Topic: ESPN

2012′s ESPN Body Issue Is Here, And It’s An Equal Opportunity Nude Olympian Bonanza

2012's ESPN Body Issue Is Here, And It's An Equal Opportunity Nude Olympian Bonanza

“ESPN the Mag or Playgirl?” asked a friend along with their Facebook post linking to this year’s ESPN Body Issue. it’s definitely a nude Olympian Bonanza—featuring  nude photos of 27 Olympians—but it’s definitely not Playgirl…or Playboy. Although there are technically more women pictured than men (seven members of the U.S. Women’s Volleyball team posed together, throwing off the count), the shoot is surprisingly equal opportunity in terms of its admiration—and oh-so slight sexualization—of the male and female athlete’s form. More »

ESPN Body Issue 2012: 3 Cheers For Nude Athletes; None For Confusing Body Messages

ESPN Body Issue 2012: 3 Cheers For Nude Athletes; None For Confusing Body Messages

ESPN’s Body Issue is on the brink of release, and it’s already causing the usual PR bonanza: Articles outlining which athletes will be shown nude (or semi-nude), headlines about their admirable physiques, and blogger tyrades against the objectification of women and ESPN’s kowtow to the male gaze. Personally, I’m mostly enthusiastic; sure, the nude female form is a tired trope used to sell magazines, but for the most part the photos are tasteful, showcasing men and women who’ve accomplished extreme physical fitness for the sake of their sport. My only real worry is the potentially confusing body messages surrounding their “celebration of the athletic form”: I love their goal of admiration, but posing them as “Bodies We Want”? No, thanks. More »