Female athletes positioning themselves as "sex objects"
is the subject of a column by Doug Robinson of the DESERET
NEWS, who wrote under the header, "Sending A Mixed Signal."
Robinson cited the current issue of Runner's World, which
"promises 'Suzy Hamilton Revealed.'" The track athlete is
"pictured in various provocative poses wearing outfits
barely big enough to wrap a sandwich." Hamilton states,
"I've worked hard on my body and I'm not afraid to show it."
Robinson: "Wait a minute. ... I thought women didn't want
to be sex objects. I thought they wanted equality and
recognition of their skills, not curves. What happened?
Did I miss something?" Robinson noted the recent "Girls of
Track And Field" calendar, which features the sports' "top
stars, including high jumper Amy Acuff, ... posing nude with
a few objects -- a discus here, a shot put there -- covering
the key parts." The Web site www.trackgirls.com promotes
the calendar with the line, "See the hottest women of USA
Track and Field." Robinson: "Hamilton and Acuff say that
one reason they do it is to bring attention to their sport.
Oh, it's a noble cause" (DESERET NEWS, 7/21).
