Reading between the lines
For the longest time, men’s magazines were merely a polite euphemism for the girlie mag (think Playboy, Penthouse et al). Over the past decade though, the focus has shifted to offering men advice on what to wear, what to say to women, working out, picking up women, picking up watches, impressing women — you get the picture.
But in their quest to turn all men into buff, well-dressed women magnets, do these mags actually hit the mark? Or do their target audience — regular men — take all the advice with a pinch of salt? One common grouse most men seem to have is that all this advice comes at just too high a cost. “These mags are just not worth the money,” says law student Samarth More. “I only ever pick them up to look at the women. As for the advice — I’d only take it if it appeals to my common sense.”
Actor Maanav Gohil says reading the fashion sections of these magazines is important given his profession, and the gadget sections offer good advice. “The tips are really useful when you’re picking up a phone or a camera. But the fitness section in most mags is like over chewed gum. I have my own fitness mantra, which I’ve evolved around my lifestyle,” he says.
Men definitely do not look for sex-related advice from their monthly read. “The worst advice these mags give is that cheesy pick up lines actually work!” says investment adviser Ankush Makhija. “Sex is always treated hilariously,” agrees tech blogger Nimish Sawant. “The lifestyle features are better.”
Despite their progress, men’s mags still have a tough time shaking off their roots. “Most are still full of hot women,” Sawant points out, adding, “Not that I’m complaining!”
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