In about 10 days ESPN the Magazine will release its fifth annual Body Issue. There are some who will read the issue to genuinely learn about the featured athletes and how they take care of their bodies. Then there are some who will simply look to catch glimpse of Kenneth Faried’s or Sydney Leroux’s backside.
What ESPN does with this every year is respectable. It's good to find out how your favorite athletes celebrate and work to keep their bodies in good shape. The nudity is not obscene and takes on more of an art form than a pornographic form. However, let’s not be naïve ESPN is capitalizing on the “sex sells” mantra.
So the question is if ESPN is really celebrating the bodies of professional athletes, why don’t we have people like Prince Fielder, Pablo Sandoval or Vance Wilfork in the magazine?
Think Progress’ Travis Waldron discussed the issue in his piece “What ESPN’s ‘Body Issue’ Gets Right, And What It Could Do Better.” While Waldron praises the Body Issue overall he does raise some valid points.
“I wish they’d feature more bodies of athletes who weren’t perfect sculptures to prove that athletes come in multiple shapes and sizes, or more athletes who aren’t remarkably attractive,” writes Waldron. “The bodies that are naturally appealing aren’t suitable for all sports.”
While he commends the magazine for including 77-year old golfer Gary Player and a pregnant Kerri Walsh Jennings, he asks why there they don’t include marathoners, bodybuilders, offensive linemen, or an older lady.
That would be great. I mean I want to read how a big guy like Prince Fielder moves his feet so quick at first base. Or the story of a 75-year old lady who keeps herself in shape to run a marathon in every city.
ESPN has previously included a disabled player in the issue (24-year old rower Oksana Masters) and that is something they should do again.
So my formula for a more realistic body issue—less chiseled and curvy bodies, more age, a few athletes with disabilities and—most importantly—more bodies the everyday person can actually relate to.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Pittsburgh Pirates News: Wright Selects Pedro Alvarez to Compete in Home Run Derby
Yasiel Puig to Sign with Roc Nation? Jay-Z Interested in the Young Cuban Star
