Page 121 - Introduction to Electronic Commerce and Social Commerce

110 • Sport, Media and Society

Us and Them: Insider and Outsider Views of the Climber

In a book review of climbing stories from the Guardian newspaper titled ‘Us &
Them’, the author, Perrin, distinguishes between climbers (us) and the press (them).
Part of his differentiation relates to the tendency for some newspapers to sensationa-
lise climbing stories, accentuate risk and identify heroes. Perrin (2007: 27) suggested
that the Guardian has a more positive approach to reporting climbing stories, extol-
ling their ‘scrupulous, mediating and insightful gaze’. Robinson (2004: 120) con-
trasted the media representation of climbers as ‘obsessive thrill seekers’ involved in
‘a risky, even crazy leisure’ pursuit with the everyday experiences of climbers who
may seek excitement and challenge but who may also try to minimise risk. She used
the concept of ‘mundane extremities’ to describe the ways that extreme experiences
in climbing have to be worked through the mundane activities that are also part of the
everyday life of the sport (Robinson 2004: 120). The magazine focuses on prepared-
ness, rather than risk, by providing information for the climber that will help in the
planning and execution of ascents. The deemphasis of discourses of risk is echoed
in the interview with an elite adventure climber, who discusses his prioritisation of
preparedness and planning. He attributes this level of care in part to a serious injury
that occurred when he was a young man.
Both men and women are included on the editorial staff and are featured in articles
and photographs. The articles do not specifi cally address issues around gender, and
male and female climbers are discussed in similar terms. An interview called ‘young

guns’ features eighteen-year-old climber Katy Burke and focuses specifically on is-
sues related to climbing such as highlights, favourite style, favourite climbs, projects,
plans, training and sponsorship. The article is accompanied by four photographs of
Katy in action at the British Bouldering Championships and in the Peak District.
Bouldering is considered to be a relatively low risk style of climbing. Even though
women climbers are depicted as serious climbers in the magazine, there seems to
be an implicit sense that the most desirable image is the male climber, who is more

likely to be portrayed as tackling exceptionally difficult and risky climbs. For ex-
ample, the other interview in the magazine is a ‘man with an awesome cv’ who is as-

sociated with ‘bold first ascents in major mountain ranges’, some of which are listed

with their level of difficulty, and who ‘exemplifies the current generation of super-
alpinist’ (Spancken 2007: 48). Stories refer back to the accomplishments of previous
as well as contemporary male climbers, with depictions of first ascents and details of

the development of particular routes, pioneering techniques and admirable moves.

Climbing and Style

Drawing on Lacan’s work, Erikson (2005) discussed the idealisation of style in
climbing and its association with whiteness. He argued that ‘style is a mode of