If you’re ever in the mood to feel less than stellar about yourself, just take a glance at the cover of a typical women’s magazine. You know the drill: weight loss hacks, expensive fashion trends you can’t afford, and a handy checklist of all the ways you may be falling short in your romantic life. And let’s not forget the stunning, overly-retouched model gracing the cover—she’s the cherry on top of a cake of self-doubt. It’s enough to make anyone want to retreat under the covers with a tub of ice cream and never emerge.
That’s where Boston-based artist Max Harper comes in with a comedic yet poignant parody that brings to light the ridiculousness of what we often see on magazine racks. His hand-drawn spoof was recently posted on his Facebook page and has already garnered almost three thousand views. The artwork features a half-naked model reminiscent of celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, along with tongue-in-cheek article headlines such as: “Didn’t Think You Were Overweight? Think Again,” “31 Items You Can Buy to Make Men Like You (And Then You’ll Finally Be Happy),” and the gem, “Construct a Sand Castle Around His C*ck & Other Outrageously Weird Sex Tips that Nobody Would Actually Use—But Hey, It’s All for His Enjoyment!”
As highlighted by ATTN, this cover is a clear parody of a Women’s Health magazine issue from September 2015. However, the issues it addresses extend beyond one specific publication; they serve as a caricature of an entire industry that profits by perpetuating the idea that women need to conform to unattainable standards to find happiness. The underlying message is that fulfillment comes from weight loss, acquiring the perfect shoes, and mastering the art of satisfying a partner while multitasking in the kitchen and tackling laundry—quite the tall order.
Some brands have started to make efforts to engage more positively with their audience. Women’s Health made headlines earlier this year for banning the phrase “bikini body” in a bid to promote body positivity. Sports Illustrated also received applause for featuring plus-size model Ashley Graham on the cover of their swimsuit issue. Yet, it’s disheartening that these steps toward inclusion are often the exception rather than the norm. One would hope that publications aimed at women would prioritize celebrating diverse bodies and encouraging self-love.
But alas, it seems that’s too much to expect, which is why this hilarious parody resonates so deeply. Women’s magazines can easily leave you feeling inadequate, overweight, broke, and generally miserable. Nevertheless, at least you’ll have the skills to build a sand castle around a penis like a pro.
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In summary, while women’s magazines often push unrealistic ideals, the parody created by Max Harper serves as a humorous reminder of the absurdity behind these messages. Instead of feeling pressured to conform, we should celebrate our individuality and find joy in being ourselves.
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