Female Athletes in the Media

After doing our debate in class and reading so much about the objectification of women in the media, I always find it very interesting when I see things that reinforce what we've covered. Take for example, one of the ultimate objectifications of women around, the Maxim Hot 100, which, I cannot deny, I am a big fan of. However, even I was put off by the descriptions it had of the very beautiful, but very accomplished women in their issue, mostly reniforcing societal stereotypes of women being nothing more than girlfriends, wives, and daughters. Number one on the list was Bar Refaeli. She is a swimsuit model, her "tie to sports?" She was on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition. It also mentioned fellow SI cover girls Kate Upton, who is a huge sports fan, who rode horses in her youth, and played in MLB's Celebrity game this past year in Phoenix during All-Star weekend. Brooklyn Decker is also a very accomplished model, and has starred in major motion pictures including Adam Sandler's Just Go With It, and the big-budget summer adaptation of Battleship. However, what is highlighted, is the fact that she's married to tennis star Andy Roddick, who is arguably America's top male tennis player, but hasn't won a major title since 2003, and has appeared in only major final since 2006. Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, who has held a number-one ranking, but has been disappointing with her inability to win majors, was reinforced as being the girlfriend of rising golf star Rory McIlroy. Wozniacki comes off as a very nice girl, and is known for her colorful yellow outfits, however, in the major tennis events she has come up short against the likes of tougher, less- dainty players such as Li Na, Francesca Schivaone, and Serena Williams. Even multi-platinum selling singer Rihanna, who is arguably the biggest female music artist on the planet right now, was cited for being in a brief relationship with LA Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp. Kemp, who struggled mightily during the year he was dating Rihanna, despite being widely reknowned for his high ceiling and incredible athleticism and ability, would be ridiculed on SportsCenter being referred to as "Rude Boy," a la, the Rihanna song. Interstingly enough, after splitting with her, Kemp bounced back, with arguably the greatest offensive season in the 100-year plus history of the Dodgers, and was a close runner-up in the MVP race. Kemp was rewarded for his stellar play with a long-term contract extension. Interesting, how female athletes are often highlighted for their roles as wives or girlfriends, but a male athelete can be dragged down by a celebrity wife or girlfriend. Same goes for the San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker, who after a 3-year marriage to actress Eva Longoria, experienced his best professional season, with a career high in assists, after 9 years in the league, no less, after splitting with Longoria. How can female athletes achieve the respect that they deserve? It appears that the media will continue to highlight women as subservient to men so long as it generates media interest and ratings. The market is out there to see attractive, athletic women in submissive positions. I'd love to see Caroline Wozniacki win a major and be the best player in tennis, as opposed to simply being the cute girl who can't win a major and is better know for going out with Rory. 

Mark Fabrick
KIN 577