Comments on: The Sexualization of Female Olympiads http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/ Sociological Images encourages people to exercise and develop their sociological imaginations with discussions of compelling visuals that span the breadth of sociological inquiry. Fri, 25 May 2012 04:38:00 +0000 hourly 1 By: LR http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-516486 LR Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:39:00 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-516486 Well, guys have issues with their bodies and get mad at the female gaze. But then, men are even reduced to speedos in swimming and diving and being shirtless in soccer and beach volleyball and women like it but get punched for it. Also, women aren't allowed to show interest and pursue men so women need to be pursued instead. We shame and abuse women a lot for ogling men, which is unfair. Well, guys have issues with their bodies and get mad at the female gaze. But then, men are even reduced to speedos in swimming and diving and being shirtless in soccer and beach volleyball and women like it but get punched for it. Also, women aren’t allowed to show interest and pursue men so women need to be pursued instead. We shame and abuse women a lot for ogling men, which is unfair.

]]> By: Crazy Otaku Kid http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-509807 Crazy Otaku Kid Sun, 29 May 2011 16:18:41 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-509807 Because we r used to women showing more... Makes sense! Because we r used to women showing more… Makes sense!

]]> By: Rosh http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-330659 Rosh Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:57:12 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-330659 Actually, the differences in uniform look like a disadvantage to both genders. Men are weighed down and limited by their clothes because it's considered socially unacceptable for them to sport less clothing, while the women are objectified as their uniforms are intended to flaunt and emphasize their sexuality. Actually, the differences in uniform look like a disadvantage to both genders. Men are weighed down and limited by their clothes because it’s considered socially unacceptable for them to sport less clothing, while the women are objectified as their uniforms are intended to flaunt and emphasize their sexuality.

]]> By: Kazairl http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-180273 Kazairl Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:19:06 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-180273 I do judo. It doesn't slow you down when doing judo. It does slow you down when a fraction of a second counts for a lot (as in running). I would never wear a judo gi for a track meet. They're also insanely hot. Frankly, the women's track uniforms look ideal for running. The beach volleyball uniform is just ridiculous though. I do judo. It doesn’t slow you down when doing judo. It does slow you down when a fraction of a second counts for a lot (as in running). I would never wear a judo gi for a track meet. They’re also insanely hot. Frankly, the women’s track uniforms look ideal for running. The beach volleyball uniform is just ridiculous though.

]]> By: Gender, Sports, and ummm Uniforms « Schooling Inequality http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-155371 Gender, Sports, and ummm Uniforms « Schooling Inequality Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:51 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-155371 [...] whole event reminded me of a blog I read at Sociological Images back during the Olympics. I remember what really stood out to me at that time was the contrast [...] [...] whole event reminded me of a blog I read at Sociological Images back during the Olympics. I remember what really stood out to me at that time was the contrast [...]

]]> By: Pukari http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-130211 Pukari Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:13:53 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-130211 “I don’t feel that wearing bikinis to play beach volleyball is a form of sexism. As players, we are free to pick any style of bathing suit or clothes to play in. I believe that the international league (FIBV) has a 4″ maximum on the hip width of the bottom but otherwise all the tournaments in the US allow players to wear outfits of their choice, including one-piece suits, shorts or leggings. “I don’t feel that wearing bikinis to play beach volleyball is a form of sexism. As players, we are free to pick any style of bathing suit or clothes to play in. I believe that the international league (FIBV) has a 4″ maximum on the hip width of the bottom but otherwise all the tournaments in the US allow players to wear outfits of their choice, including one-piece suits, shorts or leggings.

