Monday, August 04, 2008

"Lads Mags" Condemned

Michael Goves, a British school official, has come out strongly against magazines which exploit women.
"The images they use and project reinforce a very narrow conception of beauty and a shallow approach towards women. They celebrate thrill-seeking and instant gratification without ever allowing any thought of responsibility towards others, or commitment, to intrude.

"The contrast with the work done by women's magazines, and their publishers, to address their readers in a mature and responsible fashion, is striking."
OK, there is a contrast available to readers.

It really makes me uncomfortable when politicians begin attacking free enterprise. I think it's perfectly OK for leaders to make broad social commentary, such as encouraging people to be more responsible to their families, and to take pride in their work, themselves, and their country. But blaming girlie magazines for the decline in the family is a real stretch. Better for the government to blame itself for failing to stimulate enough job growth so that people are able to make an honest living.

The real problem with pornography is that it is pervasive, and mainstreamed in society. It's too big and profitable to stop. Instead, politicians come after strip clubs, prostitution, nudists, and other easy targets to give the illusion that something is being done. Unfortunately, shutting down nude beaches and passing anti-nudity ordinances only serves to remove one of the last bastions of non-sexual nudity in existence. By attacking the weak, they are only making the porn industry stronger.

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