Nudity and the Times
The New York Times Magazine has a fashion piece on hats today illustrated by artist Joel-Peter Witkin. He uses Manet's Woman Reclining with the model wearing an Alexander McQueen hat and nothing else except some flower petals covering her nipples. In another shot, he puts a wool garden hat atop a model in an imitation Magritte painting with her nipples replaced by painted reproductions of Venus de Milo.
I don't look at fashion spreads in the Times much because I'm no fashionista so these sorts of artistic illustrations could be common. But I was surprised at the amount of nudity in the spread. In the daily newspaper.
It didn't offend me, but we get comments from readers who are offended by much less than that. I know that our readers aren't the same as readers in Manhattan, but I wonder if the Times is getting calls like: "How can I show this to my daughter?" and "You have to show a naked woman to sell a few hats?" I would. Of course, it had the desired effect on me. I looked at the shots and the hats. (Note to staff members always after me to go further and further: Sorry, but no, we won't do this.)
By the way, I was reading it for the articles.
Comments (3)
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In many countries the nudity would not be a concern.
I would much rather see you publish women nude than many other subjects... :)
Posted on November 27, 2006 9:10 PM
John,
I guess it is ok for you start running nude women pics.
...wonder if paper sells would "go up" :)
thanks
Posted on November 30, 2006 9:32 AM
Please ...please...don't start with the uncensored Britney pics...some people really do need underwear!!! :)
Posted on December 2, 2006 11:31 PM