Today’s documentary on the team of young girl soccer players was appealing to me. I found this young group of girls around the ages of eight to be filled with so much confidence. It was impressive to see them so humble and willing to work hard to be the best. They seemed so mature for their age.
What I disliked about the film was the notion that the girls couldn’t compete with the boys. Just like any of our opinions, I feel that our ideas stem from the social construct of others and that’s how we are raised. It may be from our caregivers or just an idea created socially. An unfortunate fact in society, is females do not have the potential to compete with males. It also falls on the shoulders of the parents in the film because the this idea is passed onto their children. I personally find this offensive if someone were to tell me I cannot do something because of my gender. I think that the girls and the coach as well, had a positive attitude and didn’t let anyone’s opinion get to them.
Jessica Jimenez
T/TH 9:30-10:45
kin 338I.Section 4779
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
blog 1 adam jaurigui 007787791
The movie we saw in class today demonstrated an aspect of humanity that I was unfamiliar with. First of all, I was impressed by the girls soccer team that beat many boy teams because that was an amazing accomplishment. Them beating the boys soccer teams enabeled us to get a better acknowledgement of humanity, social norms, and gender roles, especially from the parents reactions. I'm refering to when the girls would be winning and the opposing teams parents would shout, "they're only girls", which displays them as subordinates of some sort when in fact they are capable of doing things men can do. I know it doesn't occur often that girls join boys league, but this story was remarkable in the fact that the boys aprenhended that the girls are just as capable of winning. From that experience they were able to identify there should be no stigmas about women or girls because they play hard and tough as well. These qualities the boys have adopted may hopefullty be held with them as they enter workforce as they will able to see how women are stratified in a negative matter.
It's interesting how gender assumptions are adopted, and evidently it develops from primary socialization which is the family. Fathesr teach their kids that girls are not capable of competing at the same physical level as boys; furthermore, the boys are brain washed from their yelling father that boys shouldn't lose to girls whereas they enter the league disregarding any competition from the girls what so ever. I enjoyed the ending because the girls learned and proved important things as well. It good to see the tools the kids were adopting from competitive sports because it will construct their morals, values, and discipline as they grow up.
Adam Jaurigui
007787791
It's interesting how gender assumptions are adopted, and evidently it develops from primary socialization which is the family. Fathesr teach their kids that girls are not capable of competing at the same physical level as boys; furthermore, the boys are brain washed from their yelling father that boys shouldn't lose to girls whereas they enter the league disregarding any competition from the girls what so ever. I enjoyed the ending because the girls learned and proved important things as well. It good to see the tools the kids were adopting from competitive sports because it will construct their morals, values, and discipline as they grow up.
Adam Jaurigui
007787791
Kick Like a Girl
I found the film "Kick Like a Girl" extremely interesting, and even more entertaining to watch. It was nice to see such ambition coming from a set of girls, as young as they were. These girls were so passionate about playing their sport, they did not seem to care what anyone else thought, or had to say. That alone was my favorite part. The only reason these girls even thought to transfer to the boys division, is because this sport that they were so in love with was beginning to seem dull after challenging and beating not only the other girls in their division, but the older girls in the next division as well. They wanted to maintain their passion for the sport, and keep it more interesting, by making it more challenging. At such a young age, they had to endure harsh criticism and rough stares from the opposing teams parents and coaches, just for the fact that they were females challenging the male team. It never ceases to amaze me what people in todays society will still do, say or act towards others based on a persons race, age, gender or background.
Sara Tena
KIN 338i
Tu/Th 9:30am-10:45am
Sara Tena
KIN 338i
Tu/Th 9:30am-10:45am
Attendence vs Media, The Ladies Got This.
It is without a doubt that women sports do not get the attention they truly deserve. They do not have the audience like their counterpart, nor do they get the equal amount of media coverage. Or do they? An article by Mark J. Perry, he made a note that in 2009 of the 23 million professional basketball fans, 92.3% of those fans were the audience of the NBA and the remaining 7.7% attended WNBA games. With that being said, it could easily be concluded that the WNBA does not get equal media coverage like that of the NBA, however, Perry noted that that was not the case.
Perry found from the Center for Feminist Research of USC’s “Gender in Televised Sports” found that in 2009 the media coverage for the NBA was 77.8% and WNBA was 22.2%. Although the coverage of NBA is more than three times greater than that of the WNBA, the NBA was still “under-reported,” the proportionality between WNBA attendance and coverage is greater than that of the NBA attendance and their coverage.
WNBA maybe getting their fair share of media coverage, even more, but their fan base is far from that of the NBA and it might be a while for them to even be in the same ball park.
