When Sydney Sweeney’s ad for Novig, a Sports Prediction market app, went viral, it kicked up a ton of conversation, even in my house. On some level, it felt distinctly anti-feminist of me to question how Sweeney presented herself in her ad. Then, as I debated the topic with my sister, I realized that I didn’t have any problem with her nudity per se. My problem was how the use of her nudity impacted a much larger issue I’m passionate about, one I think is incredibly unfair.
In the ad, Sweeney is essentially naked as she challenges people to prove that they know about sports on Novig. In every clip, sports equipment, her hair, and, in one tennis sequence, a set of underwear are the only reasons we don’t see everything. Is it different from the many sexualized ads out there? No. However, this ad hits differently because Sweeney is sexualizing sports, all while female athletes are fighting to be recognized for their capability rather than their sexuality.
