08 pm →
I completely disagree with this article.
1. I personally prefer images in magazine to be touched up and I want to see images of perfect looking people. If I didn’t, I would likely just look around me. Magazines are just like any other type of literature - they take you out of reality and place your mind in an idealistic story.
2. Have you looked in a magazine lately? I constantly see images of men being dominated by women in fashion ads. In fact, common fashion trends depict women as overpowering (pushing men down with their shoes and such).
3. I’m confused at what is so bad about wanting to get married. If you don’t want to, simply move on to the next article.
4. If I want to read about thrifty apparel, I will look at a Payless shoes mailer. I buy magazines specifically to see these things that I probably can’t afford. Why would I want to read about what Target or Walmart have to offer. There is no excitement or glamor in that.
5. Hey, I’m pushing 30 and I appreciate articles that tell me how to get more out of my life.
6. Yes, women probably could gain confidence in ways other than losing weight but with the current obesity epidemic throughout the world, I’d say this is likely a good place to start. Hate to say it but chances are, if you have a problem with these articles, that likely means that YOU need to lose weight.
7. Okay, I won’t even bother with this one. You used a picture from the 60s to prove a point about magazines of today….
8. Sorry, but the 2 generally come hand in hand. Chances are that if you’re a heffer then you probably aren’t too healthy.
9. How is this a bad thing?? Don’t you like to be told about the things you do good instead of what you are doing wrong. I imagine you’d appreciate it if the opposite sex pointed out what they admire about you.
10. Okay and finally, while I agree that 5-week diet plans are not the best approach, there are plenty of women’s mags that promote healthier lifestyles without fad diets.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 10th, 2008 at 9:06 am →
@ Stew: Per MomGrind’s comment policy, I edited the personal attacks on me out of your comment, but tried to leave your main points intact. Thank you for contributing to the discussion.
R responds:
Posted: October 10th, 2008 at 9:56 am →
Stew,
I am SO GLAD that you wrote this. I agree with every point, and I’d LOVE to see the personal attacks on the chicken-sh*t who had the nerve to write this!
1. I absolutely agree. If I wanted reality, the last thing I would do is read! Who wants that? Give me touch-ups and fakes ANY day.
2. It is horrible the way women are portrayed in ads - I’d much rather see fashion ads where women are being abused by men - like in the older days! Plus, who cares about fashion? A woman should wear what pleases her man.
3. I, too, would LOVE to get married! Any article that can help me be the perfect bride is great!
4. There is NOTHING fun about looking at things that are affordable! My husband will provide me with the finest, I am sure, and THAT’S what I want to see - not thrift shop garage!
5. I am 25. I, too, would like to get more out of life!
6. You are right! The women who graviate to these articles are probably hogs or twigs anyway.
7. Nothing aggravates me more than a blogger who flat-out lies! That’s why we need the comments sections!
8. Fat pigs deserve to be unhealthy, and NOT whine about it.
9. I, too, like to be told about things I do good. And, I like to tell my man when HE does good. And I want a man who does EVERYTHING good!
10. Again, you’re right. Five week diet plans are for fat pigs looking for a quick fix.
Maybe Vered would give me your email. It sounds like we have a LOT in common, particularly our views about women’s magazines - and marriage (wink, wink). I’d love to get to know you better. It sounds like we’d get along REALLY GOOD. Be in touch. (Wink, Wink - again)
Roger Stephen Allen
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm →
@ R: You are truly one of a kind.
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Mango responds:
Posted: October 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm →
Very good list. This also applies to teen fashion magazines, which is what I read. What you can do to make those magazines useful (at least for ones like CG and 17), use some of the diet methods they give you, but apply them into the creation of a good, healthy lifestyle. Like, CG and 17 have been emphasizing healthy eating and regular exercise and healthy-looking models. Isn’t that awesome??
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 25th, 2008 at 7:08 pm →
@ Mango: If some magazines are truly promoting healthy choices and a normal, attainable body image, then that’s very good indeed. I haven’t seen that in any of the magazines that I came across.
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shannon Diggs responds:
Posted: December 21st, 2008 at 11:31 am →
I agree, I haven’t been able to read this sort of brainless twaddle since I was about 18. I’m now 40, and remarkably untormented by worries about my weight, aging, handbag trendiness or if I’m submissive enough to my man. Intelligent women will find little that can be called “news” in any of these magazines, short of where to spend excess money if the need arises.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: December 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am →
@ shannon Diggs: VERY well said.
Sexist Vintage Ads: Women Are Stupid | responds:
Posted: December 21st, 2008 at 6:42 pm →
[...] Articles: Media Portrayal Of Women Women’s Magazines Subscribe: Email Or Feed [...]
mark responds:
Posted: December 27th, 2008 at 11:29 am →
and what about your blog earning money with “asian dating” ads? you mean to show thin models is bad but to show asian “dates” is good?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: December 27th, 2008 at 12:51 pm →
@ mark: Of course it’s not. Adsense ads for “dating” services are terribly offensive. I am doing my best to filter out offensive Adsense ads, but I’m limited to 200 that I can “blacklist”. In addition, I probably don’t see here on my end all the ads that are served to my readers. I would get rid of Adsense, but I don’t have better advertising options right now and I do believe that bloggers have a right to monetize their blogs while readers certainly have a right to not read these blogs if they are bothered by the content or by the ads.
