The Body
Issue
This
title of an annual edition of ESPN magazine could be taken in two ways: one as
in an issue of a magazine, the other as an enticing topic. People are
self-conscious about their bodies and observant of those around them, much more
now than in the past due to the increasing use of social media, societal
standards, and comparison issues that so many people develop, especially women.
Since 2009, ESPN has produced an issue of their magazine focusing on athletes
from all varieties of sports’ bodies by using basically nude photos staged to
look “attractive” and reflect their sport as well as each athlete’s confidence
as a person.
The
first Body Issue was released on
October 9, 2009, featuring three male and three female athletes posing on and
off the field in their respective sports. They were either naked with their
private body parts strategically covered or in minimal clothing. The magazine
still contained the usual sports coverage, but also added another section of
more athletes in their birthday suits. Many of the athletes who were asked to
participate did so willingly, while some even reached out to ESPN hoping to be
included. Different covers were sold, but the magazine featuring Serena
Williams was the top seller. The reasoning behind this new feature for the ESPN
magazine was an attempt to regain revenue after the financial crises of the
previous years which had decreased their ad revenue by 24 percent. It was also
intended to rival the highly popular Sports
Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and
showcase all body types. The outcome
was a huge success, bringing in double sales. Ever since this year, they have
continued to produce an annual Body Issue.
Throughout the years, some of the most prominent athletes in their respective
sports have participated including Dwight Howard (NBA), Lolo Jones (track),
Shawn Johnson (Olympic gymnastics), Ryan Hall (Olympic marathon), Ron
Gronkowski (NFL), Candace Parker (WNBA), and Emma Coburn (team USA running)
among many others.
These
highly revealing photos of some of the most talented, respected, and/or looked
up to athletes can be highly controversial. Though the private areas are
covered, the photos reveal much more skin and body than is usually displayed,
even in swimsuits. The pictures are intended to draw attention to their bodies,
which can make both the athlete posing and those looking at it uncomfortable.
Over the years, body image has become an increasingly touchy subject as eating
disorders, self-harm, self-esteem, and the like have become a dark cloud behind
the scenes of social media. Although the athletes who posed agreed to do so,
this could still lead them to feel like they have to look a certain way,
especially if millions of people are going to see almost every square inch of
their body. From the perspective of the readers, they will see these athletes
who are the most elite, ornamented, and successful at what they do, and think
that that is the ideal way to look. The problem with that is that they are the most elite, ornamented, and
successful in their field, and their lives revolve around their fitness and
sport. This is a tiny percentage of the population, and they have these body
types by very specific training by professionals. They are in this shape for
seasons, but know they cannot maintain that forever. Bodies need a break, and
these elites are elite; that’s what
most people overlook. Seeing the Body
Issue has potential to give people body issues.
On
the other hand, not all the athletes pictured are like those elite runners,
swimmers, gymnasts, etc. who have super lean and thin frames. Other athletes
such as some football and baseball players and wrestlers, etc. have larger body
frames, which can be beneficial in what they do. These people who posed for the
magazine embraced their bodies and showed off what they had along with those athletes
of smaller size. It did not matter to them if they carried around a little
extra weight; sometimes it even helped them with their success! They were proud
of who they were and did not feel pressure to change to show themselves to the
world. These people could be admired for their confidence in who they are
rather than what they look like. This could be a great influence to others in
the world who feel insecure in their bodies and like they need to change to be
a success. Seeing the most successful athletes happy with their bodies the way
they are can encourage people in the audience to feel confident in themselves,
too.
The
most recent edition of The Body Issue
(2016) brought NBC to do an interview with the athletes on how they felt about
participating. These athletes shared things about their lives to be an encouragement
to others. Dwayne Wade from the Chicago Bulls admitted that he has struggled
with insecurity his whole life, especially about his outie belly button, until
just recently. Antonio Brown from the Pittsburgh Steelers has always been small
and judged for his size at his position of wide receiver, but uses this as
greater motivation to work hard and stay healthy. Nzingha Prescod, an Olympic
fencer, is self-conscious yet proud about her curves and muscles and wants to
inspire other women to feel the same way (http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/athletes-share-insecurities-inspiration-espn-body-issue-n605251). In another interview, Wade also acknowledged
that situations like this cause athletes and others in the world to experience
more fear and insecurity from being judged by people (https://mic.com/articles/147977/espn-body-issue-2016-celebrates-all-athletic-body-types-here-are-the-photos#.N3TO0w7FQ).
ESPN also posted a blog addressing some of the photos and videos that were
released on their website from the Body
Issue that were taken offensively and considered to have gone too far.
People are supportive of the fact that ESPN is seeking to celebrate all forms
of athletes’ bodies, but they are not okay with the amount of nudity that has
come out to the public recently (http://www.espn.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/723/espn-loosens-standards-with-treatment-of-body-issue-photos).
Over
the past year, especially coming to college and places where people are more
open and honest, I have seen that there are many more people affected by body
image, comparison, social media, communication, self-esteem, and so many more
emotional and mental problems that can greatly hamper the enjoyment of life.
Seeing so many things released on the internet, television, and print that
would not be considered acceptable in previous years (and not easily accessible
if they were there) has shown me just how fast society is changing and
accepting more and more things that would have previously been rejected. All these
things now brought to light can make people very uncomfortable and set
unrealistic expectations for themselves and the world. Sometimes this greater
exposure provides great encouragement to the people in the world who are not
living the lives of fame, but I can also see the negative and disturbances that
can come from any event that begins with a positive idea. As the body issue
began as a way to promote ESPN and athletes of all varieties, it can also bring
insecurity to those in and reading the magazine.
No comments:
Post a Comment