Men's Journal

The Men’s Journal obviously has signaling to men from the advertisements to the articles. The cover alone was designed for men by having a picture of a Harley Davidson. The titles of the magazine state things like “The Best American Beer” and “50 Things Every Man Should Know.” These titles automatically signal men instead of women. Generally women are not interested in a Harley Davidson from 1972 or interested in UFC fighting.

            Through demographic signaling alone the consumer can tell that this magazine is signaling to older men. They signal toward men that have graduated from a college and have obtained a job that earn a decent salary. These males would also be into traveling or they live a very active life. Examples of what advertisers are trying to sell these males are Seiko watches, colognes, Ford Explorers, and Triumph motorcycles. The whole magazine is about traveling to exotic places, nutrition and health articles, as well as sex articles. The advertisements deal with a lot of outdoors activities, beer, insurance, health related products, and technology. Even the MilkyWay advertisement is signaling men. When chocolate is thought of most would think that it is for women since women have the cravings. This advertisement just is a simple  Milkyway split in half and it states “ A treat for your sweet tooth. Or your chocolate, caramel, or nougat tooth. Life’s Better the Milkyway.” They were not focusing on low calories or about craving chocolate.

            The articles even include worldwide news such as the “Murder in the Amazon.” This relates to the age of the demographic. Older men are interested in keeping up with the news.  Also all of the articles are of course written about men, so that the target market can relate to every story. It is just like Cosmo for women. Everything is written about women and their stories.

            The demographics that are on the Men’s Journal website include 85 percent male readers. Of those readers the magazine is signaling men between the ages of 18 and 49 or 25 and 54. Of these readers, 78 percent are employed, and 73 percent went to college. The average salary of the consumer is around $50,000, 38 percent are single, and 52 percent are married. Women also are purchasing Men’s Journal; they count for 16 percent of the magazine’s demographic. Women would most likely purchase this is to learn more about what men like or how they think.

            Most of these signals relate to the culture and stereotypes that exist in the United States. Women are supposed to be interested in fashion, sex tips, and make-up and men are supposed to be interested in cars, bikes, and beer.