Reproduction of the female image and nationalism in Taiwanese sport documentaries

Abstract

In Taiwan, female athletes receive little media attention or are objectified when they win international competitions. However, this objectification does not merely demonstrate sexism toward female athletes, but it also indicates current social views toward national identity and nationalism in Taiwan. This study examined the representation of female athletes from the perspectives of historical background, the narrative structure of documentaries, gendered discourse and gendered nationalism. A textual analysis approach was adopted and documentary theory was employed as a theoretical framework. Four sports documentaries regarding female athletes produced from 2002 to 2009 were analysed. The results showed that in addition to the female athletes telling their stories, the voices of male others were also included to portray the female athletes’ experiences. Moreover, the female athletes were depicted as physically masculine but emotionally feminine, and represented as sports heroines and daughters of Taiwan. As presented by the narration strategy, the female body embodies the gendered nationalism and gendered discourse pervading Taiwanese sports culture.