The Article on Body Image Criticism of Serena Williams

The advocate’s claim is that Serena Williams is getting criticized because she does not look like the typical white, skinny, tennis player. The person making the argument is the author, Elizabeth Newman, and she is a writer for Sports Illustrated and an advocate for Williams. The title and the picture directly below support my reasoning that she is for Williams. Her title is “No room for body image criticism in Serena Williams’ Grand Slam chase” with a photo of Williams smiling and holding her award. Newman could have picked a photo of Serena frowning or yelling, but she chose one that made Serena shine and appear more nice and likeable.

The Article Discussing Criticism of Serena Williams' Body Image

The exigency of the article is the constant body shaming comments that Williams has been constantly receiving. Despite being one of, if not the best, female athlete in the world, it seems that everyone enjoyed commenting on Serena’s physique and not in a complimenting way. I believe she wanted to bring attention to the constant rude comments pertaining to her body image since she was a child, and those who have commented on her body image in the past are the ones that are being implicitly attacked. Newman gives multiple examples of people commenting on Serena’s body image, and she does not hesitate to expose them. In the second paragraph, Newman quotes a tweet stating, “the main reason for her success is that she is built like a man,” but then follows J.K. Rowling’s, the author of Harry Potter, tweet in response to this body shaming saying “‘she is built like a man.’ Yeah, my husband looks just like this in a dress. You’re an idiot.” In this example, Newman is arguing against all of the ignorant people that want to blame all of Serena’s success on being built stronger than the average tennis player. I believe the intended audience is for everyone.

Recognition and Exposure

The author wants to bring recognition to what has been happening to Serena and expose those that are treating her poorly. Pathos and the intended audience go hand in hand for this article. Newman praises Williams by saying “Serena Williams was solidifying herself as the G.O.A.T. of women’s tennis and, arguably, the greatest female athlete in any sport…” There is a certain type of emotion that rises in someone when they hear greatest female athlete of all time. A certain appreciation is given to great athletes because they know that they had to work day in and day out for years just to get in that position. Newman is highlighting not only Williams' physical prowess but also her mental fortitude and resilience against criticism.

Frustration and Admiration

For someone like myself who appreciates hard-working athletes, it is strongly frustrating to read how Williams is treated because the critics are trying to find an excuse for why she is so great rather than accepting it and admiring her hard work. The same feelings will arise for those who admire Williams because whether they love tennis, love great athletes, or love her, they will be confused about why someone would nitpick a body type, especially if they are doing so well. The third group this article will bring attention to are African American females and African American female athletes. Being an African American female and female-athlete, I look up to Serena not just because she is one of the best athletes of all time, but because she is in a predominantly Caucasian sport and striving in it. To read that people, even fellow female tennis players, are speaking poorly about her and her sister (Venus) bodies is disgusting.

Pathos, Ethos, and Ignorance

Pathos and ethos are used to create strong emotions of anger and hate when one reads what Shamil Tarpischev, the Russian Tennis Federation president, referred to Serena and Venus as “The Williams Brothers” on a Russian TV show. It’s sickening to believe that someone so high up in the tennis organization can be so ignorant about female tennis players. Another example of pathos and ethos working hand in hand is in the fifth paragraph. Newman states that on Muguruza on Centre Court, Williams served a ball at a speed of 125mph. Max Eisenbud, the vice president of Tennis, tweets “125 mph #isthisnormal.” Instead of being excited about the accomplishment that Serena has reached, he has decided to question her skills. Not to mention, this is not even the fastest serve for a female. In 2014, at the Stanford Classic, Sabine Lisicki, a German blonde tennis player, served a 131 mph, so there is no reason for Williams to be singled out. Those believing in equal rights will feel fury begin to build up inside. This does not have a particular audience, but certain audiences will take this more personally and feel pathos when reading this article. One group of audiences that this article will rise emotion to are those who support Serena and her tennis career and how she learned to turn the other cheek and strive through her tennis career.

References

Newman, E. (n.d.). No room for body image criticism in Serena Williams’ Grand Slam chase. Sports Illustrated.

Rowling, J.K. [@jk_rowling]. (n.d.). ‘she is built like a man.’ Yeah, my husband looks just like this in a dress. You’re an idiot. [Tweet].