Perry found from the Center for Feminist Research of USC’s “Gender in Televised Sports” found that in 2009 the media coverage for the NBA was 77.8% and WNBA was 22.2%. Although the coverage of NBA is more than three times greater than that of the WNBA, the NBA was still “under-reported,” the proportionality between WNBA attendance and coverage is greater than that of the NBA attendance and their coverage.
WNBA maybe getting their fair share of media coverage, even more, but their fan base is far from that of the NBA and it might be a while for them to even be in the same ball park.
Gender Stereotypes at a young age
After watching the film, Kick like a Girl, in class today, it made me reflect upon the ways in which people, especially boys, grow up thinking that women talent is lesser than men’s. In the film, we saw the controversy that was created simply when a girl’s team competed against a boy’s soccer team. I wasn’t surprised but more angered to see the parent’s reactions when their son’s team was losing to the girls. And the fact that they gave them support by saying things such as “they’re only girls, you can get them” shows exactly how women in sports have been shaped over the years. The competition that women feel to perform as well as men has only been made worse with gender stereotypes. In my opinion, competition at a young age is ok only when sportsmanship is taught along with it. I really admired the coach for putting her girl’s team out there to possibly get beaten with the intention of having her team learn good sportsmanship. What was really amazing to me was how aware the girls were of the gender stereotypes. They all dealt with it well and never let it affect their game because they were proud of how far they had come. Although the film never really explicitly said it, I felt that one of the take home messages of the film was how mixed gender competition should be more incorporated into sports. For some, this may seem like a crazy idea, but maybe this is the next step to more equity in sports.
Christina Macias
Tues/Thurs 9:30-10:45
Christina Macias
Tues/Thurs 9:30-10:45
Women vs men
There are many issues that are involved between women competing against men. Such as in baseball or soccer, many women are capable of competing within or against the men's team. There are numerous female athletes that have proved that women can be athletic and be as same level as men in certain sports. Thus, many individuals encourage women to compete against men. However, my opinion is a little different. It is possible for women to compete against men, but not in every sports at elite level. The best example will be track and field. Just by comparing 100m record of men's (9.58 by Usain Bolt) and women's (10.49 by Flo Jo), it clearly shows that there is a huge time gap in between them. Also in every other events, men's records are higher, further or faster. It is true that women were introduced later in track and field than men did so their bodies were not as developed as mens. However, because of biological reasons, it is impossible for female athletes to run, jump, and throw against male athletes. A good example will be the differences between testosterone level. In track and field, production level of testosterone is vital. As you produce more, your performance will improve significantly. So, if we look at biological aspects between male and female, males produce lot more testosterone than women. Moreover, in track and field, it will not be fair for women to compete against men in elite level. It is great to watch women and men go against each other in sports. There are millions of men who are not capable of running 100m in 10.49 like Flo Jo did. But, if we let Flo Jo race against Usain Bolt, it would not be a fair race for Flo Jo.
Kun Bang. Sec 4779
Kun Bang. Sec 4779
ESPN BODY ISSUE
I CAME ACROSS THIS VIDEO ON ESPN.COM AND I FOUND IT REALLY INTERESTING. USUALLY THERE IS NEGATIVE CONOTATION TO EXPOSING YOURSELF IN THE MIEDIA I.E. PLAYBOY,HUSTLER ,PLAY GIRL ECT. BUT I FIND THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT SO MUCH AS WOMEN ATHLETES BEING BEING NAKED BUT ADMIRING THE BODIES OF ATHLETES BOTH MALE AND FEMALE. I FEEL LIKE IN SO MANY ADS WOMEN ARE PROTRAYED AS SEX OBJECTS. PEOPLE DONT LOOK AT MUSCLE DEFINITION BUT CHECK TO SEE IF THEY HAVE AN ASS OR BIG BREASTS. PART OF MY PANAL POSITION PAPER IS TO OPPOSE FEMALE ATHLETES BEING NUDE IN THE MEDIA BUT I THINK THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF NEW TIMES ARISING.TIMES ARE CHANGING. YES SEX IS BECOMING A BIG PART OF OUR MEDIA BUT ITS GOOD TO SEE ARTICLES LIKE THIS BECAUSE IT PUTS MEN AND WOMEN ON AN EQUAL PLATFORM. A PLATFORM THAT WE AS FANS CAN ADMIRE.I REALLYT ENJOYED THIS VIDEO CLIP AND ESPN ISSUE BECAUES IT DOESNT SHOW THESE ATHLETES AS SEXUAL OBJECTS BUT RATHER AS GREAT EXAMPLES OF MUSCLE DEFINITION AND ATHLETICISM.
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HEAR WHAT YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE.