Lola responds:
Posted: December 27th, 2008 at 2:48 pm →
I stopped reading them atleast a decade ago, maybe
Sexist Vintage Ad: Heinz, 1950 | responds:
Posted: January 2nd, 2009 at 9:13 pm →
[...] Related Reading: Media Portrayal Of Women Women’s Magazines [...]
Vintage Sexism: Flight Attendants Outfits | responds:
Posted: January 4th, 2009 at 6:02 pm →
[...] reading: Media Portrayal Of Women Women’s Magazines Indian air hostesses too fat to fly Being overweight won’t fly - not on Air India [...]
Emergency Fund: Start It NOW | responds:
Posted: January 8th, 2009 at 1:01 am →
[...] be even higher. Other areas where you can probably save are magazine purchases (especially stupid women’s magazines), cable TV (we pay for the basic plan. Several of my friends gave up cable altogether), giving up [...]
Suzanne responds:
Posted: January 10th, 2009 at 9:37 am →
Your examples do really hit the mark about Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc.
These magazines would never enter my house.
The magazines that do make it that far (only when given by friend for free) are usually half-full of crap. One or two proper articles that are interesting to a woman with brains and the rest gets flipped through in two minutes.
Worse than the women magazines are the tabloids!!
20 Ways To Help Your Child Develop A Positive Self Image | responds:
Posted: January 12th, 2009 at 9:41 am →
[...] a very narrow definition. Avoid criticizing your own body in front of your daughter; avoid buying women’s magazines; when you read a book or watch a movie that presents women as needing a man to rescue them, tell [...]
Women And Body Image: Ten Disturbing Facts | responds:
Posted: January 28th, 2009 at 10:39 pm →
[...] students, girls had higher body dissatisfaction scores than boys on all measures. Girls reported magazines as their primary source of information regarding diet and health. Boys reported their parents as [...]
velocet responds:
Posted: February 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 am →
This is hilarious.
The female of the species has some basic requirements for a mate:
1. He should be a physically strong specimen - for defense of the family and doing man things she wants done
2. He should have a mind of his own, preferably a smart one - such a state of being makes probable the securing of resources brought back to the nest
3. He should be one mean dude. Killing requires this, whether the target is food or enemies. (testosterone takes care of this mostly)
Since the female is the center of things vis-a-vis the family, her needs are first and foremost, and she requires cooperation from said mate. So how is she to maintain enough control in the face of the fact that she’s got to deal with an individual who’s bigger and stronger than her, with a mind of his own and has a built in mean streak that’s always in need of being tempered?
Well?
She has to manipulate him. It is her best shot. Being manipulative is commonly rated a bad thing, but like fire or electricity, it is a force of nature that is actually neutral until harnessed for good or bad. And manipulating men can work for the good. She has in this enterprise an advantage in that men have those desire buttons there to be pushed. And if done so properly she can do him a world of good.
Buttons like archetypes. The Hero etc.
Looks like some of what these mags do is share some ideas and things that women can pick up on to this end. Manipulate him with her hotness, for one. Relationship tips and tricks are helpful in this regard as well.
Of course these mags wouldn’t be in circulation unless there was a demand for what they offer. Making guys do women’s bidding will always be a need, so don’t hold your breath waiting for their demise.
Yeah, that part about telling a guy he’s in charge? Uh huh. She makes him her conquering general. Oh wait… who appoints generals? THE PRESIDENT.
But hey, you go girl, what with your so astute tilting at windmills. Love that superficial reading of what’s there and the resultant conflation of significance and intent.
velocet
MomGrind responds:
Posted: February 2nd, 2009 at 10:25 am →
@ velocet: I don’t know, I keep hoping that maybe we’ve evolved past these very basic, primal instincts - hey, maybe a woman in the modern society can even manage without a man or maybe a man has value to a woman because he’s, say, kind and generous and caring.
But I could be wrong. Perhaps we haven’t evolved beyond the hunter - gatherer society. To judge by women’s magazines, we sure haven’t.
Sexism In Facebook | responds:
Posted: February 7th, 2009 at 10:08 pm →
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Ageism Is The Last Acceptable Form Of Discrimination | responds:
Posted: February 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm →
[...] Articles: Media Portrayal Of Women Women’s Magazines Subscribe: Email Or Feed [...]
10 Ways To Hate Yourself As A Woman | responds:
Posted: June 8th, 2009 at 8:20 am →
[...] Subscribe to at least five women’s magazines and read every issue cover to cover, focusing on fashion spreads and ads, on diet advice, and on [...]
10 Ways To Love Yourself As A Woman | responds:
Posted: July 1st, 2009 at 10:06 am →
[...] Stop reading women’s magazines. You might think they provide harmless entertainment, but they are damaging your self esteem. Cosmo [...]