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MoonDog Exploits Women! And so Does the NFL, NBA…
Published by MoonDog on May 16, 2008
I’m one of those bloggers you come across with increasing regularity that posts images of celebrities and super models in varying states of undress.
Since I started my site in January I’ve posted a “Chick Pic of the Day,” somewhat of a misnomer considering I only do so two or three times a week. I decided to do it for several reasons, one of which was knowing my target demographic were men between the ages of 18-54.
Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Bell and Lindsay Lohan are just a few who have graced the pages of my site in all of their scantily-clad splendor. It’s a tough job searching for and capturing those images, but my loyal readers deserve my very best effort.
But over the past week I’ve had two fellow bloggers question me either directly or indirectly why I choose to post such images. Frankly, I’m glad they asked the question because it gave me the inspiration to address this subject.
I see this as going well beyond a few images posted on my site. This is about the objectification, exploitation and manipulation of women, in my case specifically, as a means to bring attention to my site.
While I admit it’s a cheesy way of drawing readers to a site, I am not guilty of exploiting women to achieve a purpose. In fact, the images I post are no more offensive than any cheerleader you see standing on an NFL sideline or a thong-wearing vixen strolling along the beach.
Some may suggest posting images of this nature would limit the number of female readers to my site. Interestingly enough, the two bloggers questioning me this past week were both men. Even more interesting, one of those men happened to post an article addressing the issue of women in sports journalism.
Bill Baer of Crash Burn Alley interviewed Sooze, one of the writers for the Babes Love Baseball blog and Lisa Horne who works for Fox Sports. One of the questions Bill asked both women was, “A lot of sports blogs are obviously geared towards the younger male audience since that’s the bulk of their readership, but how do you feel about some of the blogs that seem to objectify women? You know how they have the “hottest sportscaster” contests or “hot pics of the day” – how do you respond to that?”
Lisa replied, “I think it’s great! Look, if a woman poses for a picture seductively dressed, or not wearing anything at all, I assume she wants to have the attention. Guys will be guys and I think it’s fine to have that kind of content on sports blogs. It doesn’t offend me in the least bit.”
Sooze answered the question by stating, “We actually objectify men just as much as they do. You know, some men are attractive, and if they also happen to play baseball, we’re going to make mention of that. Some women are attractive, and if they also happen to be a high school pole-vaulter, it’s relevant.”
For the record it should be noted I used to blog at Fox Sports and I’ve gotten to know Bill and Lisa, and had a brief exchange with Sooze when she commented on the recent article I wrote regarding Will Leitch. However, I had no idea Bill conducted the interview until after he’d posted it at Baseball Digest Daily. I assure you my relationship with these people had no barring on the argument I’m presenting, other than the inspiration to write this article as I’ve noted.
To be honest, neither of the responses shocked me. Moreover, while I don’t have a large number of women reading my blog, or at least that I’m aware of, not one of them have ever said a word to me about the images of half-naked women posted on my site. In fact, one female reader (Kristen Valus, you naughty girl) even asked me when I was going to post some pictures of half-naked men. I politely refused that request, although I offered to do so if she captured the images.
You may be of the opinion that because some don’t have a problem with it, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s OK. Responding to those of you that may feel that way I’d like to know if you’ve ever been to an NFL or NBA game lately. Have you seen what the cheerleaders are wearing? Do you turn off your TV’s when you see a seductively dressed cheerleader shaking her goodies?
If you attend an NFL or NBA game, do you watch the cheerleaders the entire time you’re there or do you actually watch the game? When the cheerleaders come out onto the field or court, does it make your stomach churn when they begin to gyrate, wearing what amounts to a few pieces of string?
As you read this article you will no doubt take notice of the images of cheerleaders I posted. These are actual cheerleaders of NFL and NBA teams that can be easily captured from the Internet. And there are tons of them. I could have captured 1000 in addition to the few contained within.
I’d like to know if you consider these images objectionable, exploitative and manipulative. If you do, then you shouldn’t watch or attend an NFL or NBA game ever again. In addition, you need to write a letter to the commissioners of both leagues asking why each franchise is allowed to portray women in such a demeaning way.
