First off, I'd like to begin by making it very clear that I LOVE Barnes and Noble. Sometimes I go there just to browse around the store, buying as little as a cookie but I always enjoy my visit. I enjoy the vibe, the selection, the friendly staff, everything.

However, over the weekend something caught my eye: the labeling of the periodicals section. I was browsing through the "Entertainment" section looking for my favorite types of magazines, the music magazines, and couldn't find them. Then, as I took a closer look, I found them. In the "Men's Interest" section.

Nate Wilde, Townsquare Media
Nate Wilde, Townsquare Media
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Now, this initially took me aback but I didn't think too much of it. It wasn't until my girlfriend took notice that I realized that this could be perceived as very sexist. She was mad. I think she was especially offended because her life revolves around music probably just as much as mine does. She sings, teaches music, and works in the radio industry as well.

Then, we went to the "Women's Interest" section and found magazines on fashion, housekeeping, and gardening.

Nate Wilde, Townsquare Media
Nate Wilde, Townsquare Media
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Now I'll admit, these probably don't belong in the "Men's Interest" section but it begs the question, in this day and age do we need to categorize magazines by gender? I mean, women have just as much interest in music as men do, right? I recently heard that 50% of people that are learning the guitar today are female, which is the way it should be, right? On the flip side, does a male have to feel insecure just because he likes fashion and fashion magazines? Or gardening?

As I said, I love Barnes and Noble, and I don't mean to point fingers at any particular branch, but I do feel like they could re-think the labeling of their periodicals.

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