Sydney Sweeny Naked Advert - athletes reaction correct or an over reaction that gives the advert a lot more publicity?

[mids2019]

Personally I think a naked actress with sports equipment is a bit tacky and obviously aimed at men but I don't know if it was a massive affront to women athletes? Sydney wasn't pretending to be an athlete and the athletics paraphernalia was to advertise sports betting......not my cup of tea but I don't see how it was diminishing womens sport really

I don’t think anyone is “ragging her for the way she looks”.

I think they are, quite rightly, disappointed that she is helping to perpetuate the objectification of female athletes. Of course the men behind this campaign and the men ogling her are far worse.

They have just had to issue guidelines to broadcasters to stop them taking angles and shots of female athletes that are gratuitously sexual. That’s the arena that female athletes find themselves in.

Britney Spears dressed as a school girl 30 years ago. It wouldn’t be received the same way now.

Beckham was a footballer, you have said it yourself.

That is a million miles away from a naked woman who looks like she has never played sport in her life, who seems to be using equipment from men's sports.

It's not helping though is it?

And why do you have an issue with women speaking out on a subject that impacts them directly?

I am on the fence with this one. I am not a female athlete so certainly wouldn't dismiss their feelings on this, it must be galling to feel that no matter how talented they are and no matter how much work they put it to reach their goals for many people (men) their bodies only have value if they are 'sexy'. I also don't particularly admire Sheldon, I think she is a mediocre actress who's main claim to fame seems to be her boobs, but what I really hate about this is the outpouring of misogyny on social media, any woman who dares to call this ad out is an ugly, sad old cow who is 'jealous'. And while its mostly men making these comments, there is a fair few women at it too. Either way though, SS is going to make a fortune out of this.

You said it much better than I did.

My thing about this is that a huge range of female athletes are pretty sexy. I posted some pics of Keely Hodgkinson (800m) and she is stunning and quite willing to wear dresses etc. which show her figure. I think some female athletes know they are damp good looking and are quite willing for bikini shots to appear in the tabloid press. Does this reduce the moral high ground the athletes are taking....I would think they have to be a bit careful

I‘m a bit meh about the outrage. I don’t think anyone is comparing SS to a normal athlete or by implication objectifying them. She’s chosen (presumably for a lot of cash) to do a naked photo shoot for gambling. It’s tacky and objectifying but it’s her choice and I’m sure she’s been well compensated. Those pictures aren’t that different from some of the naked calendar shots that lots of university sports teams have done so I think the moral outrage is a bit ott.

The pathway to money for a lot of female athletes is sponsorship and the more glamorous side of things rather than sport. In that way, they probably actually can out-earn lots of men. Eg your no. 10 hammer throwing man in the world is probably not raking it in and most likely has another job.

She also has an equity stake in the company, so at least she has ownership rather than just compensation for it.

Good post. Female athletes make a lot of money through modelling sometimes on the more suggestive side so I don't think the moral high ground is that high. A bit of consideration before launching into rant is always a good thing.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1017541/Cambridge-University-naked-calendar-2019

This is not a problem as the women are highly educated and therfore have more agency or above accusations of provocation? Is it because SS is on the wrong side of the political spectrum and we can engage in more virtue signalling in 2026. I am surprised at Amy Hunt rising to the bait to be honest.

I've not read the whole thread so maybe it has already been pointed out that both Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Romero posed naked. Many sportswomen use their sexuality in advertising in similar ways, as do men. SS isn't claiming to be a sportswoman, her ad is targeted at gambling men

I couldn't understand what she was saying and I have no idea what the advert is for. So...not a marketing win ( sure I'm not alone ?)

maybe it’s because no one would’ve seen the Cambridge women’s netball teams naked calendar in order to discuss it?! 🤣 it’s hardly the same as a Hollywood star known for rage bait and anti feminism is it?

Why would it have an impact on their 'moral high ground'. Nobody is saying a woman (or man) can't be sexy.
You can be a sexy, attractive woman who like to wear clothes that show off your figure AND call out things that undermine your profession. The two are not mutually exclusive.

OK good point but you have to be careful before you wade into a debate without maybe thinking it all through?

How does a naked shoot of university rowers not undermine rowing professionalism but an actress with a basket ball does... I just think maybe being immediately opinionated is not necessarily the best thing

Unless you're a guy, it's not aimed at you

Honestly, you are coming across as trying to shut down women's opinions. It might not bother you but female athletes have a right to voice their issues without having them minimised.

How you know how most female athletes feel about the university rowing calendar? They may also feel that undermines them as athletes? Or they may support it because they are actual athletes rather than an actress posing as rower?
Either way, none of that should mean the female athletes complain about SS's campaign should be quiet about it.

You are coming across as so patronising. Are you suggesting that the female athletes commenting on SS aren't intelligent enough to have an informed opinion?

@MickyMoonshine Yes but it’s one opinion and one sided. They probably don’t speak for all sports women and seem to think they can tell other women what to do with their bodies and their image. It’s not offensive or pornographic. Sports women do what they want and let this woman do what she wants. She’s not pretending to be them is she? They have whipped up a storm where none existed and it’s rather petty. I hate women piling on to other women. It demeans them. They are trying to come across as superior human beings with all their blood sweat and tears. It’s just over the top.

How is that any different to what you’re doing?
They are entitled to have an opinion on how they feel their profession is being portrayed.
You don’t have to agree with them but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t express that opinion in a way of their choosing.

But they don't call out other sportswomen who do this because they know they will get the "my body, my choice" response, which is unarguable. Apparently that doesn't apply to SS

SS is a shareholder in the company. She has learned the art of woke trolling and is taking it all the way to the bank.

Indeed, in fact, unless you’re a guy in America since this company is illegal here