Cheri was a French magazine published between 1962 and 1986, known for its bold approach to sexuality, graphic depictions of nudity, and explicit content. It was also famous for its unique blend of artistic expression and humorous commentary, which added a layer of depth and intrigue to the publication's overall tone. In this essay, I will explore the role that humor and satire played in Cheri, examining how these elements contributed to the magazine's lasting legacy and impact on contemporary culture.
Humor in Cheri often took the form of tongue-in-cheek jokes, sarcasm, and irony. The magazine regularly poked fun at politics, relationships, and the adult industry itself, using clever wordplay and witty observations to add a playful edge to even the most serious topics. For example, one issue featured a cartoon showing a couple having sex while their child sleeps nearby, with the caption "Their bed is too small" - a nod to the challenges of balancing family life with sexual intimacy. Another issue included a column titled "Sexual Questions Answered," where readers could submit questions like "How do you get your partner to go down on you?" and receive comically exaggerated responses, such as "Make sure they have an extensive vocabulary and practice saying 'I love you' a lot."
These humorous elements helped set Cheri apart from other magazines of its time and demonstrated that the editors didn't take themselves too seriously. While other publications focused solely on eroticism or pornography, Cheri used humor to create a more complex and nuanced perspective on sexuality. This approach appealed to many readers who were tired of the stigma surrounding sex and wanted a more honest and authentic representation of sexual expression. Additionally, humor helped to break down barriers between readers and writers, creating a sense of community around shared interests and experiences.
In addition to humor, Cheri also incorporated satire into its pages. Satire involves using exaggeration, irony, and humor to critique social norms, institutions, or individuals in a way that draws attention to their flaws and shortcomings. In Cheri, this took the form of political commentary, criticism of popular culture, and parodies of mainstream media. One famous example was a series of cartoons depicting the sexual fantasies of various public figures, including French president Valery Giscard d'Estaing and American actress Meryl Streep. These cartoons challenged traditional notions of what is considered appropriate or desirable in society while also poking fun at the hypocrisy and double standards that often surround sexuality.
The use of humor and satire in Cheri was a bold and innovative move for its time, helping to redefine how people understood and engaged with sexuality. By presenting sex as something both serious and playful, the magazine created a space where people could explore their own identities and desires without shame or judgment. Today, these elements continue to resonate with audiences, inspiring new generations of creators and thinkers to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. The legacy of Cheri lives on through the work of artists like Erika Lust, who create films that blend eroticism with storytelling and satirical humor, and writers like Roxane Gay, who tackle complex issues around race, gender, and sexuality with wit and insight. Overall, the role of humor and satire in Cheri cannot be overstated - it helped to shape contemporary attitudes toward sexuality and paved the way for a more open and honest approach to intimacy and relationships.
Cheri was known for using humor and satire to add depth and complexity to its coverage of sex and sexuality. This approach contributed to the magazine's unique tone and enduring impact on popular culture. By combining artistic expression with witty commentary, Cheri demonstrated that sexuality can be both powerful and playful, helping readers to embrace their identities and desires in an authentic and empowered way.