More often than not when a magazine is purchased the person who bought it relates to that genre of media. The magazine was chosen due to their likes and dislikes as well as its over all relevance to the buyer. Meaning a sports addict would usually buy sports illustrated and a golfer would probably buy golf digest.
The magazine that I have chosen to analyze is Cosmo. A magazine that is Globally known for women and the intimate interests they express. Its funny because reading it wasn't the worst part, buying it was. At checkout I felt a de-emasculating image surrounding me. The cashier was probably thinking what a wuss this person is for buying this magazine. Although thats what this blog is about, buying a magazine that doesn't directly relate to you.
The history of Cosmo dating back to as early as 1866 has represented itself as a women's magazine. Today Cosmo expresses itself as a broader magazine, discussing topics not just for woman that cover relationships, proper sex, health, careers, self-improvement, celebrities, as well as fashion and beauty. The magazine to my surprise did show broader topics but 95% of its content is still sex and woman.
What does this tell us? This tells us that the image of Cosmo is already imprinted. Unless a dramatic change of its topics are implemented then Cosmo will always and forever be known as a magazine for women.
The signaling of the magazine inspires relationships, romance, fashion, and beauty that directly relates to women. Cosmo also showed signaling through style, designer clothing, advertisements, and popular fashionable products. As the magazine did cover most of these categories, the majority of its visual advertising was of sexual context. The visual signaling seemed to tell women how they should be, look, act, and pursue sexually.
The circulation of this magazine is over 96% women mainly between 18 and 34, closely followed by 18 to 24 year olds. In conclusion this magazine represents the lifestyle that "All" women should pursue. A way of life that women should almost obey and not just take into account.
Wait -- Dominick -- all women should pursue sexual freedom and care about their looks over their accomplishments? I'm not sure that's what you're saying, but it's certainly what Cosmo says. This essay is still in first person -- exactly what I've been telling students to avoid. You are writing for a general audience -- at this stage in your university career, it's time to stop writing letters to a teacher: less about the assignment and its process -- more about the analysis.
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