I actually had another post all lined up for this morning but then a friend of mine posted on Facebook this ridiculous article about SELF magazine destroying their own reputation, one hostile running article at a time. I don’t normally like to write negative blog posts because I have found it doesn’t really help anyone in the long run, but I feel like this is too big of a deal to not address publicly.
Folks, what I’m talking about here is the “BS Meter.” What the hell is that, you ask? I’m not a reader of SELF, nor will I ever be after this, but apparently it’s a scale of sorts legitimizing (or not) trends in fitness and sports. Check it out here.
The BS target this time? Tutus in races. I’ll admit, I have never actually worn a tutu in a race, but I might in the future. They look like fun; why not? And in an era when everyone takes themselves much too seriously, a little fun in a running race doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
Did I mention yet that the woman in the photo used in SELF Magazine has brain cancer?
Running in a tutu is AWESOME!
[Monika] Allen said the photo was “really offensive for a couple of reasons.” The marathon came right in the middle of chemotherapy, and she says the outfit gave her motivation.
“The reason we were wearing those outfits is because this was my first marathon running with brain cancer,” Allen explained.
Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Magazine-Makes-Fun-of-Cancer-Survivors-Tutu-252560451.html#ixzz2xAjqtJSM Follow us: @nbcsandiego on Twitter | NBCSanDiego on Facebook
This photo is the one featured in SELF Magazine. These women look AMAZING. Strong, determined, happy. Really SELF? Couldn’t publish something using those words instead?
I’m not really sure of the exact demographics SELF Magazine targets, but I would imagine they target women and individuals who either want to be in shape or are already in shape. So the questions I pose to the editorial staff at SELF are these:
- in what world do you live that it would seem like a brilliant business decision to make fun of a core group of your readers?
- What good could possibly come of this?
- And then, during the aftermath of said article, why would you not immediately do damage control and respond with a comment to the woman in the photo you featured in your magazine?
As I said, I don’t run in a tutu, but I know plenty of friends who do. And plenty of those friends are serious, legit runners. And plenty of those friends are now infuriated beyond belief. Here are just a few comments — the tip of the iceberg — from my fellow runners and their reactions to this:
Don’t anger the runners…
The virtual running world is blowing up with anger and hostility. How dare a self-described fitness magazine upset the apple cart in such a horrible and distasteful way, and essentially turn a blind eye to the resentment and upheaval building among this solidified group of athletes? Yes, I said athletes. Because that’s what we are, all of us. Those with cancer, those who have been affected by cancer with family members, the young girls who participate in Girls on the Run, the women of Moms RUN This Town, the millions of people — men and women! — around the world who run IN TUTUS OR NOT, and make a difference for themselves and for others every day.
At least Glam Runners will see a bump in sales because of this lack of editorial judgement.
Shame on you, SELF Magazine. Shame on you.
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To show your support of this wonderful woman featured in SELF Magazine, and to purchase a tutu of your own, check out her company’s Facebook page here.
To read the full story, click here and here.
For more information on Girls on the Run and how you can help this awesome organization, click here!
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I would love to hear your thoughts. Sound off in the comments section. Go!