Look, it isn’t like these women were forced to pose for a magazine or photo shoot. And the last time I checked, thousands of women show up each year for the opportunity to make the cheerleading squads of every professional sports team.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleader tryouts have even become a reality show, airing the past two summers on CMT. Making the Squad details how the Cowboys select the very few women who have what it takes to become a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader. Thousands of applications are received and the process is perhaps more arduous than making the Cowboys 53-man roster.
These women try out because they want to be there. Virtually all of them claim being a part of the cheerleading squad is their dream job. I don’t see anything objectionable about that. And the Cowboys cheerleaders aren’t wearing pants suits while standing on the sidelines.
You may ask why I post these images at all. Why not let my work speak for itself? Some may say posting these types of images only diminishes the articles I write. I hate to burst your bubble, but that’s sheer nonsense. Trust me, the “Chick Pics” didn’t prevent anyone from reading the article I wrote about Will Leitch – it was the most read article I’ve ever posted.
Here’s the bottom line. It’s entertainment. In this case it’s visual entertainment, being provided by women that just happen to be beautiful and want to be there. It’s an opportunity for these women to be noticed and perhaps move into another field. Whatever the reasons, women are posing for magazines and working as cheerleaders because that’s what they want to do.
Who am I to deny them that right? If I post images of celebrities and supermodels, I’m not objectifying them any more than an NFL or NBA team does. It doesn’t diminish my work any more than it would prevent anyone from watching an NFL or NBA game.
Whether you agree or disagree, that’s fine. We’re all entitled to our opinions and I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on the subject.
And if you want to see some hot chicks, now you know where to find them.
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MCBias on Fri, 16th May 2008 02:17
Let me review your reasons: (1) The NBA and NFL are already doing it, so why can’t I (2) No women I know of are complaining (3) Pictures of women are just visual entertainment, willingly provided by the women involved. And you would also say that “It’s an opportunity for these women to be noticed and perhaps move into another field.”
Here is why I politely disagree. In response to (1), I hate that the NBA and NFL have to resort to paying pretty women to dance (prostitution/stripper comparisons, anyone?) just to bring in male fans. It shows that the game itself is not good enough. Is our society that sex-mad that we can’t even enjoy sports if hot women are not present? That’s a rhetorical question, I’m afraid.
(2) Moondog, men vastly outnumber women already in sports blog land; so the chances of having female readers is already low, let alone one so outspoken that she would complain about your blog content. I would guess that any offended women or men have already gone away. And also, I went through an embarrassing moment some time ago of having someone I highly respect come in as I was reading a sports blog, just as I was scrolling by a babe-heavy post. I highly doubt a weak “Um, I’m looking at sports” explanation would have sounded convincing!
(3) I am subscribed to some brilliant, funny, creative, beautiful women on Youtube…and rather than aspire to be comedians, or entertainers, or something noteworthy, they all want to be models. It depresses me to no end. Very few women ever break out of the model trap to make something of themselves. What type of message are we sending to young women if we say the pinnacle of female achievement is being an NFL cheerleader and getting $100 a game?
Now, after all this sermonizing…I love pretty women as much as the next guy. But I believe there’s a time and a place for them (such as by my side in real life, ha), and that unless we gain some perspective, it’s not healthy for us men to interject them into every phase of life.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 09:39
MC – As you well know, while not naming you directly, you and some of the others from your site gave me the inspiration to write this. I agree with your analogy of the NFL and NBA paying cheerleaders to wear next to nothing and dance for a predominantly male crowd.
But that’s one of the points I made. They understand their demographic like I do. Personally I’m not watching a game for the cheerleaders. I’m looking at the girls before and after the game. I’d be willing to bet that’s what most men do.
Regardless, I appreciate your comments and the salient points you made.
AB on Fri, 16th May 2008 10:38
Something you wrote in your article offended me greatly. You said that cheerleaders get to wear thongs. Well, in some cases this isn’t true. When I was a pop-warner cheerleader in the 6th grade, I offered to wear just a slingshot to entice the crowd of parents, grandparents, and snack shack fans. They said no and got pretty bent out of shape about it. So there’s still a lot of prejudice in sports against women.
YeeMum on Fri, 16th May 2008 10:53
Well explained.
Note your sidebar on the left has “CUTE College Girl of the day”
And “Stunning Cheerleader pics”
linkies
Made me laugh.
I have never objected to your pictures (I appreciate a good looking human be they male or female)-but I don’t read the comments-Some of them could be considered offensive. And I make sure not to scroll through them when anyone is in the office.
