It cracks me up when people argue over definitions of beauty or sexiness as if the standards should be altered out of a sense of "fairness" to women (and men) who do not fit the traditional mold. The subjective nature of sexual attractiveness means that it can't be argued. You either find someone sexy, or you don't, and odds are no one can persuade you to change your mind.
Wellen is making the same error that evangelicals make about homosexuals; he assumes that finding SJP sexy reflects having a high intellectual or emotional character, just as (some) evangelicals assume that finding the opposite sex attractive reflects a higher moral character.
Maxim might be a sophomoric publication, but it reflects a global assessment of feminine beauty that can't be argued away. Some guys might find SJP sexy, but more men (and women) find Angelina Jolie sexy, and you can't scold them into changing their mind. Yes, standards of beauty have changed, but the fact is, in this day and age, Angelina fits the current standard more than SJP does.
"Unsexiest" Woman Holds Mirror Up To Judges
"Am I really the unsexiest woman in the world?"
That's the rhetorical question actress Sarah Jessica Parker posed to Grazia (which actually bills itself as Britain's "first glossy magazine"). She was responding to the title of "Unsexiest Woman Alive" bestowed upon her by a poll of the readers of another magazine, Maxim.
In questioning their choice, Ms. Parker fails to notice that she's acquiescing to the notion that there really is an unsexiest woman in the world. But she deserves credit for bravely admitting that it caused her significant pain, enhanced, in turn, by her husband's anger.
"Do I fit some ideals and standards of some men writing in a men's magazine?" she asked. "Maybe not." (Plaudits also for taking the trouble to Q & A herself, thus lightening the interviewer's work load.)
Again, Ms. Parker is on the right track, but only halfway there. She herself illustrated the point in the 1991 film LA Story. Playing SanDeE*, a dizzy, flirtatious young woman, she beguiles the middle-aged Steve Martin. (And, in the process, makes it impossible for girls to ever unselfconsciously twirl again.)
By parodying it in its most juvenile and blatant form to a T, Ms. Parker draped herself with the mantle of sexiness and the rest was history. It's indicative of her intelligence that her career was built on irony.
Maxim's readers likely weren't singling her out for a lack of sexiness, which no red-blooded man can dispute at this point. Arguably, it's her long face to which they object.
In fact, Ms. Parker is the latest in a long line of formidable women stretching from Cleopatra to Bette Davis to Madonna. Though lacking the symmetry of a classic beauty, they bent men -- and the world -- to their whims, whether by disposition, determination, or talent.
The case can be made that Maxim's readers object to having a sex symbol chosen for them on the basis of her success in a "women's" TV series. Also, there's no disputing that La Parker is ubiquitous -- besides TV, from billboards to magazine ads to commercials -- not to mention, much the richer for it.
But, as is too often the case with a poll, it reveals more about the voters than the subject. First, Maxim readers seem oblivious to the extent to which their tastes in women have been shaped by today's surgically enhanced models and actresses. Talk about an image being forced down their throats.
Second, conferring a title as vicious as unsexiest woman alive on anyone reflects a poverty of spirit that, in itself, cancels out a Maxim reader's qualifications to choose the winner of any poll.
Except for maybe which male mixed-martial-art star they'd most like to be in the ring with alone and naked.
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I agree with the poll, but not because of her physical characteristics. It's because her claim to fame is Sex and the City. That shows personifies what is most frustrating for me as a young single male. The women of my generation try to emulate the Sex and the City women and that is not good. The Sex and the City women are nothing but a bunch of pathological, materialistic narcissists. That is what I have to choose from- blond materialistic narcissists, brunette materialistic narcissists, or redhead materialistic narcissists. There is a serious shortage of good women and we have the queen of materialistic narcissists- Sarah Jessica Parker- to blame.
part two
Whether SJP likes it or not, she's receiving a bit of 'backlash' for a role she CHOSE to play. (that and other roles that unfortunately 'typecast' her) The show is marketed to WOMEN. (ok...and gay men too) And while WOMEN might envy a person like SJP or her character (because lets face it...most these days can't separate fantasy from reality) for having a forum to blame men as the bane of all existence, men ARE clearly saying what they DON'T find sexy anymore....namely, anything that either puts men down, or suggests the world would be better off without them, or that their sexuality can be replaced by being 'fashionably lesbian'. (lets face it....men USED to like fantasizing about it, until angry western hemisphered women with severe psychological DADDY ISSUES were actually starting to 'convert', blaming men for their defection....) or a four hundred dollar pair of Jimmy Choo's. Any mystery as to why Madonna and Britney were on the poll?? Hey...ya wanna be a "Material Girl".....don't let US stop ya. Now go be 'sexy' all by yourself.... Funny how K-Fed actually turned out to be the MORE responsible of the two parents, huh?? Who would have thought???
