Editorial: Modern Morals of Bodybuilders

by Peary Rader

MODERN MORALS OF BODY BUILDERS

Although we have been aware of a very unpleasant situation that is growing worse all the time, we had it very forcibly brought to our attention while in Los Angeles for our Professional Championships when one of the professionals, a studio operator, remarked that he thought the morals of bodybuilders and weightlifters were the lowest and worst of any group of humanity. This was a shocking statement coming from someone who is close to the game. We are inclined to doubt that it is as bad as he pictured it although he cited many cases which were truly revolting. We inquired of other teachers and trainers as to their opinions and they agreed with us that the morals of this group was no better and no worse than that of the populace in general. This doesn't mean that they have a good record. I recall no time in history when the moral fiber of our people was weaker than it now is. Perhaps the most prominent feature of this downfall is the almost complete lack of any sex restraint -- especially among our young people. I am aware of a great laxness the country over, but have had it especially brought to my attention in local communities. I know of one small town (and as a general rule the small town has higher moral standards than the large cities) in which nearly one third of the girl high school graduates were pregnant at the time of their graduation. On another occasion a very large percentage were found to be suffering from venereal diseases. Such are the conditions that exist among our general population. Your guess is as good as mine as to the number of people (and especially our young people) who practice no restraint in this matter.

This lack of restraint in normal sex relations is bad enough, but there is another phase that is even more appalling and it has obtained a particularly vicious hold on our bodybuilding game. We refer to abnormal relations whose adherents are generally referred to as "queers." It is surprising how many people have been victimized in this vicious activity. We realize that there are some people who, so our doctors and psychologists tell us, are suffering from some mental or physical abnormality. This in turn causes them to react abnormally in their sex life.

The thing that concerns us most is that most of the followers of this abnormal practice are previously normal men and women who have acquired a liking for this through association with those who make a practice of spreading this evil practice. It will continue to spread unless something is done about it.

Our physique shows and lifting contests are fast getting a bad reputation because of the following of this type of people they are acquiring. Physique photography, a normally noble profession and one responsible for much of the present popularity of body culture because of its artistic presentation of the body beautiful as God's Greatest Creation, has suffered more than any other from the inroads of these unscrupulous people. The physique photography profession has been invaded by certain photographers whose primary purpose is the photographing and selling of nude and suggestive poses of the male physique. We have been told that these men have made small fortunes in this field. Our government recognizes these men as criminals and has prosecuted them in many instances and sent them to prison. They have given the legitimate physique photographers a bad name and cast suspicion on the entire profession. This in turn has brought the public's attention to focus on the entire bodybuilding profession. I mention the lifters but little because they are not usually affected any more than any other athletic activity. People are beginning to wonder if bodybuilding is the wonderful, uplifting, self improvement activity we have so long taught.

Iron Man has recently felt it necessary to require that all physique photo ads include a by-line that all photos advertised are of models wearing trunks or words to that effect. We can not take chances on having our magazine barred from the mails or news stands because of some illegitimate activities that we are not aware of. We therefore must protect ourselves in this manner even though we realize that some nude photos of genuine strength athletes are quite proper and serve a purpose in presenting the body beautiful. It may be possible for us to use a few of such photos in our magazine. However, the majority of such photos will have to have trunks painted on them. Such will be our policy in the future. If conditions warrant it we may have to become even more strict. We want to be quite fair with everyone, but we also want to be clean, normal and decent. We want to present a program and a message of inspiration and instruction that will lead every reader to greater and constant improvement physically, mentally and spiritually. We want our readers to assist us in this effort, and point out any irregularities that might be escaping us.

We are much concerned about the future of our game if such practices and conditions are allowed to continue and perhaps grow. We are so proud of our bodybuilding activities which we have so often publicized as not only improving the body but also the morals of the participants as well. We point with pride to the high scholastic standing of many of our top lifters and bodybuilders. Are we closing our eyes and ears to this festering sore that is growing up in our midst and threatening to devour and destroy our whole movement?

Is there any truth in the statement by this Teacher of Body Culture that the followers and participants in this activity have the lowest morals of anyone? If it is so, we had better do something about it now. Not later but NOW!!

Or is it true that they are no worse and no better than average? If this is true we had still better be quite concerned. We who have always felt that body culturists were superior in morals, mentality and physique, had better investigate and find out if we are improving or are we becoming degraded.

We all have a responsibility in this. The magazines, editors, authors, all have a great responsibility. We can't allow our desire for profit, publicity, authority, or leadership, lead us into degrading, dishonest, and misleading practices. We should present the cleanest, most inspiring and uplifting message possible.

The Health Studios and their proprietors and instructors have a very great responsibility. They can do a marvelous work in strengthening the moral fiber of their pupils as well as increasing their strength and health.

Everyone in any way engaged professionally in our game has a responsibility in this matter. Physique photographers have a great responsibility. Their very existence depends on how they meet the challenge and deal with those of their number who will destroy the confidence of the public in their integrity. We would suggest that they organize an association for governing and protecting them in their legitimate work or that they become members of the Professional Association just organized where they will have protection and the advantages such an organization can offer them.

Every bodybuilder in America has a great responsibility not only in his presentation of our game but also in his own personal life. Nothing can be a greater recommendation for body culture than the young body builder or the older one too, for that matter, who sets an example in his community of a man striving and seeking for perfection, physically, mentally and spiritually. Be sure that your personal life is such that no one can truthfully say anything but good about you.

Our new Professional Association will have as one of its major and immediate activities (as soon as it is completely organized) that of investigating and cleaning up conditions such as we have mentioned because they endanger the very existence of a service to mankind.