Maxim's Hot 100

When making my way through the many media and gossip sites in my attempt to conquer my boredom and stroke my lack of productivity, I realized that the Maxim Hot 100 was released for this year with Katy Perry topping the list. Frankly, I was surprised that she of all people, with her sarcastic lyrics and 50's-esque style managed to outmaneuver the big boobs and big hairs of the Hollywood inner circle. My confusion was cleared up a bit when I read the little blurb underneath, explaining that Ms. Perry was one of those crushes that was not only hot, but she was the kind of girl that you later found out was really good at skateboarding and baseball too, with the writer so gracefully saying that one's crush would reach "supernova" because she was the whole package.

True, I'm excited that a more down to earth and approachable girl managed to climb her way to the Maxim top, but I was struck with what this message sends to all the girls out there that actually do take into account this ridiculous list in the grand scheme of things - and their own self worth. One can make the fair assumption that, in order to continue to be attractive and appealing to the opposite sex, i.e. men, a girl must not only be hot, funny, have big blue eyes and perfectly white teeth, she must also have brains in the form of witty rejoinders and athletic prowess. In all honesty I don't think I could find a single one of my guy friends that doesn't think an athletic girl equates to an attractive girl, but now it seems that this idea is being shouted from the rooftops. It's saying "All you ladies out there, you better become more well rounded, we're finally figuring you out!"

So, ye ladies of the media, start getting out your cleats, your spandex, your skateboards and wrist braces, because being pretty is no longer doing the job. Gone are the days of easy sex appeal in the form of creams and pert noses. Now you have to put a little effort in. In ways, I think a little ground has been won with Katy Perry, but in others, I think things just got that much harder.