See the REAL problem here is NOT that the MEN stated what they don't like, or find attractive, or sexy.....it's once again, the woman's inability to accept that what a man might have to say has any validity at ALL..........
Questioning Maxim's readership in the poll results, would almost suggest that those who read Vogue and Cosmo are somehow.......Mensa candidates??? ummm....rriiiiiiiiiigghhhhhht. I suppose the same would apply for those who actually WATCH Sex And The City too, huh?? rrriiiigghghhhhhht.
Listen, for every woman who even wasted one half hour of her week actually watching that show, there is a man who, strangely enough, sat and looked at her from across the living room and found his woman to be the LEAST sexy while watching it. Don't believe me?? rrriiiigghhhhhhht
Let me see if I get this right.....watching a show about women who blame men as the root of all their problems is somehow supposed to be.....sexy. rrriiiiggghhhhhhht. And I'm supposed to actually find the QUEENPIN of the four nincomboob characters on this show......sexy. riiiiiiiigghhhhhhhtt.
There's no doubt that SJP is overrated as a beauty, and that's probably what Maxim's poll reflected. She cashed in on "Sex And The City" and her plain face is everywhere now, and many wonder why she matters. "Sex" was a great show, and Sarah's a good actress, yet her femaile co-stars were hotter than she was. The success of the show was that a plain-jane could go far with high-fashion and classy friends.
Considering that SJP is 41 years old, has not been botoxed, implanted, & surgically enhanced, I think she looks pretty damn good! Just how many women in their 40's do the 13 year old minds at Maxim consider even women let alone sexy?
And like someone had said, I'd love to see what these Maxim judges and all the ones that criticize her harshly look like! These men would rather believe that their OWN appearances don't matter because of the big fat lie-"woman care more about personality in men and not looks, they arent as sexual as men are". BALONEY.
Unfortunately alot of women have settled for less rather than wait for what they really want. Does anybody really believe that young vital women would marry rich old farts or beer bellied men with baseball caps on if there were more guys who looked like George Clooney and Tom Cruise?
There are people who I see everyday who I don't consider "sexy"-but I don't make mean insensitive comments about them. Such people are waaay insecure about their own looks and selves.
These harsh criticisms of SJP proves what a psychologists said: While you're pointing a finger at someone else three fingers are pointed back at you!
Sara Jessica Parker is incredibly sexy! She's smart, sophisticated, elegant, classy, and beautiful! As a fan since she appeared in The Valley Girl (I live in the San Fernando Valley), she continues to be an accomplished actor, and has created what appears to be a wonderful life!
Thank you,
Eric
So SJP & Beth O walk into a bar and the bartender says, "Hey! Why the long faces?"
I think she could have just brushed off this commentary on her looks and been the bigger person in the end, but I'm sure it hurt. And since the subject of irony has been brought up, I mean, if this is the best attempt that Maxim can make at being ironic themselves, then as a publication, they are to be pitied. I don't blame her for responding, but I think it only made her look worse to those who already seem to resent her for some reason. She should not address this anymore.
I have to agree with Maxim 100%. I just have to wonder if Angelina Jolie was a close second? I have never understood where people get the idea that these 2 women are sexy. These 2 are so butt ugly that their parents probably had ti tie pork chops around their necks just to get the family dog to get near either of them.
Ms. Parker bad-mouthed Delores Fuller as the worst actress ever...so---POETIC JUSTICE.
Sigh, "Maxim's readers object to having a sex symbol chosen for them on the basis of her success in a "women's" TV series" This is the a telling comment! What a surprise men object to having their sex symbols chosen for them! Sarah isn't alone. There are many other starlets that the media labels "sexiest" that many men (me included) don't find the least bit attractive. Frankly who judges these things? Perhaps women and gay men aren't the best judges of who men would find most attractive just as men and gay women wouldn't be the best judges of who women find the most attractive. Just my 2 cents.
Fluff. For people who take delights in other people's lives and have no moral compass of their own, then Maxim, the National Enquirer and Huggington Post are for you.
I personally think it is worse than just objectifying women. I think the people at Maxim are behaving immaturely at best. They are displaying a blatant disregard for others feelings and have crossed the line in a way that should have some form of legal retaliation. I am a life long Democrat/liberal and these are just the type of "values" that I have seen more of in the past 8 years. Let's hope we can truly return to a "kinder and gentler" nation and rags like Maxim will go by the wayside.
With all that money you'd think she'd get that horrible growth chopped off of her face. I know she has a high self esteem and is proud, but that is no beauty mark ala Cindy Crawford. When I see her face I think of Fraggle Rock, but from the neck down she is bangin'.
Hmm..maybe she likes herself they she is, ever thought of that?
I think she's very sexy. Beautiful? No, I don't think so. But she is lovely and attractive.