I find it somewhat interesting to see the type of women you choose (your preferences are showing)
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:06
AB – I too am offended by the hypocrisy of those that wouldn’t allow you to shake your 6th grade booty in a shameless display. I’m outraged!
I intend to engage in a letter writing campaign to right the injustice. Every woman, especially a 6th grader, has the right to expose their womanhood for all mankind to see.
Love you girl!!
MCBias on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:07
Ha, yeah, I know we’re the ones who helped inspire this. And I appreciate you at least considering ths issue; quite frankly, I’ve given up mentioning it to most bloggers.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:15
YeeMum – I wasn’t necessarily trying to justify why I do it, I just don’t think posting images of this type is any more manipulative than other forms of advertising.
That’s exactly how I see it. Some of the comments do get rather direct, and I can understand not viewing them. But I don’t want to limit free speech.
If memory serves me correctly, there is an image of you with your ass pointed to the camera. Cheerleader tryouts?
YeeMum on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:26
That picture is my response to the species of trolls that live under computers (as apposed to under bridges)
In your case, atleast a reader won’t ‘accidently’ see a questionable picture- the post is labeled as such.
Unlike some that insert pictures in comments that may not be appreciated by all .
tophatal on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:32
Moon Dog
Well explained and succinctly put. Sex is used to sell an abundant amount of products from consumer durables to ‘high end’ luxury goods. If it’s part and parcel of the whole marketplace then there’s nothing wrong with it. It becomes openly questionable however when it’s being blatantly done in order to market to young kids to lure them in.
All sports have done it to an extent but at the end of the day it’s about the consumer and the decisions that they come to make of the particular product in question.
tophatal …………
Bill B. on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:37
Hey Moon, I like most of your reasoning here. Despite the somewhat loaded question I asked Lisa and Sooze, I do agree with what they said about it. In fact, I think they make the points much better than I could.
Sex sells, it’s really that simple. We’re animals not much different from the rest in the animal kingdom.
People in this country — both male and female — are so nervous about sex and it’s hilarious to watch sometimes.
klvalus on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:47
Hey Moondog…I have very conflicted feelings about objectifying women for any reason, because I do think it has larger negative consequences in society for women. However, I can and do use it to my advantage so as long as men are dumb enough to judge me on beauty alone, I will get them with my brains in the end! I am all for equal opportunity so here is a link to my Hot Dude Pic of the Day…the oh so lovely Carl Edwards.
http://static.flickr.com/38/100960397_ae15180b35_o.jpg
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:52
YeeMum – Good point. If you read my “Do’s and Dont’s” I make it clear that I do post racy images, but nothing pornographic and I wouldn’t tolerate porn being posted. There is a distinct line between the two.
volfan69 on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:53
I am not in the least offended by you or your pics. It’s like watching the tube, if you don’t like it turn it off. Your title states in large caps that it is the Chick Pic blog by you. Folks don’t have to look. Again, you, tophatal, no one upsets me by doing it. It’s not like you are going out and attacking women. I’d be more concerned if you guys didn’t like looking at beautiful women. There is no nudity, it is not young children forced into posing, IT IS women that wanted to pose for the pics. What’s the big deal? Thanks for asking my opinion.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 11:55
MC- No subject is off limits here. No speech is edited or censored. Sports or otherwise, I’m the king of the First Amendment. That’s why I gave six years of my life in service to this nation.
ShooterB on Fri, 16th May 2008 12:55
Bottom line…having chick pics isn’t what makes me read your blog, nor does it make me not want to read your blog.
It’s not like our country is starved for places find scantily-clad women. Sex wouldn’t sell like it does if our society just had a reasonable perspective about it in the first place.
It’s amazing though. You write a thorough sports article, and only your 3 (or is it up to 4 now?) loyal readers show up. Write an article about chick pics and cheerleaders, and your blog fills up like an open bar at a Kennedy family reunion.
YeeMum on Fri, 16th May 2008 13:16
I think it was the “Open Bar” sign that did it
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 13:36
Top – That’s exactly the underlying tone of the piece. Others have pointed out the same thing you’re saying. It’s our hang up with sexuality in this country that causes these reactions.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 13:40
Bill – Excellent point. What I didn’t mention in the piece was how America has this moral code that the rest of the planet doesn’t share.
