The GQ Glee Issue

I don't know if you've heard yet, but there is a lot of internet controversy on the new GQ issue featuring a few stars from the latest hit show, "Glee". Some account that it's no big deal-how is the sexualization of this cover and photo shoot different from any other magazine or celebrity? However, the Parents Television Council released a statement saying that the spread is "borderline pedophilia". See the link below:

link http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/news/release/2010/1020.asp

I read a lot of comments on blogs and many of them said "what's the big deal?" However, if you think of the context, it is inappropriate. The stars may be in their 20's, but they play high schoolers. Many middle and high schools watch this show, and perhaps younger kids. It is reminiscent of High School Musical, even if the themes are more mature. Dianna Argon, the blonde girl on the cover, wrote in her blog that parents shouldn't be letting this magazine getting into the kids' hands. However, we can't put the blame entirely on the parents. Kids can still access this magazine if they are out shopping with friends or are on the computer in the wee hours of the morning unbeknownst to the parents. It's like saying the media can do whatever they want and the parents have to do everything to take care of their children. Shouldn't there be some moderation of this very suggestive material?

Even if this photo spread isn't much different from the Miley Cyrus's of the world, it still adds to the hugh pile of sexist and degrading depictions of women. The male is fully clothed and receives pleasure from the typically underdressed women crawling all over him. Yes it is a men's magazine. But how many more times are us women going to be depicted inaccurately this way?

Photos courtesy of: dailymail.co.uk, usmagazine.com, ifc.com