"WHY PICK on SI?" asks Mr. Zucker.
I agree. We shouldn't "pick on" SI when there are many more worthwhile objects of accusation, anger, and debate. But to say that Sports Illustrated and its 20-year-old annual swimsuit issue are somehow outside the realm of scrutiny is absurd.
Judgments that draw lines of offensiveness, that attempt to compare degrees of objectification, or intent of the publishers, don't address the real questions of how and why our society finds it acceptable to present women's bodies as "ornaments," beautiful or otherwise.
Maybe, Jeff, you have no qualms about buying that magazine. Maybe, John, you wouldn't buy it at all. But the issue isn't about Sports Illustrated, after all.
Whom does the swimsuit issue "hurt"? No one in particular.
But to say this is, once again, to say nothing.