Of course Maxim readers think freakish implant addicts are sexy (think of a certain Baywatch actress), so there you go. To each his own, I guess.
maybe not the most beautiful girl at the party but always one of the sexiest
Who in the hell cares what men who read Maxim think? Now the men who read Harpers or The New Yorker, that's another story ...
No doubt about it - the men who read Harpers and the New Yorker Magazine are the sexiest men in the world!
They ABSOLUTELY are!
I remember when Maxim interviewed then 40 year old Sheryl Crow. Their 20 something writer was asking her the kind of questions one would ask a young bimbo. Crow would have none of it and put him in his place with each answer. Maybe the Maxim editors were trying to show her as a bitch, but face it straight guys: not every hot chick wants you (and trust me on this one: neither does every gay man).
Straight men need to get over themselves in thinking that what they think is of the utmost importance. From what my women friends tell me, they should concentrate more on their personal hygeine.
So Samguy, tell me how you feel about the last line in this column, the one that insinuates that if you want to be naked with Chuck Lidell you ought to be ashamed?
I saw SJP in very bad unbearable movie with Matthew Mc Conaghy . She was trying so hard to be cute and she is over 40 and looks it , that is NOT SEXY, I forgot the name of that old classic movie where this actress try to play a young role in a role for a younger woman and she looked real bad as an aging Star.. ( great movie ) it was embarrassing watching SJP trying to be cute like " Sex in The City". .( even in the TV show, when we watched it we were always saying she is too old to be playing it " cute" in NYC. Anyway , what is sexy about her is that she made a ton of money. I just hope that the movie "Sex in the City" will show her as a mature 40 year old! If SJP does not watch her roles, she might be the next " What ever happen to baby "Jessica" ( Jane ) Bette Davis movie!!!! SJP play roles your age you are 40 Plus and look it. Who are you fooling? Be a good actress and play mature roles, you are way pass " Cute". Save cute for your husband! You may not be a beauty and sexy but you are nice to look at. Be sexy for your husband he is the one who should care!
And what is wrong w/looking over 40? 40 is still young, my dear. Who are you to say how a person should portray themselves at whatever age? & what are you saying, that there are only single women 30 and under in the city? I was glad that the show had women in her age range because that is the TRUTH about single woman today...in their 30's and 40's with a youthful outlook on life. SJP has style & class. I never hear people puting down Pamela Anderson for dressing like 20 year old trailor trash with her ginormous fake boobs forever hanging out. She still tries to be cute too & she's waaaaay past cute. Her face is weathered, wrinkles & lines everywhere & nobody says a thing about it in our "polls" because our society's standard of beauty is morbidly fake.
I think you miss the point of Sex and City.
it's a gimmick to get some ink, folks. just like blackwell's worst dressed list. and you know what?
it works!
Sex is everywhere. Fans here think SJP is sexy, because they like her. People say Ann Coulter is hot, because of her body and hair. I think mAnn is ugly because her 'personality' transcends her long legs and hair.
Magazines have their "best and worst" columns. Ever read a "worst dressed" list, it doesn't get any cattier than that! The dissin' after the Oscars? If you work in show biz, you will be called on your looks.
If Jack Black was selling Calvin Klein underwear and perfume, people would say he deserved the tongue lashing he would get. When you put yourself out as a sex symbol, you will be judged as one. You all are saying, "it's okay to enter a beauty contest, but it's not okay to be judged or lose"?
Had SJP"s career been built on roles about intelligent, creative woman, she would not have even been considered in this poll. When your career is built on T & A and casual sex and dresses small enough to fit your children, you will be judged that way. It's not like SJP played Virginia Woolf or Marianne Pearl, she plays a giddy slut.
People call Rosie ugly everyday. Jennifer Jason Leigh"s bikini?. Amy Whinehouse? The reason they didn't win is because you don"t see them plastered everywhere in a postage stamp sized dress. You will be judged on how your portray yourself. Don't suggest you are the sex bomb and then cry when you get called on it.
You know, the more I think about this, the more steamed I get.
YOU aren't allowed to tell me what I think is sexy.
NOBODY has a right to be considered attractive by anyone else.
And the thing that really gets my goat is this bunk about how any man that doesn't find a particular woman sexy is wrong, and that it's apparently a function of being threatened by her power and success.
"But, as is too often the case with a poll, it reveals more about the voters than the subject. First, Maxim readers seem oblivious to the extent to which their tastes in women have been shaped by today's surgically enhanced models and actresses. Talk about an image being forced down their throats."
And you of course are trying to break those chains and free them to find the women you like sexy, because that's the right way to think.
"Second, conferring a title as vicious as unsexiest woman alive on anyone reflects a poverty of spirit that, in itself, cancels out a Maxim reader's qualifications to choose the winner of any poll."
actually, if the poll is of Maxim readers and what they think, they are the ONLY group qualified.
