Dear Ms. Susan Kaufman,
I have always been a fan of People Style Watch, as it provides a great escape at the end of the day and keeps me abreast on the latest fashion and makeup. I'm sorry to say, though, that the latest issue, September 2011, disappointed me in a way that I did not expect. The "What's In, What's Out" section included something rather disturbing that I do think deserves some serious thought for the future. In the "Out" section, Teacup dogs were declared as "out", and as Mandy Harris of Petsugar.com said, they "have had their moment." She continues to name specific breeds as to what is "in". I can understand considering foods, clothes, makeup, etc. as objects we weigh as "in" or "out", but to consider a living being as "out" is a sad and disheartening thought, humans included. This kind of mentality perpetuates animal cruelty, and even worse, the mass production of puppies in puppy mills, as entrepreneurs/breeders try to make as much money as possible, while neglecting care of living creatures, in order to satisfy the latest trend.
As a fan of your magazine, I understand that some things in the "In/Out" section are meant to be fun, but I feel the inclusion of animals sends such a horrible message. I am sure this was not your intention, but unfortunately, the subconscious message sent is that an animal is an object of trendiness, equivalent to a shoe or a handbag.
About Me
- Melissa Baughman
- I am a writer and the Associate Producing Director and Resident Director for Landless Theatre Company in Washington, DC.
1 comment:
My daughter and I love Style Watch too and had the same feelings when we read the "out" list yesterday. So sad. I thought we had come a little farther than this as a society. Thank you for writing the editor. Your letter says it all...and so very well! We will be writing our own letters but we just had to thank you. It made us feel better to see that someone else noticed the cringe-worthy comments.I'm a little worried though...do you think it's possible that there are only 3 people on the planet that read Style Watch that aren't completely shallow and heartless? It just can't be! Thanks again and very best wishes, Lisa & Amanda Nicholas
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