Dude or Dud? Ask Cosmo, Who Else?

Cosmopolitan Magazine just doesn't give up.  And why should it, considering it's one of the most widely circulated magazines in the country?  Maybe this article shows why (Cosmopolitan, 2/18/09).  It's just a theory, but maybe women buy Cosmo because it reinforces their high opinions of themselves and their low opinions of men.  I'm sure there are other reasons too, but that must be important to the magazine that for decades has done its monthly bit to promote raunch culture. 

Whatever the case, this article recycles a lot of the negative stereotypes of men - cheap, untrustworthy, dishonest, possessive and commitment averse.  (How'd they miss violent?  They didn't; it's in another article.)  And by implication it reinforces the opposite notions of women.

So what's a gal to do with all the dud dudes out there?  Well, apparently she should be untrustworthy, dishonest and manipulative herself.  Cosmo's advice to women who are concerned about those things is to set up little secret tests for the guy to pass or fail. 

Doesn't tip enough?  Dump him.  Believes people may have acceptable reasons for infidelity?  Show him the door.  What if he says something critical of the institution of marriage, even something objectively true?  Not worth your time, dearie.

Any reader who harbors ideas about loving a man even though he may not fulfill your every girlhood dream, should be quickly disabused of those silly notions.  It's her way or the highway, don't you know.  Intelligence, subtlety, nuance?  They're not for our Cosmo girl.

And of course the sexual stereotyping isn't far below the surface.  Women are the judges and men are to be judged.  All the foibles mentioned by the article are men's problems, not women's.  There's nothing wrong with you, Cosmo girl, so there's no need to look in the mirror except to put on eyeliner. 

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