Playboy’s player

On Oct. 7, James Kaminsky, former executive editor of Maxim and a cousin of funnyman Mel Brooks, took over one of magazine journalism’s most conspicuous gigs: editorial director of Playboy. Founder Hugh Hefner will remain editor in chief. But Kaminsky, 41, will be the hare-apparent for Playboy’s day-to-day editorial operations. He told us a bit about his plans.

Will you be taking any meetings wearing black silk pajamas?

I’ll probably be wearing my traditional urban clothes. I would like to emphasize, in no way will I be attempting to usurp Mr. Hefner in either the business, the magazine or the hearts and minds of its readers. He is not a hard act to follow; he’s an impossible act to follow.

But still, the editor of Playboy is a high-profile position, yes? And maybe the public sort of expects a colorful character. You won’t be just sort of a corporate organization guy in a gray flannel suit, I assume?

Well, I think I’m a pretty colorful guy, in my own way. Time will tell.

The first issue of Playboy contained Hef’s version of the Playboy Philosophy. As I recall, it had something to do with settling down in your apartment, throwing some jazz on the hi-fi and discussing Nietzsche with an attractive young lady.

Sounds great to me.

How has that philosophy had to change in the age of Viagra, adult cable channels, sexually transmitted diseases and Oval Office liaisons?

I don’t think the main philosophy changes much, because the main philosophy is all about living the good life. That’s what it was in 1953 and that’s what it is in 2002 and beyond. It’s all about this attainable vision of endless possibilities, whether those endless possibilities are sitting down with a beautiful woman and having a conversation about politics and philosophy, or owning a great car, or having a great job, they were all part of the package back then. The language used to describe what that ideal night might’ve been may have changed, but the idea hasn’t changed much.

Social mores have changed, but let’s take a step back: They’ve changed as much as anything else because of Playboy itself. This magazine, unlike just about any magazine you can really mention, was a force for social change and cultural change in this country. The notion of wanting the best in life and wanting to share it with good friends and beautiful women, I don’t think that’s changed, nor should it.

So is our culture actually getting sexier, or just more obsessed with sex?

I think we’re catching up with the sexiness of culture. I think it’s hard to say we’re more obsessed with sex than we’ve ever been. I would say sex is more a regular part of our life than it’s ever been. Back in 1953, when this magazine was created, it was a taboo, it was something talked about in dark corners and in alleyways. Now it’s something that’s talked about on network TV. And it’s talked about very openly, and we’re bombarded by visions of sex. Now, some of the taboos still exist, but those doors are being broken down one by one. And that’s a very good thing for this country.