EUNISSES HERNANDEZ
WOMEN IN SPORT
T-TH
9:30-11:45
PHOTO GALLERY
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/flash/zoomGallery?section=gen&photoGalleryId=5650718
THE MAKING OF
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=espn-magazine-body-issue-2010
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HEAR WHAT YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE.
EUNISSES HERNANDEZ
WOMEN IN SPORT
T-TH
9:30-11:45
PHOTO GALLERY
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/flash/zoomGallery?section=gen&photoGalleryId=5650718
THE MAKING OF
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=espn-magazine-body-issue-2010
Female Coach rare sight for boy's high school team
In Ulen, Minnesota a high school coach is challenging gender stereotypes. There are heads that are turning as Ulen-Hitterdal Spartans boys basketball team takes the court. There heads are turning because Coach Kelly Anderson is the boys head coach. Kelly Anderson has always love to play basketball and she's always wanted to coach. She used to be the assistant coach before she was the head coach. Anderson played basketball in high school and community college at Fergus Falls. At the college they won a national championship in 2001.
Her presence on the court causes a little confusion at games. The referees usually say 'where's your head coach?' Anderson says. " I get a lot of strange looks. People think i'm the statistician or the cheerleading coach, or the manager. She doesn't correct them. She let's them figure it out on there own. Her players gets a few questions from opposing players about what it is like to play for a female coach. Her player said that it is not a big deal. And that she made him a better player.
An analysis of 2008 data by the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport found out that 63 women coach boys' sports team in Minnesota. That's 2 percent of the 2,865 boys' teams. The majority of those women coached boys' swimming and/or tennis. Nicole Lavoi, Associate Director of Tucker Center says many reasons women don't coach. Lavoi says gender bias is one barrie.
Her presence on the court causes a little confusion at games. The referees usually say 'where's your head coach?' Anderson says. " I get a lot of strange looks. People think i'm the statistician or the cheerleading coach, or the manager. She doesn't correct them. She let's them figure it out on there own. Her players gets a few questions from opposing players about what it is like to play for a female coach. Her player said that it is not a big deal. And that she made him a better player.
An analysis of 2008 data by the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport found out that 63 women coach boys' sports team in Minnesota. That's 2 percent of the 2,865 boys' teams. The majority of those women coached boys' swimming and/or tennis. Nicole Lavoi, Associate Director of Tucker Center says many reasons women don't coach. Lavoi says gender bias is one barrie.
Coed Wrestling
A few weeks ago a 15-year old high school wrestler from Iowa forfeited a state finals match because he was matched against a female wrestler. His reason for forfeiting was due to his belief that violence should not be imposed on a girl and the sport of wrestling is a combat sport that involves compromising positions too inappropriate for a male and a female to engage in. He also claimed to be an avid Christian and although there is no specific rule about males and females wrestling together, he believes that females should be treated with respect and not be violently slammed and groped. The female wrestler, on the other hand, feels demeaned by the boy's decision. She simply wanted to be treated equally in a sport that she has worked hard to compete in.
I think this issue can be looked upon in two different ways. Many people have applauded the high school boy for his choice to forfeit the match, praising his values and valiance to accept a loss in defense of his beliefs. The other side is that if the boy truly respected females then he would treat them as equals. He would not have forfeited the match because he respects the female athlete and her achievement of qualifying to the state finals by competing against her. I think one's interpretation on this issue depends on how one views "respect". The boy doesn't believe that girls should be violently thrown or slammed around or put in compromising positions in wrestling while competing with other male athletes, yet he thinks that females should compete against other females where basically the same treatment would occur, just differing in who it involves. This is interesting to me because all the female wrestler was asking for was equality. She wasn't expecting special treatment of any kind, just simply being considered as an equal on the wrestling mat. However, this is very difficult to get around because regardless of her skill and how much she obviously deserved to be taken as a serious wrestler, she is still unequal to the other male athletes simply because she is born a girl. In my experience, wrestling is one of the few if not only male dominated sports that generally does not have a female subsequent team yet has a fair amount of female participation and at an advanced level. My high school wrestling team had 3 female athletes on the team while the football and baseball teams had none.
The Iowa boy wrestler had every right in making his decision to forfeit the match. But his view on respect for females is debatable.
