The Issue with the “Body Issue.”
This year marked the end of an era for ESPN Magazine, as the last installment of the “Body Issue” has been released. With the first issue being released in 2009, the 11th and final issue was released this fall. The “Body Issue” is a publication which highlights popular professional athletes unclothed, and looking comfortable in their own skin. It has always been something that many people have enjoyed, and has been wildly popular during the time of its existence. However, many people see an underlying gender bias within, stemming from the fact that the female athletes may tend to be sexualized by the media.
According to research done by “The Journal of Physical Education and Sport Management” the females were much more likely to “be shown in non athletic poses.” This is an issue, as you are objectively showing their bodies more as eye candy compared to the performance aspect portrayed more often for males. This negative portrayal from the media may lead to a furthering of role schema in society. Role schema categorizes men and women into gender specific roles, often by stereotyping them.
If the women are much more likely to be shown in poses that offer nothing of substance towards their athletic ability, this is an issue for the publication. The cover of Serena Williams below is one that people have highlighted that has a stark contrast to the action shots typically shown of men.
These stereotypes may have repercussions for the female athletes who are represented. Because the United States media consumption generally does not put women’s sports performance on par with their male counterparts, females have had to embrace media sexualization to gain publicity and wealth. This is counterproductive to feminist movements and equality, with the media to blame. We cannot blame the athletes for doing what seems obvious to them, making money and further their careers. While this does give these athletes more time in the spotlight, it also takes attention away from their athletic performance.
Unlike the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, which has been accused of “overtly sexualizing women” the Body Issue is not intended to be sexually arousing. We have to look at why ESPN would decide to do this publication to fully understand motives.
ESPN is completely aware that sex sells. They know their audience is predominantly young males, many of whom are not clicking on this publication to further appreciate their athletic skills. Whether intentionally or not, the Body Issue adds to the normalizing of sexual objectification of women in our society.
Stereotypes can be dangerous, especially if they start to become part of the media agenda. Inaccurate stereotypes produce false expectations. If repeated images are padded to seem true, there could be an impact on the media consumers. By setting a double standard of what to expect for portrayals of both genders, there could be impediments to things such as Me Too or other feminist movements.The media as a whole has created the stereotypes and role schema that are engrained in our DNA.
One thing about the publication that many do people enjoy, is that there are a variety of different bodies shown. You would see athletes of all different body structures, both male and female. All of these athletes seem to be very comfortable in their own skin. Does ESPN also create a positive message of people comfortable in their own skin no matter their shape or size? The answer is yes, but we cannot ignore some obvious issues within the portrayal.
ESPN and mainstream media is well aware that sex sells, and the Body Issue is no exception. In my opinion, there is still much work to do before we can completely celebrate a publication like this.
