Teen Vogue, once the go-to publication for young, progressive voices, has effectively ceased to exist as a distinct entity under the umbrella of Condé Nast's flagship brand, Vogue. What was once a beacon of feminist activism and insightful coverage of politics and identity has been significantly watered down, with its editorial identity and mission now focused on "career development" and "cultural leadership."
The shift began after Donald Trump's re-election as president, with Condé Nast citing "business concerns" as the reason for folding Teen Vogue into Vogue. However, many see this move as a calculated attempt to distance itself from the publication's progressive politics, which were a significant draw for its younger audience.
Since its heyday under Elaine Welteroth's editorship, Teen Vogue had established itself as a leading voice on issues affecting young people, including reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and intersectional feminism. The magazine's coverage was often praised for its nuance and depth, tackling complex topics with authority and sensitivity.
However, under Condé Nast's new regime, the publication's editorial focus has shifted dramatically. Many of its talented writers and editors have been laid off, including its politics editor, leaving behind a significant void in terms of progressive coverage.
The implications are far-reaching, particularly for young people who rely on media outlets to shape their understanding of the world. With feminist publications disappearing or being co-opted by corporate interests, the landscape is becoming increasingly hostile to progressive voices.
As Shara Crookston, an associate professor of women's and gender studies at the University of Toledo, notes: "I worry that young girls are going to have less options for media content that helps them explore different aspects of their life, and I think that could be pretty damaging."
Lex McMenamin, a former Teen Vogue staffer who was laid off when the outlet was folded into Vogue, disagrees. She argues that feminist media is not dead and that young people are more resilient and resourceful than ever before.
In an era where online algorithms and corporate interests seem to be conspiring against progressive voices, it's essential to support independent media outlets that continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. By doing so, we can ensure that young people have access to the information they need to navigate a rapidly changing world.
The shift began after Donald Trump's re-election as president, with Condé Nast citing "business concerns" as the reason for folding Teen Vogue into Vogue. However, many see this move as a calculated attempt to distance itself from the publication's progressive politics, which were a significant draw for its younger audience.
Since its heyday under Elaine Welteroth's editorship, Teen Vogue had established itself as a leading voice on issues affecting young people, including reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and intersectional feminism. The magazine's coverage was often praised for its nuance and depth, tackling complex topics with authority and sensitivity.
However, under Condé Nast's new regime, the publication's editorial focus has shifted dramatically. Many of its talented writers and editors have been laid off, including its politics editor, leaving behind a significant void in terms of progressive coverage.
The implications are far-reaching, particularly for young people who rely on media outlets to shape their understanding of the world. With feminist publications disappearing or being co-opted by corporate interests, the landscape is becoming increasingly hostile to progressive voices.
As Shara Crookston, an associate professor of women's and gender studies at the University of Toledo, notes: "I worry that young girls are going to have less options for media content that helps them explore different aspects of their life, and I think that could be pretty damaging."
Lex McMenamin, a former Teen Vogue staffer who was laid off when the outlet was folded into Vogue, disagrees. She argues that feminist media is not dead and that young people are more resilient and resourceful than ever before.
In an era where online algorithms and corporate interests seem to be conspiring against progressive voices, it's essential to support independent media outlets that continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. By doing so, we can ensure that young people have access to the information they need to navigate a rapidly changing world.
- I used to flip through Teen Vogue in school and loved reading about social justice issues 
. Now it seems like they're just promoting corporate careers instead of real change 
. What's up with that?! I think it's a huge loss for young people who need media outlets that speak to their concerns and experiences 
. We should be supporting smaller, independent publications that aren't afraid to tackle tough topics 
. It's not like we don't have enough info out there already 
...
It's like they're trying to erase all the progress we made as a generation. I know Lex McMenamin has a point, though - young people are way more resourceful than we get credit for 
. But still, it's super disappointing to see a publication that used to be so bold and fearless now just playing it safe 
. We need more outlets like VICE or The Guardian who aren't afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo 
. Teen Vogue was always my go-to for staying informed about social issues and finding role models who understood what I was going through. Now, it's just a shadow of its former self. It's like Condé Nast took out the heart and soul of the magazine. Career development and cultural leadership just don't cut it when you're talking to young people who are trying to figure out their lives 
. I worry about the lack of representation and nuanced coverage on issues that matter most to us. We need media outlets that will speak truth to power, not water down their message to fit corporate interests 
. Independent media is what's gonna save us from getting lost in a sea of misinformation 
.
online platforms are where it's at, let's support indie media and create our own content 
it's like condé nast just watered down their mission to make more money 
i mean what happened to elaine welteroth? she was a total legend 
it's so disheartening to see all those talented writers and editors get laid off 
we need more independent media outlets that can speak truth to power 
It's super sad to see Teen Vogue fade away like this 
. They used to be all about amplifying voices of young people and tackling tough issues 
. We need more independent voices that can push boundaries and challenge the status quo 
. They're basically taking away the magazine's identity and replacing it with generic career development content 
Young people rely on outlets that speak to them, and this is just gonna make things harder for them 
Lex McMenamin's got a point though, we gotta keep supporting independent media that still pushes boundaries 
. Now it's just a watered-down version of its former self, focusing on career development and cultural leadership 
. It's like they're trying to erase the progress made by those amazing young editors and writers who left their mark on the world 
. We gotta create our own spaces for progressivism and diversity 
.
. It's like they're trying to dumb it down for the masses 
. I'm so sad to see Elaine Welteroth's legacy being erased 
. We need more writers like her who aren't afraid to get messy 
We can't afford to lose those voices! 
but now it seems like they're just watering down the content to appeal to a broader audience 
what happened to the young, progressive voices that made teen vogue so special in the first place? did we lose them or were they just silenced