Weekly Written Analysis 1, Assignment 1-4

          

          The topic that I chose to analyze is bodybuilding and its reputation-which is currently negative. I

wanted to research the public's opinion on bodybuilding and how bodybuilding is perceived. I am a

bodybuilder and support natural bodybuilding-which is drug free. I do not support bodybuilding that

allows the use of illegal substances. In my research, I found a perfect article on this topic in which Flex

Magazine, a bodybuilding magazine, responds to an article created by Rolling Stone Magazine.

          The article by Rolling Stone discusses how bodybuilding is a $4 billion-a-year sport/ supplement

industry that sells steroid replicas and herbal speed to millions of adolescent youths. Flex Magazine then

goes on to debunk the myths created by Rolling Stone with the following points. First, Flex states that  if

the over-the-counter supplements were as harmful as some accuse them to be; then there would be

many bodies laying all over the athletic fields of the United States.  Nevertheless, there are not bodies

laying all over the United States. Flex then goes onto to make a point that the real health crisis is the

increasing frequency of childhood obesity. I think we all can agree that obesity is a growing concern in

America (Schmaltz, 2002).  

         Flex then points out what is on the next page of Rolling Stone's magazine. The next full page

contains a cigarette advertisement followed by a full page hard liquor advertisement; which is marketed

towards the same demographic as current supplement companies. So, my point is then which is more

harmful? I feel as if Rolling Stone's point that they make about bodybuilding is then invalid. Rolling Stone

is so concerned with the sales of over-the-counter supplements to teenage boys; yet, Rolling Stone then

goes on to run advertisements of both hard liquor and cigarettes which target the same demographic

(Schmaltz, 2002).  

          I feel that natural bodybuilding is an excellent sport which not only improves one's health, but

also teaches self discipline, respect, and fortitude.

References

Schmaltz, J. (2002). Flex Magazine: Rolling Stone "hit": the Venerable Pop Culture Magazine Attacks Bodybuilding Using Few but Plenty of Tired Old Prejudices. Retrieved January 03, 2011, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_3_20/ai_98465330/