Amanda Beard in Playboy

For those that want to look at this discussion from a Christian point of view... read Matthew 5:28 I don't have that book in my collection can somebody pm me?

That was uncalled for, Geek. You know very well what Rich was saying. I find it easier to understand why a star athlete would pose nude than why you choose to be mean to people who mean you no harm.

Personally, I don't hold cartoon characters created a half century ago to the same standards as I do actual humans. I guess I'm lucky in that even my young kids know the difference between Wile E. Coyote and a swimming superstar. Conveniently left out the Disney part, which makes my statement more general about Kids TV. Personally I don't let my kids look at Playboy. I don't either for that matter. Forget the cartoons. Pick any ramdom afternoon on MTV or VHI plenty of appropriate role modelling there. Anyhow at least Amanda is out earning a living for herself ;) (now that's a joke Geek--don't get excited)

It's "the girl next door" motivation. Hefner started his magazine with nude pictures of MM and then of one of his secretaries. A different approach then the Swedish or other nude publications in those times. If you know the person who is nude, in theory it will make you more interested. So celebrities from different areas are targeted. Thus the tennis players, and now a swimmer! Would I care to look at a nude picture of someone I have no idea of who she is? No way. I have tons of nudes sent me by e-mail by perverted friends :) which I usually delete before even giving a peek. But if they had a nude of that cute doctor, or both the cute doctors from House, I might feel inclined to take a look. That is just human nature. You would most likely mate with someone close than with with a complete stranger. So, even though, Uma Thurman is not available for you, the fact that you see her in the movies makes her a prospective (although a delusion) mating partner for you. Women also have this, to a lesser degree. To a swimmer, down deep in his lustful hidden caves, he will appreciate seeing a fellow swimmer in the nude. Finally, here is the definition of art versus eroticism ( I am not even touching pornography): if it turns you on, makes you have "our of order" (according to the Clinton definition) thoughts, then it is erotic, if it is just interesting, such as the "Maja Desnuda" or the "Birth of Venus by Milo" then it is art. billy fanstone

I do not know why anyone would be concerned about her posing nude, With the swim wear everyone wears they may as well be nude anyway. Swim suits leave nothing to the imagination. I went to the store the other day to buy a new swim suit and could only find baggy swim shorts with legs that reached to my knees, yes they even covered the scars on my knees. I left in a hurry, where oh where do they sell my beloved speedos.

I do not know why anyone would be concerned about her posing nude, With the swim wear everyone wears they may as well be nude anyway. Swim suits leave nothing to the imagination. I went to the store the other day to buy a new swim suit and could only find baggy swim shorts with legs that reached to my knees, yes they even covered the scars on my knees. I left in a hurry, where oh where do they sell my beloved speedos. I agree George. I just don't agree with the idolising and role modelling on people because of their sportsing or artistic abilities anyhow. Why can female athletes not be sexy? Why is it demeaning if they are? IMHO You either think of ALL women as objects or you don't. I think Amanda is a great swimmer who is damn good looking. I think Meryl Streep is a fabulous actress and is beautiful, whatever age she is. If you like Amanda for her swimming and don't think she's also cute--you're likely full of it. Gabriella Reese leaps to the forefront of my mind when I think of a good looking athlete...in fact any of the beach volley ball players (including the guys) are typically wonderfully sculpted. Men atheletes sexuality has been used for years to either promote "manliness" too. David Beckham's move to LA has little to do with his playing...his best days are gone, but he's still good. It's the image that the MLS wants. Many guys want to be like him, and many women think he's hot. Does his marketability make him less of an accomplished player? Why is it Amanda should get branded with a letter but not the guys? Stop the double standard.

This is another of those topics that could get ugly........:frustrated:

I think it's fine for Amanda to pose, although I wonder what, besides money, was her motivation. But I wouldn't want to tell a swim kid that she is posing for playboy instead of in speedo ads, especially since, as someone noted, playboy and fake boobs go hand in hand.

98% of the people who buy this issue won't know she is a swimmer ...... That percentage is sure to shift once all Forumites (for the love of the Sport) buy that specific issue. Maybe USMS can get us a group courtesy discount deal from Heff?

My wife will not allow me to buy those kind of magazines, I guess I will have to go to the grocery store that has playboy on the shelves and put it inside another book like Mother Earth.