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Rayme's avatar

If men go in SI, they need Benjamin Bratt.

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Colin Neagle's avatar

I agree that the cover image of Gayle King looks so strangely awkward, like she's a deer caught in the headlights while also in the middle of an interpretive dance inspired by cubist art. The problem with the Swimsuit issue is the same problem that a lot of legacy pop culture is dealing with, the problem of adapting to and updating with the times without alienating the traditional fanbase. One side is tired of not seeing people like them included in photo shoots of celebrated beauties or space opera laser sword battles, while the other side thinks society is going to collapse because a fictional undersea creature now has some melanin alongside her fish tail and singing voice. The Swimsuit issue is trying to take a middle path that is not particularly appealing to either side, but considering how the rest of topical news magazines have faired as of late, photos of famous people in beach wear is their only remaining asset.

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Heidi's avatar

I think the sad thing is that she says it's such an accomplishment. Really? One, she's done so many things that required quite a bit more effort. Two, are they (the non-young, non-white, non-thin models) fooling themselves into thinking they look like that? There's a lot of airbrushing going on in these photos!

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Sarah's avatar

On the topic of magazines and their target audiences and the male vs. female gaze, I think about this side-by-side of Hugh Jackman doing press in August 2013 on a semi-regular basis: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzAaD-bXgAAN47Y.jpg

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Colin Neagle's avatar

Wow! I've never seen those side by side magazine covers before, but it is fascinating (although not surprising) to see how the same famous person, at the same point in history, can be presented so completely differently in media based purely on the audience the media is targeting.

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Jodi's avatar

It is really crazy that women do these things and then are subjected to reading/hearing everyone’s opinions on their bodies. When do we finally learn to stop commenting on other people’s bodies? Especially women. How is this ok in any capacity? The swimsuit issue just perpetuates it. There should be far less focus on looking good because how you look isn’t always representative of health either.

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Tammi's avatar

I'd bet that even if SI is only available online these days (and idk if it is), the swimsuit issue is still published in print--full color, glossy--and widely available everywhere!

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Kara Norman's avatar

Lolol corpse in a bikini! Good one. Also: Harrison Ford in a form-fitting Speedo, Kevin Costner in a clingy boxer brief, Michael Douglas in a thong. I know what I’LL be falling asleep to tonight 🏆 💦

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