The news of Playboy‘s decision to cease doing exactly what it became notorious for–publishing nude photos–has come as a sad shock to all of us pervs and lovers of “tasteful” photography. What could possibly help them to stand apart in the oversexed, sensory-overloaded options in the world of magazines now?
According to CEO Scott Flanders, it is taking away the naked women that will lend Playboy a more competitive edge. Of the decision, he asserted, “You’re now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free. And so it’s just passé at this juncture.” If only Adam and Eve had known when they became aware of their state of undress.
The surfeit of potential underlying motives apart from the “passé” copout have been pointed at Playboy‘s popularity in countries like China and India, where prudishness is even more of an issue than in the South. Threatening this steady stream of revenue by offending the stringent governments of these countries is dangerous to a company whose novelty has worn thin over the years in the U.S.
Whatever the real reason behind the abrupt branding change, Playboy has at least had the decency to feature Pamela Anderson on its final naked issue. The actress/model has posed more times than any other woman for the publication, and this will mark her fourteenth cover spread, a fitting homage to all the magazine has stood for over the years. Unfortunately, however, James Franco will be doing the interview.
