In this 2019 issue of Sports Illustrated, professional tennis player, Serena Williams is depicted in some stereotypical ways, but also embraces empowering women by the way she is featured.
Goffman’s Gender Displays
- Licensed Withdrawal
- As an audience member, you could argue that Williams is slightly looking away from the camera; however, it is quite obvious that her eyes, no matter where she is looking, are not the main focus. She is wearing less clothing than a male athlete would be while being featured on a cover. With that being said, she is also not in her “normal” athletic clothing that would be associated with being a professional athlete. She is dressed up in a body suit, high heels, and jewelry to fit more of the stereotypical description of what it means to be feminine.
The Sex Role Perspective
- Although Williams fits some of these stereotypes, through a sex role perspective lens, she is portraying women to be “Strong. Sexy. Sensible,” as the cover states. She is giving the audience the message that women can be confident, influential, and courageous, not underestimated.
Shared by: Sydney Zima
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