My Body, My Choice, Except for Sydney Sweeney

The slogan in the title has few caveats.

Weaponization against women is one charge.

Sydney Sweeney strips down to her birthday suit, mayhem ensues.

Oh, boy, have we been here before.

The Novig sports betting ad is authentic to Sweeney’s brand. Saying otherwise is a judgment. The strategy behind marketing her public persona is rooted in what she can get out of it.

If you are an artist and want to have a roof over your head your entire life, self-interest must be your primary concern.

Do not depend on the good opinion of others, Wayne Dyer preached.

Narcissistic in nature, inciting fury from women athletes, and commentators, political correctness flashing lights have blinded people.

Feminists like me have been fighting for women to show up how they want for over 50 years. No woman has to like another woman’s choice. Each of us, however, get to follow the path that pulls us.

Retrograde seasons often resurrect old themes.

Sweeney’s situation is nothing new.

Talked about this before but it is important. Was managing editor to a women-owned and run soft-core site of strippers. Many of them were famous on the strip club circuit and made serious money. The site was one of the first subscription sites to make money on the Web. The owner and creator, a gorgeous, petite dynamo made the front page of the Wall Street Journal, inside of USA Today (with me in a picture with her that I still have), and she was interviewed by CNN, our offices filmed.

Every time I see a women taking risks, making “bad” choices according to society’s rules, and taking care of what she needs in the process, I know what’s coming next.

After Sweeney’s nearly-nude ad for the sports betting app Novig sparked outrage, she said the concept was “simple: cut through the noise and put the focus entirely on sports. The campaign brings that idea to life with confidence, humor, and a playful edge.” Business Insider

photo: Unsplash, by Ines Castellano