Curiosity
Stephanie Gilmore Controversial Ad
Pro surfer Stephanie Gilmore in the new Roxy ad. YouTube
There can be no denying that sex sells, and that surfing is a very sexy sport. Truthfully, anything that involves bikinis is sexy by nature. Many critics are up in arms over Roxy’s new ad featuring pro surfer Stephanie Gilmore. The ad was just released to announce her participation in the event.
Apparently the issue is that there is too much focus on Stephanie’s bare assets rather than her talent. The argument seems to be that it is in promotion of a world surfing event, the Roxy Pro Biarritz 2013. Gilmore also appeared nude in a 2011 issue of ESPN’s Body Issue, so the new ad should not be so shocking. Still, just like any other sexy ad, the views are split down the middle, with some finding in inappropriate and others saying its just fine.
In The Guardian, Tia Calvo wrote: “This little voyeuristic semi soft-core porn clip is representing a professional sport which has been fighting a long and ongoing battle for gender equality.”
AdWeek found the ad distasteful as well, observing: “Coming from a company that claims to speak to female athletes, the teaser video pretty much ignored athletics for blatant eye candy.”
Perhaps the disapproval comes mostly from her opponents. Not only is she beautiful, Stephanie Gilmore is a five time world champion. Further, she also is a board member of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. It’s clear she’s an amazing person, and a great choice to represent the Roxy surf brand.
Angered sports fans took to social media to express their dislike for the new ad.
“I am not bothered about sexy commercials, sex sells as do attractive bodies. She’s a pro surfer that is what their figure looks like. But I am bothered you ‘promote’ a world tour surfing event focusing entirely around a woman’s butt,” one commenter wrote on Roxy’s Facebook page.
“Utterly disgusted that a brand which promotes natural beauty with vast female base clients focus so much on sexualising a female athelete’s body when promoting a world surfing event,” another wrote.
Here’s to hoping she makes the USA proud and wins another title, despite the controversy.
Take a look at the video below:
Stephanie Gilmore stars in sexy Roxy surf ad garnering criticism
http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/07/10/Stephanie-Gilmore-stars-in-sexy-Roxy-surf-ad-garnering-criticism/3621373502461/#!/2/
Is Stephanie Gilmore’s Surf Promo ‘Sexploitation’? Critics Slam Roxy Pro Biarritz Teaser [VIDEO]
http://www.ibtimes.com/stephanie-gilmores-surf-promo-sexploitation-critics-slam-roxy-pro-biarritz-teaser-video-1341307
Stephanie Gilmore
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Gilmore
