Kerri Walsh, a professional volleyball player, known for her talent and athleticism with partner Misty May. In this advertisement, Walsh is not only promoting a positive cause- the resolution and cure for HIV/AIDS, but is selling herself short. She is standing in a strong position, yet isn't looking into the camera and is actually faced with her back toward the camera. To amplify this confusing message, Walsh is wearing what seems to be, her team uniform- a bathingsuit. As many know, beach volleyball 'uniforms' are comprised of merely a bikini. However, when trying to sell an advertisement that speaks to a very serious issue, she is promoting her sexuality as well.
In opposition, one may argue that Walsh is a prominent figure in volleyball and is continuing to uphold her image in a positive light through her support of this company. However, she may not be well known in anything but a beach bikini. If Walsh was portrayed in this image in clothes and without the volleyball, would the viewer even know who she was?
As advertisements are often confusing and hard to analyze, this Until.com ad proposes some interesting questions: is Walsh selling sex or promoting her career? What would happen if Walsh was seen wearing clothes instead of her signature bikini? Would anyone know who she was? Would the advertisement recieve less attention?
These questions need to be considered when portraying women in a sexual light, especially when coupled with a product or good cause. It not only confuses the reader, but continues to delineate the types of stereotypes that we have, not only for women, but women in sports.
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