Rookie is a fairly new online magazine that started in 2011; it was founded by 19 year old Tavi Gevinson who focused her online magazine on pop-culture and the feminist discussion. The online magazine is clearly aimed towards young women, but on the site they say any age and gender is welcomed.
The site is colored brightly and has a minimalist effect. There are features from people all around the world, and all ages. The topics range from beauty tips to the most recent in the world of politics. This online magazine is not like any other media aimed towards young women. Gevinson’s idea for the magazine was an idea to “Respect the voices of teenagers.”
Her creation of Rookie tackles the ideas that girls tend to ask each other: first kiss, the lastest band, and more. But it also takes a look at depression, sexuality, and different anxieties. A feature about sexuality is something that will not typically be found in the next issue of Teen Vogue.
Personally, I enjoy the fact that serious topics are brought up, such as identity and finding a place in this world. The online community is also candid with their opinions, and not to mention supportive of one another. One story can lead to many more short stories of people dealing with the same issue.
The magazine is written in modern slang and in some cases ‘talks’ to the reader. That seems to be the trick with the millions of readers. The idea of reading something where it almost reaches the equivalent of talking to a friend.
Features such as a daily diary submitted in by readers, a page or two about their day, it is submitted in the night they wrote it and is published the next day. It deals with a variety of topics, from a main event that happened, to even a little poem about laziness. The magazine is endless and touches about every topic imaginable.
The broad variety can seem overwhelming at times, and also much of the music that is featured seen as a playlist submitted in by readers. So every time there is a new music feature it is something different every time. Though most of the music is very pop like.
Rookie is a magazine that tries to empower young women, and respect their own choices. I can see this turning into a monthly magazine for all ages. With all the readers it currently has, it all depends on Gevinson’s choices for the future of Rookie, and how herself and others will grow with the online magazine.
Gevinson is young and still changing and finding a place, and what to do. Rookie is still young and finding a place as well. As time passes changes can and will be made to Rookie, fans will grow out of it, and new ones will come in. Until then Rookie is the place to express individuality and submit stories on your own life.
