FHM's writers often used humor to address serious topics such as relationships and health. This approach made their articles more accessible and engaging for readers who might be hesitant to read about these issues otherwise. By using humor, the writers could convey important information without alienating their audience. In this article, I will discuss how FHM utilized humor to make relationship advice relatable and funny while still providing valuable insights into human behavior.
One example of FHM's humorous approach to relationships is their "Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Date Me" listicle. The piece begins with an opening line that sets up the joke: "10. Because I am so much funnier than you." From there, the list goes on to describe specific traits that would attract a potential partner. Each reason is presented as a joke, but underlying each joke is a deeper truth about what makes someone attractive or desirable in a relationship. For instance, one reason reads, "9. Because when we go out, people are like, 'Who's that cute guy?'" While this statement is clearly meant to be humorous, it also touches upon the desire to feel valued by others in a romantic partnership.
Another way FHM used humor to tackle relationships was through their "Dear John Letters" column. These letters were written from a fictional man to his ex-girlfriend, detailing why he no longer wanted to date her. They were intentionally over-the-top and ridiculous, but they highlighted real problems that can arise in any relationship. For example, one letter began, "I just saw your Instagram story where you posted a picture of yourself eating a burrito. It made me realize I don't want to spend my life having sex with a fat girl." This line may seem crude at first glance, but it actually addresses some valid concerns about body image and self-esteem in relationships.
FHM's writers also used humor to address health issues, such as erectile dysfunction. One article titled "How to Get Hard Again" begins by acknowledging that men often avoid talking about ED because it feels embarrassing and shameful. However, the writer then goes on to explain that ED can have serious physical and emotional consequences if left untreated. To make this information more palatable for readers, the writer employed a series of jokes about the different medications available to treat ED. For instance, one joke reads, "If Viagra doesn't work, try Cialis. If Cialis doesn't work, try Levitra. If none of them work, try asking women out who are already drunk." While these lines might seem like cheap laughs, they ultimately serve the purpose of making the article more approachable and relatable.
Overall, FHM's use of humor was an effective way to tackle sensitive topics without alienating their audience. By using humor, the magazine was able to present important information in a lighthearted manner that still resonated with its target demographic.