Walk through any mall and you’re bound to see FHM magazines on display. This publication is one of the Philippines’ most well known men’s magazines. They use their advertising power to put flesh on display at every magazine stand.
There’s something that bothers me even more–the same people with the same “values” also publish magazines for Filipina teenagers.
Doesn’t anyone see a conflict of interest?
Let me explain the significance. Suppose a young Filipina buys a Seventeen magazine. She sees the magazine’s website and visits it. Prominently displayed on the seventeen website is femalenetwork.com. There she will be told it is acceptable to lose her virgnity at 15. There she will receveive step-by-step instructions on how to lose her virginity without any reference to marriage (sorry, I refuse to link that article here, but I’m not exaggerating).
So what’s next, Summit Media? Shall we make a Filipina Stripper magazine and ecnourage our girls to dance around poles? If you are promoting immodest behavior, someone else besides you might as well profit from it.
I’m not calling for a boycott or petition against summit media. I just want to encourage my beloved Filipinas to be discerning in what they read. Don’t accept lovelife advice from those who peddle flesh for a living. They don’t have your best interest at heart.
I also encourage parents to monitor their children’s internet usage.
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Although personally I have no problems with whatever Seventeen wishes to publish – there are actually more hypocritical companies around.
Take for instance consumer goods giant Unilever, which tells women through its Dove brand that they should be comfortable with their own bodies, yet its Axe/Lynx (men’s deodorant range, probably only marketed in Europe) uses advertising with scantily-clad perfect women and suggests its product can be used for sexual prowess.
I bet there are more examples out there though.. mostly evil multinational corporations.
My primary concern is the way summit links up all of its websites and drives traffic to some trashy articles.
I think those who target teenagers should be especially careful about the message they send, and in this case, I see a complete disregard for the minds and hearts of young Filipinas.
I know most advertisers are only concerned with profit. I simply want to warn my readers to be discerning.
The Axe ads are obviously exaggerated, one doesn’t have to be a genius to know that. FHM magazine claims their photos are of class and artistic.
Ok, I’d agree, they’re glossy. Most of the photos are also digitally enhanced, meaning at some point and curve, faked. Let’s be real, it’s pornography in disguise!
Sana po may makapublish ng christian magazine for women na maganda din at affordable. para may option ang kabataan!
🙂
Thess,
In theory you have to be a certain age to buy FHM. Not that it is good “reading” for any age, but here’s what really bothers me:
*That display you see pictured is on the lower floor of a mall for all to see (including children).
*The FHM website is linked to all of the other summit media websites (seventeen, etc).
well, ideas like that are prevailing. evils of internet that are hard to stop (unless we support our very own great firewall or something, but that’s against democracy).
I agree–I’m not advocating for censorship. I just wish Summit Media would be more responsible in the websites they choose to link together.
Kevin, like you said, ‘in theory’ and one can easily fake age.
I feel bad for the girl in the picture Kevin, she looks like some woman waiting for a pick up in some corner (sorry am blunt), it’s far from decent really… nakakalungkot
I agree with you–but I’m just saying that at least those who want to buy have to spend the money (and maybe falsify their age).
My Point: Those of us who want nothing to do with it are still exposed to it.
i dont like seventeen even. I remember they had an article on “safe” hooking-up, and if you really scan the pages you’ll see little sex and lust sprinkled on some pics and articles.. Its a scheme.. its like seventeen is conditioning young girls who will soon be reading cosmo..then fhm..
I totally agree with that. The last time I read Seventeen was when my roommate bought one and I was shocked to discover that it’s now peddling “safe” sex through its “sex education” page. And to think that most of its readers are composed of young girls (tweens and teens alike).
i must admit, i used to read summit media mags(candymag,totalgirl,&witch),and if a girl is not wise enough, she’d get decieved easily, they’re so good at being discreet when it comes to educating women with the wrong philosophy…
the next generation will definitely suffer from publications which feed pitiful, young,undiscerning women on self-image, relationships and the general concept of being “cool.”
I hope they (whoever is responsible) realize that their very own children and grandchildren will be part of this next generation.