A very interesting subject that we talked about in class this semester was about the sex appeal that athletes show on such things like magazines. First off, I do think women need to put themselves out there. I don't think it's right, but if a guy sees her and thinks she is attractive then potently he will be interested in watching her play sports to. I don't think tennis has as big of a problem and really doesn't need to show there female athletes in sexual poses. I only say this because I think out of all women's sports tennis matches best when it comes to competing to their male counterparts. However, women's basketball: college and professional have a really hard time getting viewers. There just isn't as much interest in it. So, if these athletes show themselves as something other then a basketball player they are more likely to get more fans. Softball, swimming, hockey, etc. could go about doing this as a way to promote the sport. The big thing here is that sex is going to sell. It's a major reason why a lot of people watch the women's volleyball team in the Olympics. It is because they are wearing less clothing and it becomes more of an attraction to male viewers. As much as I think it's a good idea for women to help themselves to promote their sports, I think it has a negative result for men. I mean it's fine if they are showing off muscle like Dwight Howard did on a ESPN cover to show off his strength. But, it isn't a good idea for them to be in their underwear. Yes, some women will find it attractive. Where as, most males who are more likely to watch that athlete play will be turned off by what they did and may be less likely to want to watch that athlete perform. Men are constantly watching sports and are more likely to watch the female on television after seeing her in a swimsuit then a female after seeing a male athlete in his underwear. The reason is because the female will think he is good looking, but probably will not search and find out the next time their team plays. Overall to me it's a good marketing strategy for females, but not as much for male athletes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epi4kXZZxb4 this video is an example of how it draws the audience to the sexy side of this tennis player.
2 comments:
Sex does sell and I feel if these athletes feel they need to so more skin to get more endorsements and recognition then they should be allowed to do that without having to face the prosecution of others. It is the nature of the sport. Women have to be more than a dominate athlete to gain national recognition. They have to have the perfect measurement and be a decent tennis player or car driver to get people to notice. Is it right, no, is it the way things are, yes.
I think your arguments reveal the double-standard in using "sex" to sell.
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