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Sana Mir calls out advertisements for promoting body shaming and objectification of women

Sana Mir calls out advertisements for promoting body shaming and objectification of women

"You need strong arms, not smooth arms, on a sports field," says Sana
26 Apr, 2018

Sana Mir has captured the hearts of many during her time as captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team.

The cricketer has led the team to numerous victories, including two gold medals at the Asian Games (2010 and 2014). But that is not what Sana Mir talks about in her latest Facebook post. What she wants to highlight is that she shouldn't be expected to do it all while conforming to certain beauty standards.

The former captain took to social media to call out advertisements that reduce a woman's worth to just her looks.

Sana Mir described an ad she saw, which was "magnifying a girl’s concern about how she looks on a basketball court. The worst thing is that instead of sending a message to young girls that the colour or texture of their skin does not matter, we are promoting body shaming and objectification."

Sharing the post with a collage of women from her team, she called out these beauty standards asking, "Are the talent, passion and skill of a girl not enough for her to play sports?"

But if you think Sana Mir is upset over a TVC, think again. The bowler called out not just the brands but the endorsers and celebrities that enforce the very mindset they claim to be against.

"We – corporate sponsors and celebrities - always talk about our concern regarding the objectification of women in different professional settings. It infuriates us most of the time... We see endless posts and statuses on social media expressing our anger. But when it’s time to walk the talk, I have seen very few sponsors or celebrities actually take a stand to support women being comfortable in their own skin."

For all the young women and girls aspiring to go into their favourite sport, pay heed to what Sana Mir has to say, "You need strong arms, not smooth arms, on a sports field."

Comments

SARMAD Apr 26, 2018 10:41am
BRAVO! Very well put and straightforward! the "iconic" celebrities who attempt to celebrate their womanhood and talk about ending gender stetreotyping should "walk the talk" first.
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usman Apr 26, 2018 11:00am
Its good message to realize the society, infact people like to promote the things just showing body of girls and not of products
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Huma Apr 26, 2018 11:10am
Way to go sana
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Huma. Apr 26, 2018 11:22am
Much needed call-out! Thanks, Sana Mir!
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cric_fan Apr 26, 2018 11:22am
What was her contribution as a captain in green caps ?? any major victory ?
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Alex Apr 26, 2018 12:46pm
@cric_fan please read the article above to find the answer of her contribution. She was captain and part of the team which won gold medal twice in the Asian Games. Our mens team has never won Gold medal in the asian games.
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Nomansland Apr 26, 2018 01:37pm
@cric_fan What is your contribution to your country ? Any minor achievements ?!
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Sarfraz Apr 26, 2018 01:42pm
Just a publicity stunt
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M.S Apr 26, 2018 01:46pm
RIGHT SAID SANA MIR!!
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MA Apr 26, 2018 01:56pm
Brave stand. Actually objectifying women has done by women only. They have to stand up like Sana mom.
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Karachi Wala Apr 26, 2018 02:02pm
Sana Mir rocks inside and outside the cricket field - very important message. May we see more women like you in the country.
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Zulfiqar Apr 26, 2018 02:48pm
We are too much obsessed with White Skin and good English.
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shafiq Apr 26, 2018 03:09pm
Is there some thing shameful in woman's body which is not in man. Why is it that all athletes in the western world dress in a purposeful way(re the demands of the game) and those from Pakistan and most of the middle eastern countries have different attitude. It restricts physical effort and proficiency. You need to object to the attitudes of men rather than put restrictions on women.
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Rukh-e-zehra Apr 26, 2018 03:20pm
Good point you have raised you really need strong not smooth one . i do not understand why beauty is the criteria of advertising and any product .
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Sarfraz Apr 26, 2018 04:19pm
@Sarfraz Well said
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Aamer nawaz Apr 26, 2018 04:52pm
Sana is the most mature , intelligent , composed , brave Pakistani Cricketer /athlete I have ever seen above all being a female to rise to such elite level in a country like Pakistan ! She is great inspiration and role model for the young females to follow her foot steps to fulfil their dreams ! She should be defintely part of Pakistan Cricket Control Board to utilise her potential maximally !!!
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Ariana Apr 26, 2018 07:31pm
Well Done Sana. It baffles me that brands like such, with all the money and resources, don't pay attention to what's happening or trending in the world.
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M. Saeed Apr 26, 2018 08:39pm
Very sane and solid advice. Keep it up Mir.
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SULAIMAN DHANANI Apr 26, 2018 09:27pm
This is an absolutely valid argument and I fully support and endorsed it. SPORT NEEDS STRONGER MUSCLES AND NOTHING OTHERWISE. HATS OFF TO SANA MIR. THE GREAT DAUGHTER OF PAKISTAN.
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Rev. Eldrick Lal Apr 26, 2018 10:44pm
“Let’s scrub out that tan” is a common refrain in beauty parlors in Sub-Continent, where girls grow up with constant reminders that only fair skin is beautiful. Even sentiments like, “She got lucky he married her despite her [dark] complexion” are still whispered around Sub-Continent in 21st century.
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N abidi Apr 27, 2018 12:16am
Sana wears pants and shirt and has short hair, so, women should look like men!,power to all women, but, for beauty product ads,the advertiser will use beautiful people,this will never change,because you buy what looks good to your eyes! Beauty attracts! So,,do not make everything about empowerment issue,by diminishing other women ,who offer talents,in the artistic fields! I think it is a very well done ad!
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isha Apr 27, 2018 04:25am
Bravo so how about go after fairness cream too
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From bengaluru Apr 27, 2018 07:59am
Awesome response girl. It needs a lot of determination to decline such lucrative offers. Respect
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Waseem Salik Apr 27, 2018 09:40am
What a powerful message, but may not be enough for a sleeping nation. Keep it up girls untill we start honouring people, not their skin, wealth, cast or religion.
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