LSU's cute, superstar gymnast Olivia Dunne was insulted by an article in the New York Times that played up the idea that her overwhelming popularity and NIL value is all about the fact that "sex sells." Dunne said it's BS!
The NYT article published in November of 2022 was titled: "New Endorsements for College Athletes Resurfaces an Old Concern: Sex Sells." Dunne went on TikTok last week to let her millions of fans know that she was not happy with the article's take on "sex sells" when it comes to her NIL popularity. NIL stands for "name - image - likeness" and is a relatively new rule allowing college athletes to benefit financially from the use of their names and images.
Dunne was particularly upset because the photographer took her picture wearing an LSU leotard with the headline that read "Sex Sells."
“Sex sells” is a reality in advertising and promoting people and products. Olivia Dunne can believe that her sex appeal has nothing to do with her incredible popularity - but her sex appeal is a big part of it. It's not that people don't respect who she is and her athletic talent as a gymnast - but her sex appeal is a major part of her overall appeal. It can be argued that's not fair - but it is a reality.
In acknowledging that sex sells - it is also important to distinguish between sex appeal and inappropriate sexual gestures. Olivia Dunne's sex appeal is a primal human reaction that includes appropriate actions.
If you doubt that sex sells - think back on some of the highly successful advertising campaigns: Brooke Shields wearing a pair of jeans saying, "Nothing comes between me and my Calvin Klein Jeans." The obvious suggestion is that she is not wearing underwear. Or the 1967 TV commercial for Noxema shaving cream where a beautiful blonde says, "Take it off - take it all off!" while the song "The Stripper" by David Rose plays in the background.
Realities must be recognized - not denied. Olivia Dunne has intense sex appeal and her popularity proves that "sex sells." And I don't think that's a bad thing!
