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February 21, 2003
WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP
Women Athletes Posing Nude: Good or Bad?
There has been a lot of show and tell lately about female athletes and their bodies. More specifically, about the clothing, or lack thereof, on their bodies.
Earlier this year, the controversy was over the skimpy uniforms for our female Olympic Beach Volleyball players. This issue became heated because our athletes wanted to control how much, or how little, of their body they showed off rather than being dictated into skimpy, revealing, uncomfortable 2-piece uniforms.
Well, this controversy, although still an issue, seems to be 'tame' compared to the number of female athletes who have chosen to drop the controversy, along with their uniforms, to bare all for 'exposure' and attention to their sport.
As with most controversial issues, there seems to be two sides to the argument. Those that claim the athletes have every right to do whatever they want with their bodies, including posing nude.The athletes themselves are proud of the bodies they worked hard for and have no issues with showing them off. And those that claim these athletes are setting the women's movement back years by legitimizing the sexism and objectificationof women that still exists in our society. To some its power to others its explotation.
Although male athletes have also appeared nude in various calendars and photo shoots, they are usually portrayed in sports magazines and are posed in a way that shows off their athleticism and strength. Conversely, female athletes often appear in vulnerable positions, in heels, outside of sport settings, and in men's magazines. Some call it 'soft porn'.
Helen Lenskyj, a sociology professor at the University of Toronto was recently quoted as saying it is a "sad commentary" on the state of funding for women's sports when they are forced to sell nude photos of themselves in order to raise funds and exposure for their sport.
Following this comment, Bryna Kopelow, Chair of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), agrees that "it is very unfortunate" if this is the only avenue open to female athletes to gain the attention and money that is necessary for them to pursue their sporting dreams.
No one should blame the athletes for doing what they feel is necessary. If a woman decides to pose nude to raise money, so be it.It is her personal decision. The fact is that these athletes feel it is necessary.Think about it. How many calendars featuring fully clothed, action shot photos of the Nordic skiiers would sell? A few would sell, purchased by family, friends and die-hard fans.
But honestly, the venture would be far less profitable, if at all, without the nude features. And what does that say about society? Very obviously, we are not ready to embrace female athletes for their skill, their mastery, their character, or anything else that they train for or represent. We are still more interested in their nude bodies. And until we can embrace female athletes as we do male athletes, with their clothes on, and appreciate them for their athletic prowess, their strength and their skill, we will not create an equal playing field.
Tammy Lawrence
Promotion Plus
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Vancouver, BC V6H 4A9
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