The Stream Pretty strong: Redefining female beauty in sports
A discussion with female athletes about body image in the sports world. Will powerful ever be the new pretty? This year Serena Williams won her sixth Wimbledon title, her twenty first major, and is one stop away from a tennis Grand Slam; yet chatter about her “manly” body and “abnormal” strength and unattractive looks continue unabated. Body shaming women athletes has long been a part of a professional sportswoman’s life, and balancing feminine ideals of beauty and ambition is a constant struggle. For a swimmer her strong upper body often means hiding arms in long sleeves. For a weight lifter muscular legs mean not fitting into standard size clothing. Some athletes are able to turn criticisms into self-acceptance, but others deal with eating disorders or feel forced to quit. On Monday we’ll speak to women from around the world, who despite their athletic triumphs, are still judged by harsh societal norms of “beauty.”
The Stream is a social media community with its own daily TV show on Al Jazeera English
Primary Title
- The Stream
Episode Title
- Pretty strong: Redefining female beauty in sports
Date Broadcast
- Tuesday 28 July 2015
Start Time
- 17 : 30
Finish Time
- 18 : 00
Duration
- 30:00
Channel
- Al Jazeera English
Broadcaster
- Al Jazeera Media Network
Programme Description
- The Stream is a social media community with its own daily TV show on Al Jazeera English
Episode Description
- A discussion with female athletes about body image in the sports world. Will powerful ever be the new pretty? This year Serena Williams won her sixth Wimbledon title, her twenty first major, and is one stop away from a tennis Grand Slam; yet chatter about her “manly” body and “abnormal” strength and unattractive looks continue unabated. Body shaming women athletes has long been a part of a professional sportswoman’s life, and balancing feminine ideals of beauty and ambition is a constant struggle. For a swimmer her strong upper body often means hiding arms in long sleeves. For a weight lifter muscular legs mean not fitting into standard size clothing. Some athletes are able to turn criticisms into self-acceptance, but others deal with eating disorders or feel forced to quit. On Monday we’ll speak to women from around the world, who despite their athletic triumphs, are still judged by harsh societal norms of “beauty.”
Classification
- Not Classified
Owning Collection
- Chapman Archive
Broadcast Platform
- Television
Languages
- English
Captions
Live Broadcast
- No
Rights Statement
- Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Subjects
- Body image
- Women athletes
Genres
- Interview
- Panel
Course Codes
- GEOG 102
Hosts
- Femi Oke (Host)
Subjects
- Body image
- Women athletes