Emily Teramoto
KIN 338I Sec 05
I think this issue can be looked upon in two different ways. Many people have applauded the high school boy for his choice to forfeit the match, praising his values and valiance to accept a loss in defense of his beliefs. The other side is that if the boy truly respected females then he would treat them as equals. He would not have forfeited the match because he respects the female athlete and her achievement of qualifying to the state finals by competing against her. I think one's interpretation on this issue depends on how one views "respect". The boy doesn't believe that girls should be violently thrown or slammed around or put in compromising positions in wrestling while competing with other male athletes, yet he thinks that females should compete against other females where basically the same treatment would occur, just differing in who it involves. This is interesting to me because all the female wrestler was asking for was equality. She wasn't expecting special treatment of any kind, just simply being considered as an equal on the wrestling mat. However, this is very difficult to get around because regardless of her skill and how much she obviously deserved to be taken as a serious wrestler, she is still unequal to the other male athletes simply because she is born a girl. In my experience, wrestling is one of the few if not only male dominated sports that generally does not have a female subsequent team yet has a fair amount of female participation and at an advanced level. My high school wrestling team had 3 female athletes on the team while the football and baseball teams had none.
The Iowa boy wrestler had every right in making his decision to forfeit the match. But his view on respect for females is debatable.
Emily Teramoto
KIN 338I Sec 05
Heterosexy!!!!!!!
The culture today, in every aspect not only women in sports, has made huge strides of progress. Some may debate that the progress made, has knocked our culture back a couple few steps on "ethical" stand-point. Today in the media it is all about what sells, a producer or owner of a media company is not going to televise, publish, or report on a subject matter that does not have substantial revenue potential. Despite the advances that women have made in society and especially sports in the last 100 years, the patriarchal system that we live in, still has tremendous power in determining "what sells". The media is no exception to this. Before women were just struggling with getting any media exposure, and now we have created a problem of hyper-exposure. For any women athlete to make the same splash of "celebrity status" that a male athlete has, they not only have to stand above the rest on there talents, but also simultaneously obtain their sex appeal. Still, women's athletic achievements are second to there physical attributes. Most may ask why why this is? Well the answer is simple "sex" sells. Both women and men athlete, more women than men, have to over expose their bodies in a heightened sexual manner to get any attention. Attention from the media equates to how profitable you are, which determines how successful/ wealthy an athlete may become.
As a marketing major, and from a marketers stand-point, you only produce what your demographic wants This idea and practice maximize firms profits. So in relation to women and sports the market wants to see women that are talented athletically but only the ones that are classified in our society as glamorous. This has put pressure on women athletes to feel that they have to ramp up their sexuality and become objects for acceptance from the consumers. Ethically this idea is wrong, but it is what makes the world go round. The next question is why we should care? Well we should care, not only because we are making women sexual object, but for our daughter and sons to come. We need to change "what sells". This is only going to happen by changing what is acceptable in our society today. If we educate not only ourselves but the next generation on the effects of "sexual exploiting" women and men athletes, we just might have a fighting chance to change our nations views on the acceptance of women athletics, as just athletes.
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Content/Articles/Issues/Media-and-Publicity/D/DisEmpowering-Images--Media-Representations-of-Women-in-Sport.aspx
As a marketing major, and from a marketers stand-point, you only produce what your demographic wants This idea and practice maximize firms profits. So in relation to women and sports the market wants to see women that are talented athletically but only the ones that are classified in our society as glamorous. This has put pressure on women athletes to feel that they have to ramp up their sexuality and become objects for acceptance from the consumers. Ethically this idea is wrong, but it is what makes the world go round. The next question is why we should care? Well we should care, not only because we are making women sexual object, but for our daughter and sons to come. We need to change "what sells". This is only going to happen by changing what is acceptable in our society today. If we educate not only ourselves but the next generation on the effects of "sexual exploiting" women and men athletes, we just might have a fighting chance to change our nations views on the acceptance of women athletics, as just athletes.
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Content/Articles/Issues/Media-and-Publicity/D/DisEmpowering-Images--Media-Representations-of-Women-in-Sport.aspx
The IOC is gearing up for the Olympic games of 2012
March 8 is the international day, and on this day the IOC announce the theme for women competing in the Olympics game next year will be “Together Stronger: The future of Sport” . According to the article, women in sport have continue to enjoy steadily increase over the past decades, and will continue to do so in the 2012 Olympic games in London. The women’s participation in the Olympic games have increased from 23 percent in the 1984 Olympics games in Los Angeles to 43 percent in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and for the first time in history, the 2012 Olympics will be the first Olympic games with women competing in every single game in the Olympic program in history. I think what they wrote in this article was phenomenal, because now I can truly relate to how hard women struggled in terms of participating in the Olympic games and compete from the “Dare to Compete” video we watched in class, and now for the first time women is finally able to participate in the Olympics equally as men in terms of events competing. And it will be interesting to see how women in sports will continue to progress (because I am sure there is always more room for progression) in the near future.
