What is the difference between National Review and Ms. Magazine? Maybe a lot of things, but not the least of the differences is the classified ads. The magazines certainly cater to a very different clientele. For the benefit of those who may not be regular readers of both magazines, I’ll give you a quick tour of the Classifieds. First, the “Personals” from the avowedly conservative National Review.
“Lanky redhead, 43, successful D.C. journalist, Catholic, seeks husband and patriarch. Interests: Latin Mass, clothes, Velazquez, adventure. Real men only need apply.”
“Philadelphia area female attorney, pretty, slim, athletic, with cultural interests, seeks local male counterpart, 28-36, who is an exceptional traditional person of character and also believes marriage and children are lifelong serious commitments.”
“Entrepreneurial woman, 30, constant reader, loves songs, numbers, wings, wheels, theater, city, country; seeks male companionship, fun-loving, attractive, warm, looking forward to marriage and children. Conservative 29-year-old Catholic girl who enjoys riding, skiing, swimming, singing, dancing, and traditional values, would like to date happy, secure Catholic man, age 30 and up. Traveled extensively and bilingual.”
“Atlanta-area businesswoman with traditional values, 32, outgoing, never married, conservative, Protestant Christian. Likes alpine skiing, diving, math, history, and Trivial Pursuit. Wants to meet bright attractive male with similar values, charm, and personality.”
“40-year-old petite white female, San Francisco Bay Area, former seminarian, now graduate student, new Catholic; enjoys music, outdoors, intellect, playfulness. Wants conventional married life with mature masculine male.”
“Attractive, vivacious, NYC-area lady, 35, self-employed, never married, seeks secure, intelligent, attractive, tall renaissance gentleman, 30-45, widowed/never married, to share traditional values, good music, the arts, good books, adventure, love of animals, a great sense of humor, waltzing under the stars, and a possible future.”
“Southeast attractive, intelligent, versatile, Catholic woman, 33, interested in history, travel, politics, music, economics, theater, jogging, seeks single Catholic male with similar interests who wishes to explore life’s possibilities with an eye toward marriage.”
Now for a lesson in contrasts, here are some recent classified ads from the avowedly feminist Ms. Magazine.
“Just Us is a contact/correspondence magazine exclusively for women wanting to meet women.”
“Loving Women, illustrated, sensitive sex handbook for women loving women. Discreetly wrapped.”
“The Wishing Well Magazine, established 1974. Women who love women write/meet, confidentially (code numbers used). Loving, positive, quality alternative to The Well of Loneliness. Tender, supportive, loving, sensitive, prompt, personal, noncomputerized!”
“New Dawn. Lesbian Social Contact quarterly, national/international. Hundreds of current subscribers’ ads, photos, resources, letters. Six years, discreet, efficient, fast service. Reasonable fee.”
“Feminist Communities encourage women to lead, men to nurture children. Six rural communities described.”
“Adventist lesbians. Social and spiritual support in SDA Kinship.”
“Places of interest to women. Lesbian travel guide including accommodations, bars, restaurants, services, bookstores, etc.”
“Westchester Feminist Psychotherapy Collective. Individual, relationship, group therapy. Moderate fees. Professional psychotherapy services.”
“Sexual aids from a woman-owned company: Eve’s Garden.”
“Sexual Aids: How to order them without embarrassment. How to use them without disappointment.”
“The Bible supports feminism. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Send for information and newsletter.”
“Did you know the Bible promotes rape mentality? Send self-addressed, stamped envelope for article.”
“Witchcraft’s power secrets! Gavin and Yvonne Frost, world’s foremost Witches, now accept students.”
“Kate Millett accepting applications for Women’s Artist and Writer’s Farm Colony. $850 inclusive.”
“Abortion by Gynecologist through 12 weeks, $120. Offices near Memphis, Little Rock, Birmingham, Montgomery, Florence, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Greenville.”
“The People — Marxist biweekly covering major national/international developments. Since 1891.”
All in all, it’s different strokes for different folks.