]]> By: Native Angeleno http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-121434 Native Angeleno Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:00:54 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-121434 The average American is virtually blind---to the effect of money on everything in sports. The reason for the recent variety in sexual design of sports clothing is that the creator of the clothing, who pays the sport to get the athletes to wear it, wants to sell retail copies to the average athlete back home. Designing for sexuality, whether it's tight or loose, and each has its benefit sexually for each sex---e.g., skintight clothing out of water is not comfortable for men---pays back the clothing manufacturer bigtime. Further, if the female athlete did not want to wear certain clothing, in some cases as in professional beach volleyball where the CHOICE of the women is seemingly to wear as little as possible, she would not CHOOSE the outfits she does. No man is forcing them to wear these little bandaids. The women like it because they and their audience, of both sexes, likes it. What they choose is their choice, period, and so should it be. I urge people bothered by this to fill their time with something other than imagining how they should run others' lives. You would discover being a lot less anal is a lot more fun. The average American is virtually blind—to the effect of money on everything in sports. The reason for the recent variety in sexual design of sports clothing is that the creator of the clothing, who pays the sport to get the athletes to wear it, wants to sell retail copies to the average athlete back home. Designing for sexuality, whether it’s tight or loose, and each has its benefit sexually for each sex—e.g., skintight clothing out of water is not comfortable for men—pays back the clothing manufacturer bigtime.

Further, if the female athlete did not want to wear certain clothing, in some cases as in professional beach volleyball where the CHOICE of the women is seemingly to wear as little as possible, she would not CHOOSE the outfits she does. No man is forcing them to wear these little bandaids. The women like it because they and their audience, of both sexes, likes it. What they choose is their choice, period, and so should it be.

I urge people bothered by this to fill their time with something other than imagining how they should run others’ lives. You would discover being a lot less anal is a lot more fun.

]]> By: katyhalo http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-111122 katyhalo Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:42:14 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-111122 Since when is the point of sports for people to 'look good'? Since when is the point of sports for people to ‘look good’?

]]> By: Rachel http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-111113 Rachel Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:17:48 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-111113 I don't think men look ridiculous in skin-tight or skimpy outfits. And I certainly wouldn't complain if I got to see more of the athletic male bodies. But then, I'm a straight woman, and I find men's bodies attractive. I should think other straight women feel the same way; and if they think men look ridiculous in small outfits, it's just because they've been taught that being mostly nude and/or wearing tight clothes is what WOMEN do, and no self-respecting MASCULINE man would ever allow such a thing. But in any case, women's views are not considered when it comes to how athletes are dressed. All athletes are dressed to accommodate the male gaze; the reason men wear loose outfits that don't show too much skin (when it doesn't impede performance) is because seeing other men's bodies on display on TV would make all the macho, masculine male viewers uncomfortable. I don’t think men look ridiculous in skin-tight or skimpy outfits. And I certainly wouldn’t complain if I got to see more of the athletic male bodies. But then, I’m a straight woman, and I find men’s bodies attractive. I should think other straight women feel the same way; and if they think men look ridiculous in small outfits, it’s just because they’ve been taught that being mostly nude and/or wearing tight clothes is what WOMEN do, and no self-respecting MASCULINE man would ever allow such a thing. But in any case, women’s views are not considered when it comes to how athletes are dressed. All athletes are dressed to accommodate the male gaze; the reason men wear loose outfits that don’t show too much skin (when it doesn’t impede performance) is because seeing other men’s bodies on display on TV would make all the macho, masculine male viewers uncomfortable.

]]> By: What We’ve Been Up To Behind Your Back (August 2009) » Sociological Images http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-107334 What We’ve Been Up To Behind Your Back (August 2009) » Sociological Images Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:07:48 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-107334 [...] In light of the recent scandal over Caster Semenya’s sex, we thought we’d resurrect a post from August 2008 about the sexualization of female Olympic athletes. [...] [...] In light of the recent scandal over Caster Semenya’s sex, we thought we’d resurrect a post from August 2008 about the sexualization of female Olympic athletes. [...]

]]> By: Lila http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-107330 Lila Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:54:10 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-107330 I'll never forget watching the Olympics as a child with my family in Canada. We were watching the women's speed skating event when the announcer said of the lead: "She may not be much to look at, but she sure can skate." I’ll never forget watching the Olympics as a child with my family in Canada. We were watching the women’s speed skating event when the announcer said of the lead: “She may not be much to look at, but she sure can skate.”

