I chose to compare an issue of a Glamour magazine with the material that we are learning in class, and I have made several strong connections between the two. This magazine proves to readers that the media plays an incredibly strong role in peoples lives when it comes to determining their priorities and values. The February 2010 issue of Glamour that I used is packed full with advertisements for beauty products that are displayed in a way that persuades the reader that the product is a necessity. Other articles throughout the magazine deal with what is in-style when it comes to fashion and clothing. I feel like this magazine demonstrates many qualities that we consider are in the Empire. It demonstrates qualities such as deception, conformity, and self-promoting. This magazine does not go beyond focusing on physical appearance, which is avoiding the actual truth about life. The articles and advertisements in Glamour that promote certain beauty products and other supplies that can potentially alter a persons physical appearance, take away the feelings people have of being fulfilled. This magazine leaves the reader wanting more and not being content with what they have. In my opinion, I consider this magazine to be a type of “sin”. In a lecture in class, Ken Heffner said, “sin reveals itself by changing our third or fourth priorities and making them first.” This statement has a connection with this Glamour magazine because it persuades us to be obsessed with our physical looks and traits which is completely opposite in the Kingdom of God. It is safe to say that truth is not being revealed in this magazine, but it does thoroughly demonstrate what the media has done to people, and how strongly magazines such as Glamour affect individuals. Although human beings should be focusing on things other than their physical appearance, the media is continuing to distort the priorities and values of people throughout the country.
Discussion Questions:
1) Do any of these types of fashion magazines have a positive affect on us? Explain.
2) In what ways can we help ourselves not give in to these certain desires that media is trying to persuade us?
I don't know if I'd go so far as to say that our physical appearance doesn't matter at all; however, the primacy we give appearance in our culture is problematic. When we can only find value through the way we look (through the products we buy to look that way), then we have a problem. On the flip side, though, there is great value in expressing identity through appearance--especially when the identity expressed is that of Kingdom citizen.
ReplyDeleteSo many fashion magazines are selling happiness through product consumption and pre-determined identity options instead of inspiring creativity and identity expression. Your first discussion question is a good start toward exploring what kinds of positive contributions this genre might be able to offer.