2005-09-10 Excellent and a good read

Myrna Blyth's contention is that U.S. publications aimed at women are overwhelmingly left-of-centre and have liberal feminist attitudes and values and a relentless propagandistic message that women are stressed, discontented victims (not to mention an unhealthy obsession with thin glamorous female celebs). According to Blyth, none of this (except perhaps the unhealthy obsession with celebs) much reflects the actual attitudes, values and situations of real women out there. If you are left-of-centre yourself, you may think this is all a good thing. But whether you are happy about it, or feel that women are being conned and manipulated, you're going to struggle if you want to deny that what she is saying is basically correct. The evidence (including evidence from left-wing organisations) is just too strong. Its a good book, an enjoyable easy read, and a very important point that she's making. And if you think women's magazines don't matter much, you're wrong there too. Women's media is enormously influential and in effect is becoming THE media. And if you doubt that, try reading the (UK) Daily Telegraph since Charles Moore left.