Reynold Liang
kin 338I.S5
reference: http://www.latimes.com/la-sp-0306-plaschke-20110306,0,5257560,full.column
Reynold Liang
kin 338I.S5
reference: http://www.latimes.com/la-sp-0306-plaschke-20110306,0,5257560,full.column
Women athletes are lucky in at least one way
Though I'm sure it's more difficult for women who are student-athletes than it is for men, I think the fact that they graduate at much higher rates is a blessing. I'm a huge sports fan but it has always upset me that such an emphasis is put on the athletic side for male student-athletes.
About a year ago ESPN did an expose on a number of college and professional athletes who couldn't even read! Imagine that, grown men who are college "educated" and can't read!
This problem certainly stems from the fact that many athletes are pampered and only feel they have one purpose - to perform on the field/court. The unfortunate side of this is that they miss out on an educational opportunity that many parents save their entire lives for and still can't afford for their children.
The number of athletes who retire then go bankrupt is also a reflection of this lack of serious education.
Because women lack the huge opportunities for endorsements and large contracts, they are forced to actually get educated when they go to school. This of course gives them much greater opportunities when their careers are over or should they suffer any injuries. It's like a diamond in the rough for women-athletes.
David Lopez
T/TH 2-3:15
About a year ago ESPN did an expose on a number of college and professional athletes who couldn't even read! Imagine that, grown men who are college "educated" and can't read!
This problem certainly stems from the fact that many athletes are pampered and only feel they have one purpose - to perform on the field/court. The unfortunate side of this is that they miss out on an educational opportunity that many parents save their entire lives for and still can't afford for their children.
The number of athletes who retire then go bankrupt is also a reflection of this lack of serious education.
Because women lack the huge opportunities for endorsements and large contracts, they are forced to actually get educated when they go to school. This of course gives them much greater opportunities when their careers are over or should they suffer any injuries. It's like a diamond in the rough for women-athletes.
David Lopez
T/TH 2-3:15
Title IX for sports illustrated?
I have been a subscriber to Sports Illustrated for over 5 years now and honestly never noticed that woman didn't get equal coverage. I think everybody has their own biases and I think mine actually disservice women because I care more about the college athletics than pro. That isn't just because I'm in college now, it's because I think the pageantry and passion in college is far more abundant than in the pros. The reason I say this is because at the beginning of the college basketball year (my favorite sport) SI releases the pre-season top 25 lists of both men's and women's hoops and a picture from both men's and women's teams. When I see that article I think "see! coverage is equal and fair why do so many people constantly complain that women don't get coverage, they have a woman on the cover of SI playing basketball" and while that may be the case it is far from the norm. From the last 4 issues there has only been one story that had a focus on a woman that was competing. It consisted of a two page picture and a small caption showing Veronica Campbell-Brown winning the 60 meter dash just ahead of U.S.A. runner Lauryn Williams. There was no follow up article. The only place that S.I. has fair representation is in the amateur section. Their is a section called "faces in the crowd" which highlights high school and amateur players who have just accomplished big things and they always have 3 guys and 3 girls. That led me to think should S.I. have to abide by some sort of Title IX rules? I personally think they should start Women's S.I. and of course switch the title to Men's S.I. This wouldn't be uncharted territory since there is a kid's S.I. I think it would do a great deal to help improve the image of the WNBA, women's golf, women's soccer, women's beach volleyball and many other professional womens sports because if things are left as they are I will continue to know very little about women in sport.
Zeke Lyons
Kin 338I section 05
Zeke Lyons
Kin 338I section 05
Equally Nude
Since I’ve gotten my topic for the discussion panel I have been reading a lot on athletes posing nude and/or provocatively. For the panel I am arguing against women athletes showing too much skin for any reason. My actual thoughts on the idea were, well, I didn’t have any thoughts. I felt that I couldn’t say women do it more to get them exposure because I have Dan O’Brien’s Versace Ad picture as my screensaver. Recently I saw Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson’s PETA ad and all I could think about was football.
I ran into an article that equally had arguments from all sides. Some woman not agreeing with the athlete’s decision but the athlete coming back at the criticism as “bull”. The director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota said, “All I’m asking for is equal treatment….When Tiger Woods is on the cover of Sports Illustrated naked, holding a golf ball with the Nike swoosh in front of genitals, I’ll be quiet.” (No one wants to see that but her.) From the athletes perspective they are embracing their bodies. Swimmer Ashley Tappin said, “We’re healthy. We’re fit. And we’re not just cute; we do good things with our bodies. They are functional. Why not show them off? (How about winning races with them?)
I feel I have to do more reading on the subject or actually go out and get real opinions. Is it the older generations that are having the issues and they need to lighten up as swimmer Jenny Thompson says? As a young woman I’ve always looked up to Venus and Serena Williams as amazing athletes. I paid no attention to how short their skirts were or what color bloomers they wore until everyone made a big deal on how inappropriate it was. When the article was talking about her bloomers I was just wondering how her match went. Possibly there could be an agreement on what’s appropriate for the times.
