2008 Woodie Awards
Today's magazines portray false female beauty image
Jackie Reitmeier
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Opinions
- Page 1 of 1
This winter, I am getting my second tattoo.
I have debated with myself for sometime, but have settled upon a traditional pin-up girl to be placed on my upper thigh. Why would I choose such a figure to be placed upon my skin for the rest of my life? Because the female body is one of intrigue, sexuality and pure importance to the existence of human beings. I think the pin-up girls from the 20s and 30s are an amazing example of classic beauty, a little bit of sexiness, yet they are still holding their womanly figures in a somewhat noble respect.
In my research for the perfect pin-up pose and face, I have come across a disturbing realization of what we as a people have escalated to today, and I am completely disgusted by it.
A men's magazine in the early 1900s consisted of women standing or sitting in what would be considered a risqué and suggestive position for that day in age. Today, if a woman posed in a men's magazine while wearing shorty shorts and a braless blouse, it would be considered prudish.
I have nothing against men's magazines. If there is a market, sell it right? The decency they used then completely marvels the newest Playboy issues out today.
Second, this shift in how we as human beings view each other cannot be contributed solely to men. Being scantily clad and having men ogle you has become exciting for women, or they may feel pressured to dress in such a way just to be noticed at a party or in a bar.
They think that's what men want from them, and I am a thoroughly firm believer in that wanting a naked woman similar to what is portrayed in a magazine is what all men want.
Granted, I have been contradicted in this statement by a trusted man source, my boyfriend.
In conversing about the topic, I discovered the day he met me, he was not attracted to me for my body or only thought about what might be contained underneath my sweatpants and sweatshirt. I learned the reason he was attracted to me was due to my ability to converse on an intelligent level, have a good laugh and understand his viewpoints. Huh.
I won't lie; it was a pleasant surprise to find that not all men seek the naked woman found in magazines today. Granted, he may have just said that to make me happy, but knowing him, I highly doubt it. I still believe a woman's body should be celebrated, and I will go forth with my pin-up girl tattoo. But I also believe a little mystery and discreteness can travel much farther in life, too.
I can only hope for a turn in the way men (and women) view the sacredness of their bodies, but I don't see the nudity trend changing anytime soon. As for me and my own, we will stay covered.
I have debated with myself for sometime, but have settled upon a traditional pin-up girl to be placed on my upper thigh. Why would I choose such a figure to be placed upon my skin for the rest of my life? Because the female body is one of intrigue, sexuality and pure importance to the existence of human beings. I think the pin-up girls from the 20s and 30s are an amazing example of classic beauty, a little bit of sexiness, yet they are still holding their womanly figures in a somewhat noble respect.
In my research for the perfect pin-up pose and face, I have come across a disturbing realization of what we as a people have escalated to today, and I am completely disgusted by it.
A men's magazine in the early 1900s consisted of women standing or sitting in what would be considered a risqué and suggestive position for that day in age. Today, if a woman posed in a men's magazine while wearing shorty shorts and a braless blouse, it would be considered prudish.
I have nothing against men's magazines. If there is a market, sell it right? The decency they used then completely marvels the newest Playboy issues out today.
Second, this shift in how we as human beings view each other cannot be contributed solely to men. Being scantily clad and having men ogle you has become exciting for women, or they may feel pressured to dress in such a way just to be noticed at a party or in a bar.
They think that's what men want from them, and I am a thoroughly firm believer in that wanting a naked woman similar to what is portrayed in a magazine is what all men want.
Granted, I have been contradicted in this statement by a trusted man source, my boyfriend.
In conversing about the topic, I discovered the day he met me, he was not attracted to me for my body or only thought about what might be contained underneath my sweatpants and sweatshirt. I learned the reason he was attracted to me was due to my ability to converse on an intelligent level, have a good laugh and understand his viewpoints. Huh.
I won't lie; it was a pleasant surprise to find that not all men seek the naked woman found in magazines today. Granted, he may have just said that to make me happy, but knowing him, I highly doubt it. I still believe a woman's body should be celebrated, and I will go forth with my pin-up girl tattoo. But I also believe a little mystery and discreteness can travel much farther in life, too.
I can only hope for a turn in the way men (and women) view the sacredness of their bodies, but I don't see the nudity trend changing anytime soon. As for me and my own, we will stay covered.