When it comes to Gent magazine, which was founded by Robert Benton in 1964, there's one thing that stands out from its contemporaries—the lack of political cartoons or satirical pieces. Unlike other publications such as Screw, which was known for its risque humor and explicit illustrations, Gent focused solely on the topics of sex and romance. This approach allowed the publication to gain a wide audience without alienating readers who were uncomfortable with politically charged content. Benton believed that featuring these types of material would have detracted from his vision for the magazine, so he made the conscious decision to avoid them altogether. As a result, Gent became an oasis in the sea of adult magazines at the time. Instead of focusing on controversial subject matter, the magazine aimed to provide readers with high-quality stories about love and lust. The articles featured in the magazine were thoughtful and insightful, offering advice on everything from dating etiquette to the art of seduction. Although some might argue that this approach limited the magazine's ability to tackle more serious issues, it helped to set it apart from others in the genre. By focusing on what they did best—sexuality and relationships—Gent was able to build a loyal following that still exists today. In addition to eschewing political commentary, the magazine also avoided explicit imagery and graphic language. While other publications may have relied heavily on photos and drawings to tell their stories, Gent opted for more subtle approaches to portray intimacy. For example, instead of using images of nude women, the magazine used tasteful illustrations that still conveyed the same message without being too overt. This allowed for a wider readership since many people were willing to pick up the magazine despite its lack of risque content. Ultimately, Robert Benton's decision to keep politics out of Gent proved to be a smart one. By focusing solely on the topics of sex and romance, the magazine was able to appeal to a broader audience while still maintaining its distinct voice. It's clear that this strategy worked as the publication remains popular even after nearly 60 years.
The article is well written and informative, but could benefit from additional research and fact-checking. I suggest including information about the impact of political cartoons and satire on adult magazines at the time period (i.e., the effect on sales or public perception). Additionally, an analysis of why Benton chose to avoid these types of material would add depth to the piece. Finally, mentioning any notable contributors to Gent or its legacy within the larger culture of erotic literature would round out the article nicely. Overall, a great start!