31. Men and Women Are Probably Equally Likely to Be Shopaholics

http://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/03/men-and-women-are-probably-equally-likely-to-be-shopaholics/274385/

In Eleanor Barkhorn's article, "Men and Women Are Probably Equally Likely to Be Shopaholics," she reveals that both women and men have tendencies to have shopping addictions. Barkhorn starts her article by showing examples of people both in real life and movies that are shopaholics, including men. She also talks about many stories in newspaper and other sources about people having problems because of shopping addiction. She, later, continues by stating that there is indeed male shopaholics. The male consumer then states his point of view and reveals the secret in his shopping spree. After this Barkhorn clearly states that there are s many male shopaholic as female, however "what differs is the types of things they buy..." She later shows more example and states that most shopaholics consider the material they are buying as sexual. Barkhorn ends her article by saying, "Compulsive shopping is a powerful addiction, and it doesn't discriminate based on gender." In other words, shopping addiction is true for all sexes.

The author's purpose in writing this article is to reveal to the readers that everyone, both men and women, can have compulsive shopping. She is breaking the stereotype of women being the only shopaholics. She used a lot of exemplification in her essay, even had people give their experience about having this addiction, showing more credibility. The tone in her article was serious and direct. It clearly showed what the article wanted to reveal to the readers and what she wished the readers would understand. The readers are mostly women, mostly feminist, who wishes to see men doing the same thing as women do. It is also those who are interested in women and men similarities. The author does a really good job in writing this article and achieving her purpose.