Dan O'Brien (Decathlon American Record Holder)
Jarvina McClain
KIN 338I
T/Th 9:30
I ran into an article that equally had arguments from all sides. Some woman not agreeing with the athlete’s decision but the athlete coming back at the criticism as “bull”. The director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota said, “All I’m asking for is equal treatment….When Tiger Woods is on the cover of Sports Illustrated naked, holding a golf ball with the Nike swoosh in front of genitals, I’ll be quiet.” (No one wants to see that but her.) From the athletes perspective they are embracing their bodies. Swimmer Ashley Tappin said, “We’re healthy. We’re fit. And we’re not just cute; we do good things with our bodies. They are functional. Why not show them off? (How about winning races with them?)
I feel I have to do more reading on the subject or actually go out and get real opinions. Is it the older generations that are having the issues and they need to lighten up as swimmer Jenny Thompson says? As a young woman I’ve always looked up to Venus and Serena Williams as amazing athletes. I paid no attention to how short their skirts were or what color bloomers they wore until everyone made a big deal on how inappropriate it was. When the article was talking about her bloomers I was just wondering how her match went. Possibly there could be an agreement on what’s appropriate for the times.
Dan O'Brien (Decathlon American Record Holder)
Jarvina McClain
KIN 338I
T/Th 9:30
WOW..... a whole day.....
That's right you heard it, the Women's Sports Foundation hosts one day each year to honor those women in sports. The foundation was founded in 1987 with its main goal of celebrating the accomplishments and participation of women in sport. The day of recognition took place on February 2, 2011 and truly honored the hard work and dedication that females put into their sport. The day of recognition paid tribute to those women who are still in sport and those who paved the way for women in sport. Although the day of recognition is nice it proves that women have still not fully made it in the realm of sport and need to continue to pave the road for women to come. A day of recognition means that something needs to be recognized, in this case it's women in sport, however the problem arises that women in sport shouldn't be something that is recognized rather it should be something that is accepted.
Christina Fallon
kin 338I.S4
Christina Fallon
kin 338I.S4
Can exercising really affect a women's baby maker?
In the past when women wanted to become active in exercise and sports, they faced a lot of complications from society of the idea that it can affect their reproductive systems. Many doctors made assumptions that exercise could have a negative effect on women’s chances of having children. Today however, we have learned that exercise is healthy for both men and women. However, were the doctors in the past wrong to say there could be reproductive problems?
Studies have shown that women who excessively exercise are experiencing exercise-induced amenorrhea. This is when women are no longer getting their monthly periods. Sports that are linked to low body weight such as long distance running, cycling, ballet, etc. are experiencing high numbers of female athletes with exercise-induced amenorrhea. With low body weight and too much exercising, the body goes into a state of starvation which shuts down organs that aren’t vital to surviving. Long term effects of exercise-induced amenorrhea include: infertility, osteoporosis, atrophy of the vagina and breasts, and possibly cause heart attacks later in life. It is diagnosed however through elimination. Pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction, prolactinomas, and premature menopause are all causes of women losing their monthly periods, and all have to be proven not to be the cause before a female is diagnosed with exercise-induced amenorrhea.
As a female athlete of today, I always thought the idea of sports and exercising harming the reproductive system was crazy. But to see many articles and studies shown on the internet that excessive exercise and lack of adequate nutrition can harm the reproductive system blew my mind. Obviously exercising too much and not eating right can be harmful to the body, but never did I know that exercise-induced amenorrhea actually existed. It seems as if the doctors from the past could actually, possibly, in some situations, but not all, be right.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12133-need-exerciseinduced-amenorrhea/
Nickol Black
KIN 338I
Tu/Th 2:00-3:15
Studies have shown that women who excessively exercise are experiencing exercise-induced amenorrhea. This is when women are no longer getting their monthly periods. Sports that are linked to low body weight such as long distance running, cycling, ballet, etc. are experiencing high numbers of female athletes with exercise-induced amenorrhea. With low body weight and too much exercising, the body goes into a state of starvation which shuts down organs that aren’t vital to surviving. Long term effects of exercise-induced amenorrhea include: infertility, osteoporosis, atrophy of the vagina and breasts, and possibly cause heart attacks later in life. It is diagnosed however through elimination. Pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction, prolactinomas, and premature menopause are all causes of women losing their monthly periods, and all have to be proven not to be the cause before a female is diagnosed with exercise-induced amenorrhea.
