Monday, September 28, 2009

Caster Semenya - Representation in images

Critically evaluate how the images have been used alongside stories and
headlines - From the time of competition to now.
Do you think there has been an agenda as to how her photographs
have been used? Would you argue on any ethical issues?
Use some of the pictures or page layouts from newspapers to
support your argument.




















Source: Badische Zeitung

A search on Google News reveals that the coverage surrounding Semenya's gender peaked in August 2009 after the story was broken by an Australian publication.

While few of the headlines over the last few months have been particularly scathing - instead often showing sympathy towards Semnya in her plight - , the choice of images that the media have used to accompany her story have not really aided her cause.

While there does not appear to have been any deliberate attempt by photographers to capture her in especially unfeminine behaviour - by virtue of her athletic lifestyle, Semenya is portrayed androgenously - as a professional athlete.

Gold Medal Runner Caught In Gender Bender


A proud village welcomes back Caster Semenya, its heroine 


What determines Caster Semenya's sex? 

To be continued....

 

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