"Except for maybe which male mixed-martial-art star they'd most like to be in the ring with alone and naked."
Ah yes, gay is bad, and if you have gay thoughts, you ought to be ashamed.
You're really raising the bar. Good job.
johnny, please, watch your blood pressure. This argument is not worth risking your health. IMO, you may find anyone sexy or not as you please. Maxim aside, attraction is a matter of personal taste. There are surely more things going on to get steamed about, just read the political articles. No matter which candidate you choose, there's enough to get your blood boiling.
(Continued from comment below)
Finally, before I step off my soapbox, I just have to make one last comment. Why is it so bad to be called "Unsexy"? If thousands of readers of a magazine happen to vote you as the most "unsexy" women....just take the criticism and move on. These voters probably aren't your biggest fans and probably aren't your target market. Why should you even care about this poll? Since SJP did make such a big scene out of this poll, it just tells me that she's insecure about her image. It tells me that she really wants to be seen as sexy and beautiful and has been trying to "perfect" this image over the years. I think she may have equated the success of SITC to her own "sexiness". But I guarantee that if all of the 4 gals on SITC looked like SJP, the show would not have been as successful. Hey Sarah, it's ok not to be the sexiest woman alive and it's ok not to be attractive at all. Be happy with your accomplishments thus far and move on.
Reality checks are tough to take...but everyone needs to be served a little "humble pie" every so often.
What it tells me is Sarah is a real person with real feelings who is capable of being very hurt by completely uncalled for criticism.
I love reading through all of these comments and listening to people vent their anger, hatred and heated comments toward this Maxim poll on SJP. I also love how many of the comments go on to fervently chastise Maxim magazine, its readers, its polls and its existence. They attempt to tear down the magazine by saying it has no credibility, insignificant polls, and idiotic ignorant readers. Yet, for some reason, these folks seem to be so threatened and outraged by the magazine's poll of SJP. If the Maxim magazine and its polls are truly a "piece of crap"...and frankly not worth the time of day, then there shouldn't be so much public outrage about this SJP Unsexy poll. If Maxim is such an insignificant source lacking any credibility, then these polls and topics shouldn't create such a reaction.
Secondly, I couldn't help noticing how some of the comments blasted Maxim magazine for its sex filled, plastic surgery promoting, garbage content and in the same sentence they sing praises about Sex In The City tv series. I'm sorry, but besides the medium that is being used to deliver the content, I find many similarities in the content that's being discussed in Maxim and Sex In the City. Maxim has sex driven content for men and Sex in the City has sex driven content for women. Same garbage different media channels.
(Went over my word count limit, see next post)
I'm a little confused.
I was under the impression that we weren't supposed to evaluate someone's worth based on how reliably the induce erection. I bet Madaline Albright isn't upset that I don't think she's sexy, or that maxim's readers don't think she's sexy. That's because she's not in a shallow profession that demands boner induction.
If she's upset that we don't find her sexy, maybe she should stop evaluating her own self worth based on something so stupid.
Oh, & I guess you wouldn't be hurt if it was very publicly decided that you were the unsexiest person in the country. Wow! Sooo impressive. You must be an android because anyone human would have some hurt feelings.
It doesn't matter whether the poll was stupid or not, it got out there big time. Look, people are still talking about it. & it's no small thing - the public feeds off this kind of crap. And after all, what is a celebrity without their public?
So, Johnny, are you a Harpers and New Yorker Magazine reader? Cause you come across as a guy who likes to think. Sweet.
I can't say with any certainty why any group of people do what they do. But in this case, I have a suspicion.
Have you ever known someone who can't sing a note? Someone who can't find pitch with a road map? Someone who couldn't carry a tune if you spotted him or her a handle? Someone whose singing voice is so disturbing to listen to that it practically causes your teeth to bleed? And have you ever known such a person to sing in public every chance he or she gets?
Substitute "sexiness" for "ability to sing" and you have nailed the problem with Ms. Parker.
It's not that she's ugly. Not everyone has to be beauty-pageant perfect. I'm sure many women have looked at me and had the thought of slapping both my parents.
The difference is I'm well aware of my deficiencies. Ms. Parker, however, revels in her "sexiness." She has presented herself -- in acting roles and otherwise -- as some vision of modern female hotness. It's just not so. Clearly, self-awareness is not her strong suit.
That's what I think is really at work in the Maxim survey. If Ms. Parker were just an actress doing character type roles and not trying to use her "sexiness" to sell products, she wouldn't be a blip on Maxim's radar. But by trying so hard for so long to be something she's not, it's not hard to understand why some people respond with, "Not so much."
Posted March 24, 2008 | 04:42 PM (EST)