Houellebecq: When I said, "many men feel entitled, even obliged, to pass judgement on a female's looks", I was referring to all women, not women who might be considered to invite such judgements by modeling, though it applies somewhat to them as well (as noted in the articles re: the quotes from men).

Even you, just a few posts back, concluded that women who disagree with the magazine action must be 'jealous fatties' or some term to that effect. Just as, in attempts to diminish feminist commentary you and your cohorts attempt to portray feminists as hairy legged humourless man haters. In praising or denigrating women; it's always referring to their appearance (or assumed appearance) - rather than to the content of what they say.

The issue isn't whether you have prefences in the looks of people with whom you choose to be intimate; it's whether women are valued for all that they are besides their looks.

For you and Col: Not all females need to be regarded as mateship material 24/7 - we can do other things besides bonk and produce babies. For example, why this:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1164744/The-worlds-beautiful-female-politicians-revealed-surprise-surprise-theres-British-woman-them.html

What is the relevance of that article?

Anyway here's summin for you fellas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuWmb5xQowA&NR=1

I read somewhere - men who think a woman's appearance is her main source of value and women who value men primarily for their income tend to be drawn to each other; and each deserves what they get.

Yabby, thank you. I think?

Economics Bah. :)

"I read somewhere - men who think a woman's appearance is her main source of value and women who value men primarily for their income tend to be drawn to each other; and each deserves what they get."

That is priceless Pynchme because it rings so true - each to their own. It sometimes takes a lifetime for people to realise what happiness means for them, and I don't think for most is having a wardrobe full of designer frocks or a trophy wife on their arm.

Houlley
I guess there is a point where one asks where do you draw the line in terms of photographic technology. Like most lines - they are drawn when there is no market. Many of my peer group no longer buy women's magazines - I haven't for years not because of the photo aspect specifically but because they are generally boring. Give me an organic gardening or news journal in preference.

Personally I don't use photoshop or other tools unless it is to clean up a flaw. I prefer a picture to depict what it is. Some might see a more artistic role for photography and that's fine too although I would prefer a real photo rather than a manipulated image.

In the face of these sorts of media images, the only way to combat the trend is to refuse to buy the magazines and to teach our own children to be resilient and confident to offset external influences.

MTR does raise some good points and I was interested in Sylvie Jade's comments about the Japanese game that was banned. What a travesty these sorts of games are even made. What does this say about society?

Excessive concern for body image is a consequence of the ideals set forth by the overly sexualised society we live in – needless to say that women’s mags are doing a great job at it... Change will come from people understanding that self-worth is an innate characteristic of human beings. Incidentally, I recently heard author/researcher Maggie Hamilton talk about her book "What's happening to our girls?" which would be of benefit to any parent of a teenage girl.

*we can do other things besides bonk and produce babies.*

Pynchme, well I should hope so! A bit of cooking, cleaning
and ironing, would be pretty handy too :)

Yabbie: <"A bit of cooking, cleaning
and ironing, would be pretty handy too">

Haha Yabster you old stirrer you!

That would be saying that blokes are too:

(a) Stupid
(b) Lazy
(c) Superior
(d) Arrogant

(choose all that apply)

- to do those tasks!

I have every confidence in you fellas to manage those self care tasks for themselves :)

Thanks Melinda for being able to see the big picture on this issue. The objectification of women is trivialised by many as a non-issue or written off by resorting to unintelligent slander. Your article is a welcome example of someone thinking clearly and honestly about it!