Women abide by them. And men adore them. Referred to as “the bible for women”, each month milllions of women run to their nearest bookstore to pick up the latest issue of “Cosmopolitan” magazine. With titles like “30 Sex Boosters: Amazing Little Extras That Make Sex Even Sexier”, “Discover The Sex Fantasy 68% of Men Have”, and “21 Sneaky Tricks to Get Guys to Do What You Want” what are these magazines trying to make of women? Now I’m not discussing the use of women in hip-hop videos (that’s a whole other topic), but when it really comes down to it (the articles on men, beauty, fashion) it’s all about sex. It’s sad, and disgusting at times. How has this culture become so obsessed with sex? I won’t lie. Sex, sure… it’s nice with the right person. However, here I am a young twenty-six and my generation (the culture club of 1980) is plastered with these “Cosmopolitan” themes. I feel older than my age. I’m not as focused as pleasing my non-existent boyfriend in the bedroom. Or learn that sneaky way to get what I want from a guy.
It’s the how-to be a whore without coming out and saying it. The magazines I have collected through the years make the guy look like the bad guy. Oh he didn’t please you in the bedroom? And you’re trying to read into his emotions and actions afterwards to decipher how he really feels? Who comes up with this crap, just ask him. Whatever happened to having an open line of communication? Instead we pretend like we don’t care, that there’s nothing wrong, when we– the female, is just waiting for that Hollywood style ending where he– the guy, comes rushing to us in a valley with the wind blowing in his hair, rescuing us. The articles are so bogus that I wonder who comes up with this crap. If I’m going to ask anyone for advice, it won’t be Cosmo.
I agree with your opinion that Cosmo is no place to go for the answer to sex questions. In my own opinion, it’s a shallow magazine aimed at entertaining people without enough depth or maturity to sustain long term relationships. So it’s no wonder that you feel “older” than your age our whole culture is built on maintaining “youthful” vacuity. The result is legions of lonely unfulfilled people humping and pumping but not bonding … and truly loving and being loved. You’re right it’s sad. In fact, it’s absolutely pathetic when you examine the phenomena closely because it doesn’t have to be this way.
@Timethief,
You said and I quote, “In my own opinion, it’s a shallow magazine aimed at entertaining people without enough depth or maturity to sustain long term relationships.” is crap. Do not define someone’s character by the magazine they read. Do not stereotype someone who reads Cosmo as being immature and unable to maintain a relationship.
Cosmo has always had some pretty hot babes on the cover, though. Gotta give them credit for that.
@Hairybeast,
“Cosmopolitan” not only features women on their cover, but men as well.
I will charge into your life and sweep you up in my arms to lift you up onto my bold black horse. Then, having realised it’s a bit difficult trying to get back on my horse without the use of my arms I’d put you down again, then when finally mounted reach down and swing you up into the saddle in front of me. In real life, it is at that point that I’d probably lose my balance and fall off and you’d be sat there looking down at me and laughing.
@Sperestillan,
Perhaps I am confused. Or maybe it just might be that my feelings towards the subject of Cosmo has been twisted around. It seems to be my post has become a mockery of those feeling the need to add their off-beat two cents. Your comment justifies the fact that comments do need to be moderated.
Men have opinions about Cosmo too, unfortunately they are not usually serious ones. You are not being mocked at all, male readers are just having fun with the thoughts your article provoked. Loosen up a little bit, you are attracting some very amusing responses. It’s okay to smile!
Or maybe you’re being over sensitive and reading something into what I said that wasn’t intended. I was showing a comparison between what people fantasise, and what often happens in real life.
@Hairybeast,
Of course men have their opinions. And women have theirs. I don’t expect anyone to agree with me or even see it the way I do. That’s what makes women and men different. Sometimes they see eye to eye and sometimes they don’t. However, Cosmo is what it is. It’s a how-to manual for women to score in the bedroom and get the latest fashion tips. No offense taken.
I used to read Cosmo religiously.. years ago. Have to say if I’m getting my nails done and it’s in the salon I’ll pick it up and read it. But, after a while its articles began to annoy me somewhat, so I stopped buying it. I grew out of it. Judging by how much it sells and how old it is (I think it’s one of the longest running magazines), it definitely appeals to its target audience. But you’re right, it’s by and large all about scoring with the guys. And no one had been able to deny it– sex sells.
@Britgirl,
You’re totally right. Amen to that one.