Here is the link in which I am basing my analysis on.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/2008_swimsuit/summer/
In men’s magazines can women only be looked at as sex objects?
Looking through the supermodel’s galleries most of the photos have the models in sexy poses, some of which are extremely suggestive, with barely there bathing suits that flatter their busts and tiny waists. Along with the main picture there are smaller pictures on the main page that endorse this idea. At the bottom of the webpage Sports Illustrated teamed up with AskMen.com and had AskMen.com rank the models. I also noticed this on other websites. Maxim for instance, has the “Top 15 Bond Babes: James Bond’s hottest accessories.” When you search for Maxim, the subtitle that comes up it is “Guy’s Ultimate Guide.” Maxim and FHM are other men magazines that show women as sex symbols. I have found these sites barely used the words beautiful and pretty. Instead they used foxy, sexy, and hot. It is clear that sex sells in these magazines.
Have these magazines always been this way?
In most ways yes but on the link above they have the best of 1960’s swimsuits as well as other decades. Going through those photo galleries some of those photos were almost the same as they are today. I did notice though that many of the women were not as thin as they are today, and many actually had on bathing suits. A good amount of the bathing suits were one piece and some of the poses were not as suggestive as they are today. Playboy has been around since the mid 1950’s and their message has stayed the same but today their magazine is wrapped in black plastic because their cover photos are too racy. I guess the overall messages of these magazines have remained the same since their establishment but how they sell it and portray women has definitely changed.
What does this say about men and women?
It is pretty obvious that men like to look at women. These magazines are one way of showing gender roles. Men have to this show their masculinity. These photos are showing that women are looked at in these sexual ways. These men magazines only show the sexual sides of both sexes and forget about the other qualities we have to offer. Many of us believe women and men are equal but these magazines definitely show some inequalities that still exist.
References
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/2008_swimsuit/summer/
Gauntlett, David. “ Media, Gender and Identity: An Introduction.” Routledge. New York and London. 2008
2 comments:
EP, interesting topic. You used questions very effectively within your commentary.
Sticking with SI Magazine, I'd have to agree with you 100%. Sports Illustrated is primarily a men's magazine; however, every year they come out with their much anticipated "Swimsuit Edition". But why is this issue so anticipated over other issues? The answer lies on the front cover. To say that women are not objectified in this issue would be naive to say the least. This issue is designed to portray beautiful women in exotic swim suits. There's no other way to put it or look at. SI is a sports magazine, but its top selling issue is about women in bikinis.
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