Back in the early 80s, there were articles in Cosmo about how to be respected in your relationships and career. As a young woman, I found that helpful. Then that editor who had been a “kept woman” took over and realized that sex sold more makeup ads than sensible advice did. It’s been all about how to please your man in different ways ever since.
Now, looking back at any photos from the 80s, I am amazed at how clothed women are in the pictures, compared to what is being worn now, at all ages and stages of life.
Well, now I think I should go spend some time parenting my teenage girl, who has to live in this milieu.
We have different memories of Cosmo, as a male I read it during the mid 1970s as a way to know what was on the minds and lips of the females in the nightclubs, it was very helpful in my pursuits, it was a trashy magazine then as well.
“”In 1967, the magazine reclaimed the name Cosmopolitan and was refocused as a magazine for women. The magazine eventually adopted a cover format consisting of a usually young female model, typically in a low cut dress or bikini. The magazine focused on young women and published articles that openly talked about sexual issues.[citation needed]
This was not Brown’s first publication dealing with sexually liberated women. Her 1962 advice book, Sex and the Single Girl, had been a bestseller.[citation needed] Fan mail begging for Brown’s advice on many subjects concerning women’s behavior, sexual encounters, health, and beauty flooded her after the book was released. Brown sent the message that a woman should have men complement her life, not take it over. Enjoying sex without shame was also a message she incorporated in both publications.[10]
In Brown’s early years as editor, the magazine received heavy criticism. The magazine ran a near-nude centerfold of actor Burt Reynolds in April 1972, causing great controversy and attracting much attention.””