The first issue of Seventeen - September 1944
As much as I hate admitting to a completely average background, I am in the majority of suburban teenage girls in the sense that feminine-geared publications were as vital to my upbringing as Polly Pocket and Lucky Charms.
Magazines became a constant presence in my life the second I was aware that I had an appearance...You know, an appearance other people could see. In light of this astonishing fact, I went out and bought my first batch of magazines: "Teen" "ElleGirl" and "Seventeen." I am not sure how any of these were relevant at the time, considering the fact I was approximately 8 years old.
Nevertheless, I read and re-read all of them, savoring each glossy page. Of course, the last thing on my mind was going out and buying a new one next month. Because of this, I am fairly sure I was wearing rhinestone encrusted jeans for a solid two-year chunk of my life.
The years progressed, and I was now approximately 12 or 13. Once again I desired a consistent source of information geared toward young women. I read through my old batch of magazines and promptly decided that ElleGirl was the publication pour moi.
Now, the overall intention of this post is not to be discussing my feelings regarding ElleGirl, but they need to be addressed. This is because ElleGirl was the epitome of all that is worthy in presenting to young women. I could just note the fact that their slogan was "Dare to be Different" and be done with it. But instead...let me count thy ways.....They had a monthly section about fashion bloggers from across the globe. They had a monthly book and music review. They once had a headline claiming "Smart Girls Rule!" It was absolutely perfect-o in each and every way.
Yes, they did have the stereotypical not-so-subtle covers screaming out "2335895 Hawt Summer Buyzz!!" and things of that nature. OH WELL. I enjoyed each morsel that magazine had to offer.
....Oh. Then it ceased publication.
I learned of this news via an issue of CosmoGirl and a postcard saying my remaining subscription would be fulfilled by CosmoGirl. Yuck! I cancelled my subscription immediately and went out to the store to swallow my pride and buy the second best by a long shot: Seventeen.
Before my journey into Seventeen-land continues, I would like to first note that ElleGirl still exists as a crappy, superficial website that consists of quizzes and two line beauty tips akin to "use moisturizer girrrlfrannn!!" Oh the humanity.
Oh, and TeenVogue isn't even worth addressing in this debate, because it really does nothing for me.
Back to me buying Seventeen magazine...I was now maybe about 14 so I was finally within the supposed age range of the readers of these magazines. I have purchased the magazine fairly consistently since then, and while it doesn't exactly thrill me when I see a new copy on the shelves, it certainly isn't the demonspawn that many make it out to be. The magazine clearly isn't intended to portray a set lifestyle, but rather a collection of tips and new things to try at your discretion. Interpreting this as a code for all teenage girls to live by could not be more incorrect. After all, how could I possibly by funky-edgy-preppy-sporty all at the same time?!?
Sarcasm aside, I honestly don't think the women that write this magazine sit at their desks and go "Muwaha! What a clever ruse! I have all of these girls sitting at home feeling bad about themselves because they don't look like this!" Girls don't run out and buy a magazine because a girl in it looks like she conforms to a certain mold. Girls want to buy a magazine where there are people that look pretty and happy, because they hope to find how to relate these characteristics to their own lives. It's about being pretty as an individual. Whether one likes to acknowledge it or not, feeling pretty really has such strong power and such an empowerment value. If knowing how to fix your hair into a pool of glossy girls is what it takes for someone, I don't understand why this should be frowned upon.
Also to be noted: Seventeen is ONE source of information, and I am certain the writers know that. I don't understand where one would get the idea Seventeen is the Absolute Lifestyle, when we live in an era where young women are capable of accessing and form of information they want at any time they want via the internet.
Another aspect that bothers me is when people claim that all of the models look the same. I will agree with this in regard to the ads in the magazine. Ads have always used sickly-thin women to try and get their product to appeal to the masses. In a magazine, though, how long are we looking at the ads? Half of a second, perhaps? In the magazines actual content itself, which, in any magazine, boils down to only a few sheets once the ads are removed, the shapes of the girls could not be more diverse. In the style section, if I recall correctly, they feature styles for "Petite" "Tall" "Apple" and "Pear" shapes. The girls are real! Obviously they've worked with a stylist for the photoshoot, but that is only to be expected. In the end, this doesn't disguise if a girl is smaller or larger.
Yes, Seventeen has many negative aspects. They feature no acknowledgement of books, movies, or music. Their celebrity stories area always wimpy fluff pieces. Their "real life" stories are always high dramatized and have absolutely no moral value.
Most importantly, they have consistently failed to address LGBT issues. At all. Ever. Never ever have they even made mention of, or merely hinted at the idea of LGBT topics. THIS is a big deal. If young adulthood is supposedly where we struggle to find who we truly are, then Seventeen is only representing a narrow selection of paths in this regard. For young women who are confused about, or are discovering their sexual identity, Seventeen provides 0 resources. In today's society, or any society, that needs to change.
But! Lest we forget: honest relationship advice, Sex Ed, charity opportunities, healthy food choices, encouragement in fitness, the body peace pledge. I think these are all things that should be smiled upon and included for a well-rounded publication.
I buy Seventeen much less frequently now. The substance it once had is slowly reducing to fluff about having fun and celebrity gossip. It's unfortunate that another pillar of young women's publishing will probably soon fall. It really could be so much more with such small changes!
In conclusion, Seventeen has no real value in the world, and I will openly acknowledge that. Despite that, I think that the excess scrutiny that is oft placed on it should be thought about twice. I am a devout feminist myself! I buy Seventeen, I buy Rolling Stone, I buy Juxtapoz! Seventeen should simply be taken for what it's worth. It will never be a glorious piece of literature, and in all likelihood it's quality will decline eventually. At this current time, though, it's just another source of information for girls, nothing more. If it's not your cup of tea, there are other wonderful wonderful publications out there for the intellectual and verbose crowd: Bust, Bitch, Sadie. Even check out your local 'zine shop! I am sure there is something out there for you. As the wonderful blog Yes and Yes once said, life is too short to pretend you don't enjoy something.
-Don't forget to check out The Seventeen Magazine Project! It's awesome!
So...what are your thoughts?
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