In class, we have had numerous discussions on the topic of athletic women who pose in sexual positions. Two sides have been taken, however both sides are right and wrong. One side claims that women athletes pose in these positions in order to show their athleticism and that it is okay to be strong and carry toned features. The other side claims that it is the typical male hegemony that puts males on top of the magazine companies, and it is their decisions that choose to display female athletes in this sense. These pictures only serve the purpose to fulfill the "male gaze" and give the male population what they desire. Which side is right? Which side is wrong? In reality it is both sides that are wrong.
Large portions of people feel that these women athletes are being exploited. However, if all the women athletes refuse to pose in these pictures, none of the males will see these women athletes pose in that light and no woman athlete will be exploited. These female athletes choose to be in these pictures themselves. All people, not only men, see these pictures. Little girls see these pictures and harmful effects are being pushed onto these girls to look like these women athletes. Even though some women athletes feel like they are doing a good deed by showing that the naked athlete body is also sexy, they push the wrong ideas into maturing girls who may never look like this.
So, no it is not just the "male gaze" and male hegemony that causes these pictures to be produced, but it is also the female athletes, who fail to see that they can show they are strong in other ways that posing in provocative positions. Even though fingers cannot be pointed to who is to blame for these photos, one question still remains: Is it okay for these pictures to be present? On one hand, some female athletes are okay with posing like this, and it does appeal to the "male gaze." On the other hand, it affects growing girls psychologically. Now the issue switches from who’s to blame for these pictures, to whether these pictures should continue to be taken. If they should not be taken anymore, is it possible to have this stopped?
Scott Shapiro TTh 2-3:15. kin 338I
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There is no doubt that female athletes portraying themselves in provocative, semi-nude, or sexual poses in the media has a great effect in children, adolescents, as well as in adults. It is also obvious that the athletes themselves decide how far they want to go when posing in front of the camera. However, it is also crucial to keep in mind that most of these images have a significant difference in their increase fan base and monetary benefits. What if the athletes decision whether to pose in a sexual provocative way or maintain an appropriate image in front of todays youth, can bring or disappear an endorsement opportunity? These kind of decisions is what eventually makes female athletes successful most of the time. In addition, some women like to feel sexy and feminine and being an athlete does not need to mean masculinity.
Diana Camarena KIN 338I, T,Th 9:30
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