When I read this week’s Fantasies of Femininity, I was very intrigued. Ussher had my attention right away. When I read “Post Feminism and Individual Choice of Beauty Mask” I was kind of surprised. I guess I never looked at wearing makeup as a choice. Not that I have been forced to wear it. I just never saw it as a big deal. When Ussher quoted magazines I was shocked. ”Making up is about making the most of your best features and playing down the ones that are not much to write home about.” So as a 21 year old consumer I am paying Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire to indirectly insult me and tell me that I have some features to be ashamed of? Wait a minute – I thought after reading a beauty magazine I was supposed to feel beautiful?
It is true, when I buy magazines it is not only to get the latest Hollywood gossip (pathetic I know, but at least I admit it, right?) but also to get some hair and makeup tips that I can use in the future. It is definately not to be told, “PSST! Want to lose weight and meet SEXY men? Turn to page 101 for the catch.” Am I not good enough the way I am to meet “SEXY men?”
After reading this week’s articles I was waiting in line at Vons’ check out flipping through some magazines. Reading what the covers said was so eye opening. It suddenly hit me that it is their mission to make me feel bad about myself so that I will keep buying their “styling tips.” The only way to be up to par and beautiful is if I follow their instructions.
Check out some of the latest titles on Cosmo:
