Michael,
Since women still are primarily responsible for the household duties, it makes sense that the articles aimed at their fears and insecurities are in the grocery stores.
But just to add a LITTLE balance, on my flight home tonight, I was amused by an article in the American Way (an excellent and very high quality mag which frequently however, does seem to target the male business traveler) about men and aging, and the heavy demand for male cosmetics, skin products, and facial treatments. It talked about the boomer men having to look young as they find themselves being ousted from jobs by the more highly trained technical younger generation.
My point is that I hate to see you make fun of women on this issue when it's a malaise that affects both sexes. I have no urge to ridicule a man for using Rogaine or a toupée, for working out at the gym, for doing whatever he can to stay competitive. It's not fun-- (and women have endured this for a long time)-- being judged wanting because you are no longer 20.
It would be a far more constructive approach for us-- you and I- male and female- to not fall into the habit of compartmentalizing each other and our sex into labelled boxes that don't allow for the recognition that the symptoms may differ, but we have the same pain. Both Glamour and the American Way are dealing with the issues that haunt our dark times
will I lose my husband?
Will I lose my job?
Do I no longer have what it takes?
So I disliked that article-- because I think we ALL are reduced to thigh busters and staying HOT HOT HOT even as we ALL work, work, work and pay, pay, pay. |
