Catalyst.

As much as blogging is about the individual using a platform to air their views it is also about open dialogues and community. Blogs provide an amphitheater in which ideas and thoughts can be discussed from different perspectives, very healthy, when its big topics there for analysis. 

Real women have curves and surfboards is largely a place of solace for me, but its also an opportunity to examine the feminine stance. In a week which has seen the internet discussed widely in Britain and how social media can sometimes be a place for vigilantes against equality, I feel more than ever its imperative that both men and women alike, start and continue conversations surrounding gender equality. 

I was initially nervous when approached by sponsors, I didn't want my blog to become something that I didn't recognize. I am however infinitely glad I continued my conversation with ActivInstinct, yes they are a sports brand, yes they're good and I would suggest looking at their stuff but they also produced this fantastic article for me. Its a reflection on the recent Roxy promo video. We're just people talking to other people and isn't it wonderful that we've opened a dialogue about the representation of women. Whatever side of the fence you stand on this debate, I feel the important thing is that we're making it a conversation and with more talk comes more understanding. 

To remind you here is the Roxy video. 

 

We know my opinions on it but here's ActivInstinct's perspective. 

Promo video for top women’s surfing which event features no surfing… Am I missing something?

Writing on behalf of UK sports brand and leading wetsuit manufacturer, ActivInstinct, published writer and anti-sexist blogger Maya Verber comments on the controversial promotional video released for The Roxy Pro, Biarratz, and the problem with how female athletes are portrayed in the media.

When leading surf brand, Roxy, recently released a promotional video for The Roxy Pro, Biarratz, the second to last stop on the women’s world championship tour, outrage and criticism was widespread.

Controversy surrounded the short film, which features world champion surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, for a number of reasons.  The anonymous ‘teaser’ was posted under the hashtag, ‘#WhoAmIJustGuess’ and as such, you are not shown the female surfer’s face at any time, (it was later revealed that Gilmore was the star, and a full length video was posted). What does feature, heavily, are supposedly arty shots of Gilmore’s bottom. During the piece, Gilmore writhes around on her bed, almost naked, before stepping into the shower, putting on a tiny bikini and heading to the beach. No actual surfing, bar a close up of her bottom as she paddles out for a few seconds, appears.

While clearly Roxy were trying to create a buzz and promote intrigue around their event, the product is at best reminiscent of a sexy girl in a music video, and at worst, as put by Guardianjournalist Tia Calvo, ‘voyeuristic semi soft-core porn’.

The fact that Gilmore is not even shown standing up on her surfboard at all during the clip, despite her awe-inspiring talent and five-time world champion status, highlights the way in which female athletes are consistently sexualized in the media, and particularly when they are featured in advertising campaigns and endorsements.

I see no problem with Gilmore looking attractive, or even sexy - she has previously appeared inVogue, looking beautiful, and is a great ambassador for a sport which has been fighting for gender equality for years.

Roxy have almost always used size 6, stereotypical ‘surfer’ girls in their ad campaigns in the past and commented, in response to the criticism of this film:

“We believe all athletes are naturally beautiful, in and out of the water. You certainly don't have to be sexy to be an athlete, and we also believe it's not wrong to be an athlete and to be sexy, if you choose to be. We don't judge one to be better than the other and we don't believe in excluding one for other.”

However, I think it is important to note that this is not an advertisement for Roxy clothing. It is a promotional video for a surfing competition – which doesn't show any surfing. How can that not be problematic?

Written by Maya Verber

Pretty good don't you think?! I was really stoked when I read the article, not only is it very well written it sums up my frustration towards Roxy and the representation of female surfers perfectly. So...

We need to talk, what do have to say for yourself ladies? 

(And gentlemen, we're inclusive here at RWHCS)!

Stay strong, surf well 

Love Sophia