When I was in the military the beaches in Europe and Central/South America were topless – the women too (lol). Brazil was wide open – full nudity on the beach.
You can see just as much skin on any beach in this country as you will find here.
Thanks for the inspiration to write this.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 13:44
Kristen – You have me with your beauty and your brains. I take true objectification of women seriously, I just don’t consider what I do falls under that category.
There you go with Carl Edwards. How about one of me? Ugly men need love too.
Thanks for the excellent points you made.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 13:55
Volfan – Excellent points. I’m of the same opinion. If you want to watch or read something, whether another person considers it to be objectionable, that’s your right. No one has to read this blog or any other.
One thing is for certain. I’ve been true to myself and I’ll continue to do so.
Thanks for chiming in.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 13:59
Shooter – That point you made about reading a blog regardless of images posted was an underlying tone of this piece. I’m the same way. If I don’t care to read a blog, it’s never been about images that may be posted. It’s always been about the writer(s) and what’s being written.
FOUR loyal readers now – I’m on the verge of a crying jag. You know what’s funny? I actually get more comments on the stuff I write that deals with social issues and politics.
Maybe I should work for CNN or Fox News? Nah, that wouldn’t be fun. I couldn’t post half-naked women at either of their sites.
Lisa on Fri, 16th May 2008 14:03
Moonie-
I don’t know how women could be construed as being objectified by men when they are the ones posing for the pics. It’s voluntary. Pure and simple.
3rd Down H-Back on Fri, 16th May 2008 14:09
Because I don’t have the time to read exactly why everyone is bitching, to them I say, “fuck off.” Keep on posting the pics Moonie
YeeMum on Fri, 16th May 2008 14:11
You know I read your stuff, but I have no comments for the college ball stuff, so I don’t comment.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 16:08
Lisa – My point exactly. If they didn’t want to appear in magazines, why pose? These women aren’t dumb. They know exactly what they’re doing and what the conditions are.
Thanks for chiming in.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 16:10
3rd Down – No one is complaining. I just wanted to write about a subject I found interesting. Don’t worry, I’ll continue to provide visual entertainment.
Thanks for dropping by.
MoonDog on Fri, 16th May 2008 16:12
YeeMum – I know you do. Besides, to some extent, comments are overrated. It’s about unique page views. That’s what drives traffic to the site. That and half-naked women of course.
3rd Down H-Back on Fri, 16th May 2008 19:57
Cool, glad to hear it.
And that Redskins cheerleader is hawt
GoPurple on Fri, 16th May 2008 22:00
As one of your five or so passing ruffians (formerly referred to as disloyal readers) I say bring on the chick pics.
Joel on Fri, 16th May 2008 22:07
I have never been a Redskins fan until now. You posting the chick pics give people like me to expand their horizons when it comes to other teams. Because of that particular cheerleader pic, I had to go to the Redskins website to explore the cheerleading squad a little bit more, in an effort to do more research.
Hail to the Redskins indeed…
MeanDovine on Sat, 17th May 2008 10:22
It’s a touchy issue, and I want to be the man doing all the touching.
The bottom line is, just like the television has a remote and an off button, we have the choice to tune out that which we find offensive or inappropriate in cyberspace.
Me, I’ve never really been a huge fan of women in pictures because of the mere fact that I’ll never touch ‘em in reality, but I sure want too. What can I say, I’m just a realist.
Truthfully, it’s the person on camera’s choice. If they’re cool with it, so am I. After all, I’m just a gawking, wishful connoisseur.
Gambitxxx on Sat, 17th May 2008 14:56
Moondog,
I have to agree with you here. These woman know exactly what they are doing when they pose for magazine pics and even the cheerleaders know that wearing sexy outfits comes with the territory. They also know that men like me will be looking at them in a way that I couldn’t explain here.
So if they are ok with it, so am I.
MoonDog on Sun, 18th May 2008 12:21
GoPurple – I sensed as much. Need some Canadian carriers to move freight out of Memphis. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Joel – Her breasts are bigger than my head.
Mean – “Touchy”? A play on words? I’ll take the Eagles calendar girl for anything involving touching, thank you.
Gambitxxx – You better agree me. Considering I loaded those Maria Sharapova pics at YOUR request.