The Sports Illustrated magazine has further created this discrepancy between the way that female and male athletes are treated in the media. In 2015, there were 84 Sports Illustrated covers, only 11 of which featured women. Only two of the women who modeled in their swimsuits were actually athletes.
As seen in a side-by-side comparison of the typical covers used by Sports Illustrated, there is a clear distinction between the covers used for women and those used for male athletes. In the first row of magazine covers, the US women's soccer team is compared with a shot of the match-up between Andre Iguadala and Lebron James. The women's soccer shot certainly is an intimidating pose. However, the men are shown in an action shot, in a clear display of their athletic ability. Similarly, the middle row of magazine covers features the model of the swimsuit issue up against Lebron James. Neither of these covers show members in athletic settings. However, Hannah Davis' body is put entirely on display and sexualized while Lebron fits the traditional male role of breadwinner in his sleek suit. The bottom row of pictures contrasts two solo covers of the magazine. Again, the cover focuses far more on Rousey's body and less on her actual athletic ability. Comparatively, Gurley's cover features an action shot that rewards him for his incredible play. These magazine covers make it very clear that the sports media world has not yet focused on the equality of male and female athletes. Women are both put on display and sexualized, while men are revered for their athletic accomplishments and masculine roles in society. |