Soc. 113
Media Assignment
April 17, 2012 There are many different magazines targeted toward different groups of people. Women’s magazines, such as Cosmopolitan, direct many of their articles towards dating life, body image, and sex advice. Men’s Health, a magazine for men, is also a magazine that’s articles are directly oriented towards dating, sex and body image. The growing impact of pop culture is directly effecting what we read in magazines. The cover of Men’s Health uses red, white, grey, and black text. These colors are considered to look more manly, rather than if they used pink or yellow. The font used is very bold and block-like. On the cover there is a photo of Blake Griffin soaking wet with his strong physique being exploited. This affects men because since Griffin is strong, they believe by reading Men’s Health it will tell them how to look like that too. They also try to make him a sex symbol by his lack of clothing. This issue of the magazine is titled the “Special Lose-Your_Gut Issue!” One of the articles shown in bold on the cover is “New Year, New You! Get back in shape in 17 days!” this article is making the importance of a “cut” body a necessity. There are also other words written on the cover such as: “Bigger Arms Fast!” and “Hard Abs Made Easy!” These articles and words are making the false pretense that every man needs to be strong and fit looking. The unrealistic idea that everyman needs to look perfect has a negative affect on the men who don’t look like Griffin, lowering their self-esteem. “365 Perfect Muscle, Sex, Nutrition & Health Tips,” shows that looks and sex is all that’s important to people. It makes love life seem superficial. Also, “What Women find Sexy,” makes sexual experience significant in dating life. Many articles are directed towards being physically fit, men’s wear, cologne/antiperspirant, beer, and cars. Leonardo DiCaprio represents TAGHeuer, a watch company, and the ad primarily