"Playboy" magazine, founded by Hugh Hefner in 1953, known for publishing nude and provocative photos of women along with short stories and interviews, is putting an end to its publication of nude photos in its magazine after 62 years. The March 2016 magazine will be the first "Playboy" without nude pictures of women; however, “the magazine will still feature women in provocative poses,” according to "USA Today."
Because of the plethora of free websites that allow people to view nude pictures today, "Playboy" has come to notice that people have less interest in paying for the magazine. Nude images are ubiquitous nowadays, and "Playboy" has been noticing a steady decline in readers since they have turned to the Internet instead. In 1975, "Playboy" sold 5.6 million copies and sells only about 800,000 copies today. In 2015, Playboy.com underwent a makeover, becoming fully nude-free, which has brought in “tens of millions of readers,” according to the website. The company has found that the website is now drawing in audiences who want to read the articles published, and that goes far beyond just simply logging on to see nude photos. "Playboy" believes that the magazine will also gain new readers and rebuild its audience by going nude-free.
Playboy.com explains that when Hugh Hefner “created "Playboy," he set out to champion personal freedom and sexual liberty at a time when America was painfully conservative…Nudity played a role in the conversation about our sexual liberties, and in over 62 years the country has made great strides politically and culturally.”
The country certainly has become more desensitized to the fact that nude images are easily attainable with the publication of "Playboy" and many pornography sites that exist today. However, is that really a good thing? Many groups of people, including feminist groups in particular, are unhappy with the way Playboy Enterprises conducts its business. According to ukfeminista.org, “Whatever product 'Playboy' stamps its logo on, the basic brand concept is the same: woman reduced to sex object for man’s sexual satisfaction.” Like any topic, arguments can be made either way. Pornography, as long as it is not child pornography, is allowed to be published because some may view it as “art.” However, audiences should use their own discretion; though pornography media such as "Playboy" and websites exist, they do not have to partake in the reading about and watching of it.
Hopefully, the company’s risk is successful. As Playboy.com said, “This is a company—like all great companies—that has risk in its DNA.” However, personally, I think that it is great that there is one less outlet for pornographic images.