As a female athlete of today, I always thought the idea of sports and exercising harming the reproductive system was crazy. But to see many articles and studies shown on the internet that excessive exercise and lack of adequate nutrition can harm the reproductive system blew my mind. Obviously exercising too much and not eating right can be harmful to the body, but never did I know that exercise-induced amenorrhea actually existed. It seems as if the doctors from the past could actually, possibly, in some situations, but not all, be right.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12133-need-exerciseinduced-amenorrhea/
Nickol Black
KIN 338I
Tu/Th 2:00-3:15
Girls Playin' Some Ball!
I'm sure a few people have already commented on this since it was sent out in an email, but I was so excited when I read this article. I remember when I was 8 and played youth baseball because the girls leagues were so terrible, and coaches would sit me because I "made the boys feel bad when I batted better than them." Needless to say I ended up switching to softball because of all the negativity with girls playing baseball.
It's absolutely horrible the things girls have to put up with when they play sports with men. While one girl had more support in her achievements, the other girl told the reporter how she would get bullied by the other boys and even threatened to hurt her or throw baseballs in her face. I'm absolutely in awe at the courage and the stamina these girls have to put up with such difficulties and become the best in their sport. Not only do they have to compete with boys, they can't make mistakes because if they did it wouldn't be because they were having an "off" day but because they "are girls." It's so much pressure and to have two girls make it to that level and face off is incredible.
I hate that when I go to batting cages, I get cut in line for the fast pitch baseball machine and get pushed to the slow arc fast pitch. It's the best feeling to hit a 85 mph baseball while the guys next to you struggle. I'm so glad these girls had the courage to stand up for themselves and play for the love of the sport-it gives some hope that change is still happening for women in sports and that girls will continue to stand up for themselves. It was clear in the article that after the girls proved themselves, the boys seemed supportive of them which is awesome and I hope it stays that way for them.
I only wish they would say "Yeah I throw like a girl and thats why I strike you out." Clearly throwing like a boy isn't whats winning them games here!
Michelle Fenn
Kin 338I
2-3:15 T/R
It's absolutely horrible the things girls have to put up with when they play sports with men. While one girl had more support in her achievements, the other girl told the reporter how she would get bullied by the other boys and even threatened to hurt her or throw baseballs in her face. I'm absolutely in awe at the courage and the stamina these girls have to put up with such difficulties and become the best in their sport. Not only do they have to compete with boys, they can't make mistakes because if they did it wouldn't be because they were having an "off" day but because they "are girls." It's so much pressure and to have two girls make it to that level and face off is incredible.
I hate that when I go to batting cages, I get cut in line for the fast pitch baseball machine and get pushed to the slow arc fast pitch. It's the best feeling to hit a 85 mph baseball while the guys next to you struggle. I'm so glad these girls had the courage to stand up for themselves and play for the love of the sport-it gives some hope that change is still happening for women in sports and that girls will continue to stand up for themselves. It was clear in the article that after the girls proved themselves, the boys seemed supportive of them which is awesome and I hope it stays that way for them.
I only wish they would say "Yeah I throw like a girl and thats why I strike you out." Clearly throwing like a boy isn't whats winning them games here!
Michelle Fenn
Kin 338I
2-3:15 T/R
Monday, March 7, 2011
Female high school pitchers go head to head in BASEBALL!
It is amazing to me to read that for the first time in history, two high school boys baseball teams had girls as starting pitchers opposing one another. It really shows how far women have come in sport because here we are in 2011, and yet this is the first known time it has happened. To me it also speaks volumes of the character that these young women have. I'm sure that there have been other women who have come along and could throw a solid fastball or a wicked curve, but the majority of them have probably been told to go the easy way, to play softball. These two young ladies have dealt with the scrutiny because they are trying to accomplish a goal of theirs, and that is to pitch in the majors. The article talks about what they have been through, teammates dropping fly balls to protest them being on the team, among other things. Most people may have quit because of that kind of behavior from a teammate but these girls persevered and showed that although they have long hair, wear makeup and wear dresses, they can strike people out and should be looked at for what they do, and that is be a great baseball player.
Jose Magallan Kin 338 TUES/THURS 930-1045
Jose Magallan Kin 338 TUES/THURS 930-1045
Female Teacher Named High School FOOTBALL Coach!
