SI Swimsuit: A Wolf in Sheep’s Tiny Bikini?

By: American Decency Staff

Yesterday the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue hit newsstands and magazine racks across the country giving millions of men and boys easy access to pornography in the mainstream family marketplace.  Stores that would never sell a Playboy seem to have no qualms about selling the SI swimsuit issue.  However, other than the “legitimateâ€Â name of Sports Illustrated, there is very little difference between the two. Is it a stretch to label the SI swimsuit magazine as pornography?  After all, the word “swimsuitâ€Â would imply that the models featured are wearing clothing.  Think again.  While the tiny scraps of cloth that make up the “swimsuitsâ€Â worn in this magazine might stretch the definition of clothing, the SI swimsuit magazine also includes numerous photos of topless and completely nude women.   Just 6 pages into the magazine there is a full-page spread of a nude woman with just a few well-placed shells.  And then there are the pages of nude women who “wearâ€Â only body paint with Sports Illustrated actually giving men do-it-yourself instructions. Well, you may say, the great artists of old created works of art of nudes.  True.  However we all know the purpose of this magazine is not for “artisticâ€Â purposes.  It’s not about swimsuits or famous models.   And it certainly isn’t about sports – not even women’s sports.  It doesn’t even contain any articles within its 207 pages –while it boasts of more than 150 pictures. This SI swimsuit magazine has one purpose, and one purpose only – the erotic display of women for the pleasure and self-pleasure of men.  Otherwise known as – pornography. I find it quite telling that stores place this magazine under the heading of “men’s interest.â€Â Take a moment and really think about what this magazine is about and the views and thought patterns it establishes within our culture.  It teaches young boys and men to objectify women – to see them as sex objects to be viewed and used for their pleasure.  This pattern of thinking has permeated our culture to such a degree we can easily overlook it and accept it as normal.  And as a result how regularly do we hear of horrific crimes against women?  No longer does our culture reinforce a gentlemanly regard for women.  When boys grow up with this sexualized view of women constantly before them from Sports Illustrated, television, movies, music, advertising how does it shape their thinking and behavior? And what about girls and women?  What do the likes of SI Swimsuit teach them?  It sends the message that their worth is dependent upon their sex appeal.  That to gain acceptance they must degrade themselves.  While the essence of beauty and femininity is not found in perfectly proportioned body parts, this pervasive view of women is reinforced by the SI Swimsuit edition creating a false standard for girls. While you may agree with me that SI Swimsuit is pornography, you may also think it doesn’t affect you.  After all you would never allow such material in your home.  You guard your family from the false messages of the world.  You have taught your sons to respect women and your daughters that their worth isn’t dependent upon their body.  Why should this magazine concern you? It should concern you because it affects your fellow man.  It contributes to sinful actions and attitudes in our culture – a culture in which we all interact.  It should concern you as a Christian because it attacks the view that we are created, male and female, in the image of God and that is where we receive our worth.  It should concern you because as Christians we are called to be salt and light – exposing the unfruitful works of darkness. You can help to do so by speaking out against the SI Swimsuit magazine in stores where you find it.  Take it to the store manager/owner and express your concern about such material in a family shopping place. In addition, contact the advertisers of the magazine whose ads empower it.  See the link below.  Your efforts do make a difference!  Each year we contact these advertisers and are pleased to see numbers of companies withholding their ads again this year.  Corporations such as GM, Ford, Harley Davidson, Wolverine boots, had been yearly advertisers, but did not advertise last year or this year! However, there are numbers of companies that need to hear from you!  Often these corporations follow the pattern of SI and create offensive, sexualized ads to go along with the theme of the magazine.  For example, Chrysler had a three page pullout ad of an erotic display.  Other companies also used salacious themes and imagery in their ads – such as Nissan, Sony DirecTV, Lexus, Unilever, SoBe water. Click on the link below to express your concern and urge these corporations to not associate their name with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Take Action! Click on the link below to contact the advertisers that empower Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine. https://americandecency.org/take_action_form.php?msg_id=89 ——————————————————————————————————————— Your support is important to our ability to make a difference. Donate online at: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/donate.php American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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