Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Get Real.

I went to the bookstore today in search of a few good magazines and maybe grab a book. I found myself in the “Women’s Interest” section of the magazines. What the hell. It goes from bad, to horrible, to I really wish I was born a man. Lets see what my selection consisted of… Weddings! Thanks but no thanks. Knitters? Honestly, Knitters? No. Bead Unique, Celebrate the Holidays, tons of fashion magazines, Cosmopolitan, the Oprah magazine, Yoga…it’s a fucking trap. Apparently, I am suppose to be planning a wedding, knitting my winter scarf, wearing some shitty dress that makes you look pregnant just because it’s in style, catching up on all the new sex tips… first of all, pass the tips to the two pump chumps we tend to waste our time on, and I guess still trying to lose that stubborn 10lbs that just doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere…however, if I can’t lose the weight, Cosmo told me to just do the reverse cowgirl to hide my belly. Life is hell for women…according to these magazines. I don’t feel good about myself after browsing this shit. 1) I realize I can’t really cook or knit. 2) My holidays are going to suck because I will probably fuck up my Santa Claus cake. 3) A wedding? Lets all laugh together now. If I ever get married its when I am at least 75. 4) Maybe I should’ve bought the other black flats because the ones I have on aren’t in all the magazines. 5) Cosmo just makes women more insane…Why do they want to decode men for us? I don’t want to know what he’s really thinking when he says “hmmm” while tilting his head at a 30 degree angle…because according to Cosmo, that means I’ll be getting dumping two weeks from today because I didn’t cook dinner enough. So I finally gathered my composer and ventured off into the current affairs section. I grabbed a few magazines and then I went for it…the “Men’s Interest” section. I see gorgeous women licking their lips and pushing their asses in the air, fast cars, intelligent people on the covers of these magazines…I certainly don’t see “Guys! Drop those stubborn 10lbs.” or knit the perfect holiday scarf. It’s just not fair. Then I checked out the military magazines, which are clearly geared towards 60 year old men (The military magazines need to catch up. Stop talking about the Revolutionary War…it’s 2008, we have other shit going on). I walked out of the magazine section with Bust (yes, a magazine for women), the New Yorker and a huge headache.

So here is my point. When will women finally get their chance to be real? I have an idea! My idea…there are several blogs out there by female service members and veterans, why don’t we start a blog for female service members by female service members (for us, by us)…touch on all the topics that seem to be neglected, clarify a few things, openly acknowledge issues and challenges females face, let people into our world…and be honest doing it and laugh at ourselves a little. It would be amazing to get a group of women who would be interested in trying this out…each write something, start a new blog, and see how it goes. I have a few emails addresses of some women but if you’re reading this and think this could work, please email me (arita8x8@yahoo.com).

8 Comments:

Blogger olgreydog7 said...

There's plenty of cool rags about ink. But, there's not much literature going on. Just cool pictures. And, just so you know, men are always thinking, "I'd like a beer and I'd like to see someone naked." Yea I stole that, but it's true.

9/24/2008 07:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You may already be familiar with it, but you should look for Bust Magazine. As far as women's interest magazines go, it's one of two that I buy. Music reviews, book reivews, some DIY stuff. No diet tips or getting of guys.

9/24/2008 08:16:00 PM  
Blogger Nixon said...

Kate,

OGD is right about men. We're definitely not as complicated as Cosmo makes us out. Think of us as possessing the intelligence of a highly trained rock.

I wish you luck in your endeavor to start an all-female milblog. I know Lela and Tough Girl 101 blog, and there has to be more out there. I hope I'm allowed to read =)

Also, if you can recruit this woman to your side, you would be the most influential person ever. And no that blog is not satire.

9/24/2008 10:26:00 PM  
Blogger Grung_e_Gene said...

Kate,

Actually Men's interests magazines do focus on the male physique. Except it makes men feel like pigeon chested namby pamby's if they don't have 22 inch guns and washboard abs.

However, you are right that mainstream culture still treats woman as stay at home, fashion bangles who should be able to whip up a pot roast while servicing their husbands.

9/25/2008 01:22:00 AM  
Blogger Lela said...

I'm there with you, girl! I don't like knitting (although I've been known to crochet...I have grandkids, after all); I don't think I'll ever lose that last 10lbs; I like men for the mysteries they are (isn't the unknown more exicting?); and I really don't need sex tips from a stranger (I'd really rather figure out what works for myself...more fun that way). So, I'd love to throw my hat in the ring for a military-realted blog focused on women's topics! I say, 'bout time!

9/25/2008 09:16:00 AM  
Blogger GI Kate said...

OGD- I do check out ink magazines sometimes. haha well love, women think that also.

Allie- I did pick up Bust, not bad. Found some cool things in there that interested me.

LT Nixon- Of course!

Lela- haha i love you! I'll be emailing you. (by the way, I really can't wait for that airshow!)

9/25/2008 12:44:00 PM  
Blogger HopeSpringsATurtle said...

Kate, thank you so much for coming over to my place and adding me to your blogroll, it is much appreciated.

I think the female milblog is a great idea. let me know if I can be of assistance.

I just wrote a mini-novel here in your comments, but it disappeared into the the tubes. I hate whan that happens. Suffice to say, a place where military women can share their experiences as part of this man's military could provide support and express something very few know or understand.

I find myself in the new and unique situation of being without the daily routine and comraderie of the military.

Again, let me know if I can help.

9/26/2008 01:48:00 AM  
Blogger Sevillalost said...

Kate -

chick milblog: I'm in.

11/01/2008 07:30:00 PM  

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