Playboy: Cultural art icon, or just naked capitalism
Editorial
Playboy is here, and they want Buckeye women.The notorious nudey mag certainly tweaks the smut meter, but whether one finds it to be a pleasurable tweak or a big tweak in the behind depends on how you view the pop culture icon.There are as many opinions of Playboy as there are stories about the outlandish parties at Hugh Hefner’s infamous mansion. For some, Playboy represents the root of all evil, the kind of moral decline which laid to waste the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.For others, Playboy is yet another way in which women are demeaned in our culture. Playboy perpetuates the myth that women are simply objects to be desired that can be acquired with enough money. Many feel that Playboy promotes a male sexual fantasy which has nothing to do with women as people or as active participants (let’s face it, that misanthropic soul in the stacks, holding the Playboy, didn’t require any assistance). As if to prove the point of those who find Playboy demeaning and crude, there is also the classic “big hooters!” reaction to the magazine.Many of the famous women who have launched their careers with a staple in their navel have defended their choice by chalking it up to art. They remind us that the female body is something to be proud of, not to hide from. Sexuality should be celebrated, and posing in Playboy has allowed them the chance to do this. Some have said that posing in the buff gave them a sense of freedom (perhaps they were confusing freedom with a very big draft).So is it art or is it just another chance for men to refer to women by the names of small fuzzy animals? We certainly can’t recall any of Botticelli’s women spread eagle, but we will refrain from judgment ‹ after all art is in the eye of the beholder.As if to prove that there are many differing opinions of Playboy, approximately 200 women showed up to represent Ohio State and the Big Ten (don’t worry, we aren’t going to take the obvious cheap shot here) in Playboy. Don’t these women feel demeaned? Are they blinded by the promise of future fame? Are they hoping they will go the way of Jenny McCarthy and Farrah Fawcet? (Ironically if you are unknown and willing show it all for Playboy you could conceivably be on your way to a great career. If you are known and Playboy gets its hands on some old nude photos of you, scandal ‹ remember a former Miss America?).Let’s face it. While Playboy is screaming “show me the everything,” these women are thinking “show me the money.” Sex sells, and in today’s culture, money talks and all else walks. We are a money driven society, and Playboy is a glossy reminder that the dollar has a mighty strong allure.Sexuality is neither dirty nor shameful. However, should it be a commodity? Perhaps Playboy will run an insightful article about the effect their photos have on the way women and men perceive themselves sexually. And of course, every one will read it ‹ because you know people only buy Playboy for the articles.
