coffeegirl351
Positive Self Image
The history of women’s involvement in sports is cyclic in nature. 3500 hundred years ago on the Island of Crete women were very active, they drove chariots, hunted wild game, and took part in the bull fighting festivities. (2) They had their womanly duties of cooking, cleaning and tending to the children but these tasks never defined what they could or could not do. This is more of the attitude of women today, it hasn’t always been like this, in the early 14th century women of nobility could be seen playing tennis, jousting and ice-skating in the winter. Not long after this a very strong wave of religious influence changed this modern woman. Restrictions in physical activity resulted from the codes of behavior designed for Protestant Sects in which activities, not pertaining to salvation were seen as sinful. (2)
Between 1400 and 1860 the frail fragile female representing true womanhood was reinforced and physical activity was almost non-existent. (2) The roaring 20’s started to change the ideas of true womanhood. Woman started participating in organized sports again for leisure. The clothing industries and marketing companies jumped on this new trend and promoted that woman become involved in activities outside of the household. One piece swimsuits were introduced during this time period, (3) that were specifically designed for woman.
In 1926 Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Chanel, not only did she swim it but she beat the men’s record by two hours. (1)(3)
These feats empowered woman in the United States and we have continued to see female athletes achieve remarkable goals that were thought to be unattainable. Like in the 1920’s clothing and marketing ads have kept up with the changing times and promoted female athletes to embrace their bodies as the way it is. The model body is outdated and the new look is for females to have a muscular tone to them. The Nike (4) ad in the picture encourages women to be strong in body and mind and not give into the social pressure to be like everyone else. That the body you are in is the key to your success in whatever venture you take on.
If you would like more information please check out these wikipedia links
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Ederle
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_sports#History
1. Cohen, Greta L. "Women in Sport: Issues and Controversies" Sage Publications Inc. 1993
2. Hasday, Judy L. "Extraordinary Woman Athletes (extraordinary people)" Childrens Press 2000
3. Borish Linda J. "Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers" The Journal of American History (Dec 2004) 978-981
4. Runners World Magazine Oct/Nov. 2005 Nike "Thunder Thighs"
Positive Self Image
The history of women’s involvement in sports is cyclic in nature. 3500 hundred years ago on the Island of Crete women were very active, they drove chariots, hunted wild game, and took part in the bull fighting festivities. (2) They had their womanly duties of cooking, cleaning and tending to the children but these tasks never defined what they could or could not do. This is more of the attitude of women today, it hasn’t always been like this, in the early 14th century women of nobility could be seen playing tennis, jousting and ice-skating in the winter. Not long after this a very strong wave of religious influence changed this modern woman. Restrictions in physical activity resulted from the codes of behavior designed for Protestant Sects in which activities, not pertaining to salvation were seen as sinful. (2)
Between 1400 and 1860 the frail fragile female representing true womanhood was reinforced and physical activity was almost non-existent. (2) The roaring 20’s started to change the ideas of true womanhood. Woman started participating in organized sports again for leisure. The clothing industries and marketing companies jumped on this new trend and promoted that woman become involved in activities outside of the household. One piece swimsuits were introduced during this time period, (3) that were specifically designed for woman.
In 1926 Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Chanel, not only did she swim it but she beat the men’s record by two hours. (1)(3)
These feats empowered woman in the United States and we have continued to see female athletes achieve remarkable goals that were thought to be unattainable. Like in the 1920’s clothing and marketing ads have kept up with the changing times and promoted female athletes to embrace their bodies as the way it is. The model body is outdated and the new look is for females to have a muscular tone to them. The Nike (4) ad in the picture encourages women to be strong in body and mind and not give into the social pressure to be like everyone else. That the body you are in is the key to your success in whatever venture you take on.
If you would like more information please check out these wikipedia links
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Ederle
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_sports#History
1. Cohen, Greta L. "Women in Sport: Issues and Controversies" Sage Publications Inc. 1993
2. Hasday, Judy L. "Extraordinary Woman Athletes (extraordinary people)" Childrens Press 2000
3. Borish Linda J. "Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers" The Journal of American History (Dec 2004) 978-981
4. Runners World Magazine Oct/Nov. 2005 Nike "Thunder Thighs"