Why is it that sports teams find it necessary to combine their sport with pornographic imagery?

By: American Decency Staff

Personal note: I came across a headline this morning while checking news at the Detroit Free Press website – freep.com Detroit Pistons Automation Dance Finals July 1, 2010 Credit:Tracey Nawrot/Special to Metromix Every year, hundreds of girls compete for the coveted spot on the Detroit Pistons Automotion Dance team. Thursday’s event at the Crofoot in Pontiac featured the 40 finalists who survived the team’s audition process. All 40 performed choreographed dance routines that were judged by a panel that included Miss USA Rima Fakih, ‘The Meltdown’ and former Piston’s player Rick Mahorn. At the end of the show, the 15-member team of the 2010-2011 Piston’s Automotion Dance Team was announced. [Credit:Tracey Nawrot/Special to Metromix] DISCLAIMER – http://detroit.metromix.com/events/photogallery/detroit-pistons-automotion-dance/2105278/content There are a number of tasteful group shots.  However, the first image that was portrayed was Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show-like. Just a couple of years ago we shed significant light upon the Detroit Piston’s “Automotionâ€Â erotic calendar upon receiving expressions of concern from Detroit citizens and presumably Piston fans.   They continue the practice of peddling a titillating “sportsâ€Â calendar. We ask the question: Why is it that sports teams find it necessary to combine their sport with pornographic imagery? And where does it end?  The slippery slope is downward. Webster's defines pornography as "Material that is created for the purposes of eliciting sexual response." It seems clear that the sports world increasingly is sidling up to women as sex objects/play things. Such imagery is lust-producing.  Lust is sin.  Christians are to hate sin and to oppose it and to promote that which is good and honoring. A few negative sports trends: ***Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition (some try to argue that this isn't pornography) ***Multiple Minnesota Vikings and their sexual trysts aboard a local cruise ships *** Sports icons who make headlines for their use and abuse of women And on and on.  Many of you would have your own accounts from your local team(s).  Share your account. Many struggle with pornography.  Men acknowledge that pornography and lust are two big struggles they face. Sex sells. There's money in it.  However, pornography does immense damage in individual lives. Is the Detroit Pistons a basketball team that cares about being a good source of fun for family entertainment or not?  Can families be assured that their moral sensibilities will be protected or not? The Pistons need to be reminded that we expect more of them than this. Contact the Detroit Pistons: Detroit Pistons Basketball Company Mr. Alan Ostfield, president Palace of Auburn Hills 6 Championship Drive Auburn Hills, Michigan  48326 Phone: 248-377-0100 Fax: 248-377-3260 Email: aostfield@palacenet.com Email: http://www.nba.com/pistons/contact/contact_detroit_pistons.html Sample letter Dear Mr. Ostfield: Would you want your daughter  (or your wife) to participate in the making of  an erotic calendar such as the Piston’s Automation distributes?  If the answer is no, and I pray it is, then why would you offer it to anyone with a couple dollars who can buy it?  Please put an end to this type of promotion of immorality under your leadership. A couple of years ago you made the statement “"Look around the sports landscape. The pricing is screwy. Kids aren't watching sports anymore, they're playing video games. Fathers and sons aren't going to ballgames together. Something's got to change, for all of us in this industry. We've got to get back to the people who made sports what it is in American society, because those people are slipping away from us." Do you want people to get back to supporting their local sports team? Then put a stop to pornography via calendars and the erotic dress of cheerleaders. ========================================== Your support is important to our ability to make a difference: donate online at: Donate online: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/donate.php American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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