So Close to Perfection!!!

Woe be to women seeking fulfillment in women's magazines. According to most women's magazines, women have an obligation not only please men, their family (particularly their mothers), friends, and society . . . but if you don't buy *this* particular type of product (soap, shampoo, shoes, etc.), you will die. That's a lovely message to propagate amongst the minds of the female populace, isn't it?

(It is for the above reason that I personally prefer to read men's magazines. Not only are men remarkably unburdened by needs for society, they get to focus on cool things like fitness and how to pour the perfect pint of Guiness. Also, men's magazines -- particularly the British ones -- are wickedly funny. So sue me if I like a sense of humor! Isn't that what every woman's attracted to?)

Marie Claire is actually as close to perfection as a women's magazine can be. It appears that the editors of this magazine appreciate the fact that women might like a little more *substance* in their magazines. What is also pleasant about Marie Claire is that what is sacrosanct in some other women's magazines (image-consciousness, body issues, celebrities) become fodder for debate and even a bit of light-handed parody in Marie Claire. One example is an article where couples were interviewed; men drew a picture of their girlfriends/wives and described the womens' figures. While the women were universally attractive, they downplayed their beauty . . . while the men in their lives sung high praises of their ladies' bodies, some in sticky-sweet detail. The name of the article? "He Loves Your Body; Why Don't You?"

Think about it. Deep, isn't it?

Marie Claire's revolution of the women's magazine doesn't end there. This is a magazine that flaunts its political moxie openly -- most recently with an article giving an open forum to Gore (Tweedledee) and G. W. Bush (Tweedledumb) to explain to American women why each deserves to be the next American president. Not content to just let it end there, Marie Claire then analyzes each man's positions (and subsequent voting) on issues like gun control, education, and abortion.
It's one thing to give opinions a forum, it's quite another to give hard facts and figures. Marie Claire actually trusts that women can understand these concepts, which is heartening.

I also like Marie Claire's focus on global women's issues. I have yet to read a women's magazine writing about women fleeing to the US to escape F(emale) G(enital) M(utilation) in their home countries. Occasionally, these global issue stories take a turn for the fantastic ("I Lived In A Harem For 3 Months"), but most of these articles are well-written documentation of the grim, uncertain life that faces 75% of the women in the world. When you have your life put in perspective like that, it's hard to complain about the little things anymore.

Even the fashion articles are helpful to average women! (If there is one thing I despise, it's endless pages of rail-thin women wearing clothes I couldn't afford if I saved for 25 years.) I am speaking, of course, of the oft-mentioned "Splurge vs. Steal" section. Create the same or similar outfits with either a lot of money or much less money . . . what a concept! It's been the clothing industry's dirty little secret that there are many designers who take their cues from the way-beyond-pricey couture collections and create cheaper, more accessible versions for the masses. Marie Claire just makes it easier for you -- the female consumer -- to compare and contrast and make your own choices. Ain't choice grand?

If there is one complaint I have about Marie Claire, it is that health issues sometimes get the short end of the stick. Marie Claire is clearly a magazine committed to women's views, interests, and issues . . . it's just that so much is covered in each issue that something must be left out in the end. Another sticking point is that in certain issues, Marie Claire comes *dangerously* close to celebrity worship . . . although its transgressions in this department are minor compared to some of its peers (Mademoiselle, Vogue, Cosmo and Glamour, you know I'm talking about *you*). Although for the time being Marie Claire seems committed to having celebrities on its cover, at least the celebrities are somewhat interesting and varied (as opposed to having the same celebrity on every cover -- Oprah, you know I'm speaking to *you*).

Marie Claire is so close to being perfect that it titilates me every time I open an issue. Even when they get it wrong, there is still hope. Unlike some of the warmed-over garbage that is predominate in the world of women's fashion magazines, Marie Claire dares to see the same issues from different angles, or do entirely different things altogether. All of the other magazines are followers; Marie Claire is a magazine for those who dare to be different and innovative.