Spanking For Luck! - Made apparent by U.S. President Bush as this photo shows, is the beach volleyball tradition for players to slap one another’s behinds after a successful point. It’s good to be President!
Is Beach Volleyball Really A Sport? - What? It’s in the Olympics. It has to be a sport, right? Slate.com argues that beach volleyball is NOT a sport. They argue that the women wear bikinis (it is BEACH volleyball - what do you wear to the beach?), have cheerleaders (Um… I think you call them FANS), and pat each other on the butts (seen it in Pro football, baseball, and basketball).
War On The Volleyball Court! - In a tribute to the victims of Russia’s military blitz, the country of Georgia strikes back with a defeat in women’s beach volleyball in the Beijing Olympics.
Too Much Skin? - As asylum.com points out, popular media outlets are using beach volleyball coverage as an excuse to show some skin and improve ratings. They go on to say that NBCOlympics.com covered a story on the hand signals of beach volleyball and never offered information on the meanings of the hand signals - just close-ups of well-tanned bums.
Who’s Wearing What? - In beach volleyball, why do men wear shirts and women wear bikinis? 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Holly McPeak says, "Women choose to wear a two piece bathing suit because it is the least restrictive uniform possible." and for men, "...the governing international body for the sport prefers a cleaner look with their country, names and numbers on their shirts." Not the answer I would have given… but, there you have it.
Strange Body Taping - What is that thing on Kerri Walsh’s right shoulder? No, it’s not a tattoo. Turns out, it’s Kinesio tape. It helps support the rotator cuff and other muscles of the shoulder to keep the shoulder from becoming impinged.
6 Controversial Beach Volleyball Headlines
Spanking For Luck & More
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Beach Volleyball Traditions - The controversial traditions of beach volleyball, such as spanking each other after a successful point, are an opportunity for companies to develop new protocols for respectful celebrations.
2. The Objectification of Female Beach Volleyball Players - The scrutiny of female beach volleyball players' attire and body appearance is a trend that presents an opportunity for companies to develop inclusive, empowering marketing strategies for athletes.
3. Backlash Against the Media's Portrayal of Beach Volleyball Players - As the media frequently objectifies beach volleyball players, there is an opportunity for media companies to disrupt current norms by showcasing them as accomplished athletes with expertise in their sport.
Industry Implications
1. Athletics - The athletics industry has the opportunity to provide inclusive training programs that educate players on appropriate actions post-match and eliminate violent or objectifying traditions.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Marketing and advertising industries can create empowering and skill-focused campaigns that position female beach volleyball players as competent athletes.
3. Media and Entertainment - The media and entertainment industry can disrupt current norms surrounding photos and videos of beach volleyball players that rely solely on their appearance, showcasing them as skilled, accomplished athletes.