]]> By: Den sociale konstruktion af køn: Sportsbilleder viser skiftende kønsroller og raceaccept | wana http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-2740 Den sociale konstruktion af køn: Sportsbilleder viser skiftende kønsroller og raceaccept | wana Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:44:58 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-2740 [...] Sociological images viser ganske tydeligt hvordan kvindelige atleter i stigende grad bære kropsnært og meget lidt tøj. Mon ikke det siger noget om hvilke værdier samfundet gennemsyres af - og ikke mindst hvem der er den typiske sportsseer? [...] [...] Sociological images viser ganske tydeligt hvordan kvindelige atleter i stigende grad bære kropsnært og meget lidt tøj. Mon ikke det siger noget om hvilke værdier samfundet gennemsyres af – og ikke mindst hvem der er den typiske sportsseer? [...]

]]> By: Angela http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-2725 Angela Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:41:19 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-2725 I was discussing this at home, and someone brought up the idea that perhaps the women might actually feel more comfortable in a uniform that DOES show off their athletic bodies... some women might like the choice of athletic clothing that does not look identical to the men's, and even emphasizes that they can be feminine AND good atheltes. (some female athletes can be portrayed as "manly" in their behavior for their pursuit of a sport) Gabrielle Reese, I think, was one of the first women I was aware of who was able to be seen as a woman, and attractive, even though she was athletic and a professional sports star. Speaking of volleyball: I've always seen them in bikinis or swimwear on tournaments on TV since at least the 90s. I've heard it explained that sand in your sports bra covered by another layer of a uniform can be annoying and uncomfortable. I also DO think there is a movement to encourage viewing by showing more skin, but I've always felt if a person if comfortable and confident in what they are wearing, and it's not violating any nudity taboos, it should be up to them if they wear it. I haven't heard of any of the athletes complaining about their uniforms as of yet. I was discussing this at home, and someone brought up the idea that perhaps the women might actually feel more comfortable in a uniform that DOES show off their athletic bodies… some women might like the choice of athletic clothing that does not look identical to the men’s, and even emphasizes that they can be feminine AND good atheltes. (some female athletes can be portrayed as “manly” in their behavior for their pursuit of a sport) Gabrielle Reese, I think, was one of the first women I was aware of who was able to be seen as a woman, and attractive, even though she was athletic and a professional sports star.

Speaking of volleyball: I’ve always seen them in bikinis or swimwear on tournaments on TV since at least the 90s. I’ve heard it explained that sand in your sports bra covered by another layer of a uniform can be annoying and uncomfortable. I also DO think there is a movement to encourage viewing by showing more skin, but I’ve always felt if a person if comfortable and confident in what they are wearing, and it’s not violating any nudity taboos, it should be up to them if they wear it. I haven’t heard of any of the athletes complaining about their uniforms as of yet.

]]> By: Olympic confessions & doubts « sozlog http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-2703 Olympic confessions & doubts « sozlog Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:58:09 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-2703 [...] I watch it. For these summer weeks, I avoid the lure of sun to sit on my couch and watch as nearly naked people perform curious acts on TV. I was glued to the screen when Michael Phelps won his eight olympic [...] [...] I watch it. For these summer weeks, I avoid the lure of sun to sit on my couch and watch as nearly naked people perform curious acts on TV. I was glued to the screen when Michael Phelps won his eight olympic [...]

]]> By: lessismore http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2008/08/15/the-sexualization-of-female-olympiads/comment-page-1/#comment-2698 lessismore Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:16:25 +0000 http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/?p=2142#comment-2698 If they want the big money from commercials they got to show some skin - nudety sells... Besides Its not like they have anything to be ashamed off - They look bloody awsome. So shut the fat ugly bitch up, that wrote this comment. If they want the big money from commercials they got to show some skin – nudety sells… Besides Its not like they have anything to be ashamed off – They look bloody awsome. So shut the fat ugly bitch up, that wrote this comment.

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