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Images of Sex in Sports
This debate, like most arguments, is a matter of opinion and no one is right or wrong. There are two sides to this argument and both sides make valid points. Sex permeates so many aspects of our society whether it's film, television, music, theater, our jobs or sports. We see a variety of images that can be construed as sexy in these areas and many others. Recently the cover of Rolling Stone depicted a sexy picture of model Gizelle. How is this different from Jenny Thompson in Sports Illustrated? Some say the photo of Thompson is a better image for women and young girls because it depicts a woman who has worked hard to achieve an athletic, healthy body and is confident enough in herself to show it off. "It was an expression and a celebration of strength and the beauty of muscles. I don't think there is anything pornographic or wrong about it. I think people should appreciate their bodies more. You know, you use muscles to do sports, and I use my muscles every second that I swim. It was more about, "look at how strong my body is," and not "look at me, I'm a sex symbol or sex object." I wasn't giving a seductive look in the pose. It was more about, 'Here I am, this is me, and I'm going to the Olympics, and I'm a strong, female athlete.' I think people get too uptight about bodies. And I think we should appreciate what we have, and appreciate the beauty of musculature and strength," Thompson said. The photo of Gizelle is the same photo women have been bombarded with for so many years: the unhealthy, unnatural look of a supermodel. More women can possibly relate to the healthy image of Thompson than that of Gizelle. Also, these athletes who are doing these photos are choosing to do this. No one is forcing them to do it. They are proud of their bodies and feel young girls can benefit from seeing a woman as a muscular, healthy athlete and not a 90 pound, 6'0" supermodel. In an interview about this subject, Chastain said, "I worked out hard for this body so that I could be a better soccer player. And it helped me to feel better and look better outwardly. I feel very comfortable in my skin right now. I'm much more comfortable because society has finally accepted the notion that women can be athletic and feminine. People should find confidence in their uniqueness. My uniqueness just happens to be in my athleticism. I feel good when I go onto the field. I stand taller, I push myself more - and I don't get knocked around." (SV Magazine, Oct. 10, 1999) Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Images of Sex in Sports - The Debate Rages On in Women's Professional Sport is owned by . Permission to republish Images of Sex in Sports - The Debate Rages On in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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