Comments on: Oh ESPN The Magazine…You Never Cease to Amaze Me.

By: Cheryl Cooky

Cheryl Cooky — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 02:48:21 +0000

I shared this cover with my students at Purdue and asked them to, “Write down how a sociologist would analyze this picture.” A few of my students mentioned how the copy “Back to the Basics”, although clearly a reference to the film, reminded them of going “back to the basics” in terms of gender relations, to a time where women knew their place (as sexual object) and didn’t play sport. I thought that was a really smart analysis. Made me happy to be a professor that day.

The fact that ESPN chose this film, and this scene in the film, is very interesting since this scene caused so much controversy at the time for its highly sexualized content.

NML I appreciated your analysis of the use of white on the covers. I’m not sure what to make of this either, but it is an interesting trend. I’d echo your comments about the symbolism of white as innocent, pure, and virginal. Perhaps its the madonna/ whore dichotomy at work. Let’s put women in white, but in hyper-sexualized poses (although that is only true for some of the covers…).

By: Erika @ Dr.TriRunner

Erika @ Dr.TriRunner — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:27:45 +0000

I have to admit… I cracked up when I saw this issue’s cover. First of all, the way they positioned her makes it look like she has a crick in her neck or slept on a rock. And that’s not just a casual leg crossing there Mr. Vonn… it looks like you are trying not to pee your pants. Er.. turtleneck dress.

Really??

By: Mark Norman

Mark Norman — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:15:59 +0000

Hey Nicole, this is Mark from your session at NASSS. I am enjoying your blog, it is a refreshing read. I think you’re dead on about how this sort of media coverage completely delegitimizes the athletic talent of female athletes. I’ve spent a lot of time wondering about how female hockey players could receive more recognition outside of the Olympics (which in Canada is quite well covered, though not nearly to the extent of men’s). The Hockey Hall of Fame admitted its first women this year, which is a huge first step – but one of many that need to be taken.

By: MalikG

MalikG — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:57:29 +0000

I disagreed with your assessment of the Lindsey Vonn SI cover for the Olympics AND the NY Times article with the female tennis players, but damn, you’re right on the money with this cover.

It’s ridiculous to have her on the cover of ESPN Magazine in the infamous Basic Instinct pose.

By: Beth North

Beth North — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 22:48:32 +0000

It’s okay to be both an accomplished athlete AND a beautiful, sensual woman. But I have to agree that women who are just as accomplished in their sport but not as beautiful or as sensual as these ESPN “cover girls” aren’t likely to make it to a cover. But it was sensuality that brought the bigger audiences and better paychecks to the LPGA 30 years ago. Is the end justifying the means? Or, is the objectification by virtue of sexy covers working at cross-purposes?