Sports Illustrated's 2012 Swimsuit edition comes off as pretty cocky in its introduction of its covergirl, 19-year-old model Kate Upton. The coverline blares, "KATE UPTON (ANY QUESTIONS?)" as if to ask even one would be simply delusional. Because after all, the almost nude photo of the not-a-girl, not-yet-a-woman should just speak for itself, right?
That it does. But to many of us, it speaks volumes about what's completely and utterly wrong with the representation of women -- especially teen girls -- in the media today. Kate Upton might be welcome eye candy to many a drooling American male, but the impression she's bound to make on American teen girls is anything but positive.
Upton has said that being on the cover of the Swimsuit edition was her "dream," and she's gotten attention in the past for doing the "Dougie" dance on YouTube. But there has to be more to her than that, right ...?
More from The Stir: 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit Edition Is a Teen Boy's Dream & This Mom Is Cool With That
Sadly, the only details floating around about Upton today have to do with how comfortable she is in her bikini ("I felt sexy in it but confident") and how she's from Florida ... oh, and how that relates to her bikini ("In Florida, people walk around in their flip-flops, bikinis, and jean shorts, so I'm very comfortable in a bathing suit!"). Also, let's not forget about her workout regimen (with a personal trainer, gee, how original!), diet (she "watches what she eats" ... earth-shattering!), and the fact that she apparently "splurges on the occasional ice cream or plate of fries." She's also rumored to be in a relationship with NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez. WOW.
But hold up a sec. What are Upton's actual talents, accomplishments? Does she volunteer for charities, surf, go to college??
It's very likely that it's not Upton's fault that she's been portrayed this vapid, superficial, sex object way. Maybe it just comes with the territory of being a swimsuit cover model. But it makes my heart hurt to think of young women around the same age as Upton aspiring to be anything like the model's public image. Our daughters deserve to see women, especially their peers, in the spotlight doing more and being lauded for more than looking hot.
More from The Stir: Get Kate Upton's Look -- Even If You Aren't a Swimsuit Model
Upton says for her, this is "groundbreaking." But for teen girls who are looking at the model's story and thinking that's the key to success, power, recognition, fame, fortune, it's toxic. I sure as hell hope there's an antidote to Upton ... perhaps in the form of mothers and other loved ones praising young women for their intellectual pursuits. Or other teen role models out there known for more than feeling "sexy but confident" in a teeny bikini.
What kind of message do you think someone like Kate Upton is sending our teen girls? Do you approve or not so much?
Image via Sports Illustrated
Ashley Is a Widow Who Stays Strong...
This Hot Dad Wants to Vacuum Your Rug
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
Comments 31
Sometimes a model's talent is modeling! I know, earth shattering!
I dont see how being good at something you were hired to do is a bad thing. Models are hired to look good, not be role models. Maybe you should teach your daughter the difference between a role model and thinking someone is pretty so she can make her own decisions. Modeling aint going anywhere anytime soon. Face it, SI isnt an encycolpedia, people dont buy it to learn.
I like Kate Upton, she actually has some meat on her bones, even with photoshop.
She is a MODEL! Her job is to be skinny and pretty. What is wrong with that? Just because there is a pretty girl on the cover of SI, it doesn't mean that going to college or being smart or talented is bad. I think you're over reacting.
It's not SI's job to be a role model to women. If you want your daughters to grow up to be more than a model, it is up to you to instill those values. If your daughter's only example of female success is Sports Illustrated, then there are bigger problems than a hot girl on the cover.
Umm does the author have body issues? Who cares the girl looks great, we should all let our daughters have that sort of confidence. I miss the days that my body looked that good...sigh size 6 now and flubby:( oh womanhood. Enjoy your body in your teens and twenties, everything goes down hill from there...literally lol. It is just like the "interviews" in Maxim. These girls do some great stuff, but guys want to hear their cutsey little answers....anyone who is in a relationship knows their husbands listen better when you are talking about a vapid issue in a cute way....men sigh....if only I could open jars I would be rid of them J/K
Also at her age it is normal to be into "hotness" and trying to put their looks out there. Hate to break it to you, that is how you attract a mate and then procreate. Looks do matter....these models are not any differentthen most of us. If the ugliest, fat girl put in the same effort this model does she would be just as hot. We can have the whole package as girls if we want. If you choose to or not that is your decision. Also if your daugter thinks models are role models...what sort of values are you instilling at home? What sort of values are being instilled at your local government indoctornation center? It comes down to how you show your children to be women. I come from the generation where we were told looks should not matter and people should except you for who you are.....you know how many single, over weight moms I know that go to walmart in pj's....then complain they cannot get a man....or he strays....hmmm/
I don't see why we should even be asking this question. This is not a magazine for children to be looking at anyway. Modeling is this young woman's job, but this is an adult magazine. The question of this model being a role model for young girls is irrevelant.
The author sounds bitter... and apparently unaware that this is sports illustrated, not TIME. lol And this girl is only 19.. Anyone remember being less than mature at 19?? let's not be so harshly judgemental about her ditsy interveiw questions. Men don't buy these magazines to read about someones accomplishments and political aspirations.