ESPN The Magazine: For Sale by Owner
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While Reading this article in ESPN Magazine: The body Issue, I felt it was something good to blog about. It brings me back to one of my college Sport Management classes, where I had to discuss gender issues in sports (not related to Title IX, which was the big issue at the time).
As this issue was released I thought that it was something nice to look at because of the pictures, however while reading the article, I started to double check my thought process when browsing this piece of print on my lunch break.
Female athletes have had their shortcomings in terms of the Marketing of themselves; however that past is soon to be ignored. It is subconsciously understood by most that sex sells, and if it doesn’t sell, then it draw unwanted attention too (bad PR). A lot of times this is geared by the misunderstanding of Marketing and PR Principles, and treating that human being as a CPG.
As I may sound like an activist for women rights, I do feel this edition of this magazine has been done in a way that they explained which is to pay homage to the bodies that aided in their powerful athleticism of both males and females. The article does argue some double standards that exist, however we do have to look at where we came from. I may be only 23 but I cannot recollect any female allowing themselves to be seen in a strong light in the 90’s. The only person I could think of unfortunately is Nancy Kerrigan with a move that could get her on the Cincinnati Bengal’s.
In the article I noticed that WNBA has stuck to a strict guideline of being family friendly. I would suggest a solution that might sound silly, but adding humor the marketing of their athletes similar to that of little penny, or the Kobe and Labron commercials would definitely add an aspect that never existed. (I wouldn’t mind seeing a Candace Parker puppet dunking on a Lebron puppet). If I were an agent of a WNBA player I would study a series of Pixar and some Disney movies, which house minor adult humor that is suitable for children. As crazy as it sounds it may get them somewhere.
I do see the future of female athletes being successful regardless of what the critics may say. The old school ideas of gender rolls will be ignored as this young twitter generation will evolve from consumers to decision makers.
2 responses so far ↓
BScotti // October 13, 2009 at 12:28 pm |
I don’t think you sound like an activist for womans rights, I just think you have an objective an equal viewpoint for both male and female athletes. I agree that the WNBA is very conservative in their approach to marketing their athletes. Maybe if they did make some funny, racy, contoversial, or goofy or interesting commericals it would get more people inspired to watch. (maybe not) but they will never know until they try. Btw, those kobi/lebron puppets were genius. Haha
sportsandalatte // October 19, 2009 at 9:16 am |
I really need to read this body issue because I’m still torn as to why they would choose THESE covers…not a good look, in my opinion.
I’ve always been an advocate for the WNBA, but honestly, it’s losing its fire it had back in 98-00…and I’m not sure what can save it. I do like your idea about the puppets…that would be pretty cool if done the right way!