Attractiveness

Press, 11 May 1984, Page 12

Attractiveness

Sir, — “Strength attracts women” a large advertisement claimed in “The Press” on May 8. It is blatantly sexist and not in keeping with the usual standards of the newspaper. It describes men who are not well-muscled as weak in body, will, determination, drive and personality. Do lean marathon runners lack these qualities? The advertisement began by saying that strength attracts women, but went on to describe the preferences of girls, rather than women. I cannot speak for “vital young girls,” but most men I know are not interested in attracting them anyway. Women are now looking for flexibility of roles, broader life skills, consideration, warmth and caring in men, rather than purely strength and confidence. It would seem a pity for men to build their strength, confidence, drive and will, only to find those characteristics dull their capacity to be flexible, warm and sensitive. — • Yours, etc., ANNE-MARIE DIXON. May 8, 1984. Sir,—l am incensed and outraged by the advertisement on May 8, with the heading “Strength attracts women.” The musclebound macho male shown and the egotistical “dominant male” attributes described in the advertisement are repulsive to me and every woman I know. Attribution of character weaknesses to all men of slender build is discrimination, and even though it is too ridiculous to be taken seriously by anyone, I find its appearance in your newspaper disgusting. The advertiser has no right or competence to make any statement about what pleases women, and I for one deeply resent the implications.— Yours, etc., JOAN WILSON. May 8, 1984.