Zoo was an Australian men's lifestyle magazine that focused on pop culture, gossip, fashion, and sports. It also included articles on fitness and health, travel, technology, music, and movies. However, it is most well-known for its coverage of women, particularly celebrities and models. Zoo often featured suggestive pictures of scantily clad women, along with interviews and profiles that highlighted their physical attributes. This garnered both praise and criticism from readers and feminist groups alike.
Criticisms of Zoo
Controversy surrounding Zoo's portrayal of women began early on. The magazine frequently published images of topless and bikini-clad women, which some people felt were objectifying and demeaning. Campaigners argued that this type of imagery contributed to a harmful cultural environment where women were seen primarily as sexual objects rather than individuals with unique skills, interests, and personalities. Feminist organizations such as Object and Collective Shout regularly called attention to Zoo's content, calling it sexist and urging retailers to stop selling the magazine.
Defenders of Zoo
Despite the criticisms leveled against it, many defended the magazine's approach. Some readers appreciated its unapologetic presentation style and claimed that it simply reflected what many men desired - sexy, attractive women in provocative poses. Others felt that the magazine provided a much-needed outlet for male fantasies that were often suppressed or stigmatized by society at large.
Zoo was not alone in facing controversy over its portrayal of women. Other publications like Maxim, FHM, and Playboy faced similar criticisms, leading to questions about the larger societal implications of erotic magazines. Some critics argued that they promoted negative gender roles and reinforced damaging attitudes towards female sexuality.
In response to these concerns, some publications made changes to their editorial policies. For example, Playboy stopped using nude models altogether in 2016, while other publications opted for less revealing photographs or featured more diverse body types. However, Zoo remained true to its original format, continuing to publish images of scantily clad women and articles focused on their physical attributes.
The Controversies Over Time
Over time, the criticism of Zoo did not diminish, and in fact, intensified as the debate around sexual objectification grew more heated. In Australia, supermarkets began refusing to sell Zoo due to pressure from consumer groups. The New South Wales state government banned the sale of the publication in schools and libraries, citing concerns about inappropriate content. Despite these setbacks, Zoo continued to publish, although with reduced circulation.
However, in 2017, the magazine ceased operations after its parent company went bankrupt. This marked the end of an era for a publication that had been both celebrated and condemned for its approach to covering women. While Zoo's legacy lives on through online archives and discussions about sexism in media, it is no longer in print.