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This particular
picture is displays a “Come get it” sort of
sexual invitation. The model is in an incredibly vulnerable position.
She is mostly naked; her legs are closed in an apparent attempt to
preserve modesty and she needs to lean against the flimsy boat for
support. At the same time, however, she wears an enticing
“come-hither” facial expression. She demonstrates
possession
of a sexual appetite that she wants fulfilled, but her appearance and
posturing insinuate that what she desires is to be dominated. This
doubly entices the (male) viewer with power; the exposed position of
the model
makes him feel able to exert himself sexually and the
sexuality the model displays is alluring, but not threatening.
Another
common trope presented in this picture is the presence of some
fashionable sandals on the model. This further speaks further to the
commercialization of the model; there is no purpose that the sandals
could serve in terms of sporting. They draw attention to the feet,
fetishizing them as well as the rest of the body.
This photo exemplifies the sexual commoditization of women that serves
to advertise Sports Illustrated. The point is not to sell a bikini, for
the model is not wearing a top and very little of the bikini bottom can
be seen. The point is not to advertise a particular type of boating-
the boat is clearly not seaworthy, nor is the model in any way prepared
to engage in the sport. This photo is, as the phrase goes,
“selling sex” in an effort to sell itself as a part of the
Sports Illustrated franchise.
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