On Yahoo I stumbled upon this article in which society would consider “out of the norm.” Natalie Robinson was a biology teacher at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington D.C. The 29 year old was honored with the privilege in coaching the school’s football team. She had a steady background as a wide receiver for five years for the pro women's football team, the D.C. Divas. She also played on special teams when needed, and her former teammates say she's got the right stuff. Jordyn White, former teammate, told CBS News, "When you meet her, you may think that's she's you know, meek and mild, but she's tough as nails." This is ironic because Oljwafemi Baniro; a senior leader on the Coolidge Team stated, “she's probably better than most of us players." A colleague suggested she apply for the position and that’s how this all started. "Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith pointed out that Robinson, as a teacher, will also be especially mindful of the academic aspect her players must achieve. "Definitely," she responded. "My kids know that they need to do what they need to do in the classroom, otherwise there is no playing time on the field." Robinson's fiancé is a football coach in another D.C. school. She said he's been supportive of her new position, despite her being one of his competitors now. As for living up to the expectations of others, Robinson said she's just "trying to stay focused on the job at hand."
Im impressed with Mrs. Robinson because this is out of the norm, and being out of the norm in todays society brings a lot of controversy. Best of luck to the new coach!
Michael W.
Kin 338I (5681)Sec 04
Tues/Thurs 9:30 to 10:45
Im impressed with Mrs. Robinson because this is out of the norm, and being out of the norm in todays society brings a lot of controversy. Best of luck to the new coach!
Michael W.
Kin 338I (5681)Sec 04
Tues/Thurs 9:30 to 10:45
FIRST WOMAN TO PITCH AT MLB SPRING TRAINING
Recently in Arizona, Justine Siegal pitched batting practice to the Cleveland Indians. Besides breaking the gender barriers in elite baseball, Siegal has coached at both the college and professional level. She actually was the first woman to be a first base coach for the Brockton Rox, a Massachusetts men’s independent baseball team in 2009.
I found this article interesting because it reminded me of the Bloomer Girls we watched in “Dare to Compete.” The Bloomer Girls were a women’s professional club league that started in 1875 where the first game was organized by men as a form of entertainment. In order to maintain femininity yet functionality, the players wore trousers that paralleled “genie pants”.
At the batting practice, the manager said that Siegal was impressive and “she made me look bad.” This is the sort of statement that can be taken a number of ways. It could mean that she made him look bad because he did not think a woman could pitch at the MLB level. Or the statement could be perceived to mean that because he has been pitching batting practice for so long and she showed him up.
This article also addressed some things with Title IX. As stated in the article, Siegal was the first to work in the higher positions of power in baseball. According to the things talked about in class, I am sure Justine Siegal was quite alone at the top surrounded by males and the perpetuating ideals that are still in effect today. Recent statistics show that “women coach less than 2% of men’s teams.”
Justine Siegal has been scheduled to pitch the batting practice for the Oakland A’s. I think Siegal has shown that if you really want something, you can’t let barriers stop you (especially gender).
Jacquelyn Boone
KIN338I SECTION 05
I found this article interesting because it reminded me of the Bloomer Girls we watched in “Dare to Compete.” The Bloomer Girls were a women’s professional club league that started in 1875 where the first game was organized by men as a form of entertainment. In order to maintain femininity yet functionality, the players wore trousers that paralleled “genie pants”.
At the batting practice, the manager said that Siegal was impressive and “she made me look bad.” This is the sort of statement that can be taken a number of ways. It could mean that she made him look bad because he did not think a woman could pitch at the MLB level. Or the statement could be perceived to mean that because he has been pitching batting practice for so long and she showed him up.
This article also addressed some things with Title IX. As stated in the article, Siegal was the first to work in the higher positions of power in baseball. According to the things talked about in class, I am sure Justine Siegal was quite alone at the top surrounded by males and the perpetuating ideals that are still in effect today. Recent statistics show that “women coach less than 2% of men’s teams.”
Justine Siegal has been scheduled to pitch the batting practice for the Oakland A’s. I think Siegal has shown that if you really want something, you can’t let barriers stop you (especially gender).
Jacquelyn Boone
KIN338I SECTION 05
You Pitch Like a Boy?
Kerrie just emailed us the article about the two female baseball players competing and I found it to be pretty interesting. Two girls, Marti Sementelli and Ghazaleh Sailors, two of the best female pitchers in a state that produces about 400 a year, head both teams as pitchers into their high school games.
Reading the article, I found it amazing that they performed so well amidst all the tauntings and hecklers. Marti in fact goes to on to have a complete game with only one earned run.
Although, it wasn't the fact that women playing in a "man's sport" that attracted me to this story, because women have been outperforming men in various sports for decades. It was an excerpt from the story that caught my eye...
"In fact, most girls who play youth league baseball are usually convinced to switch to softball when they realize that there is no future in hardball. Sementelli and Sailors, both seniors who hope to play at the next level, are clearly not most girls."
How sad is that? That we have to convince someone that this sport is not for them? Were we not told as kid that we could do anything that we set our mind to? What makes this different than telling a blind kid that he can never play the piano, or telling a paraplegic he can never compete in the Olympics? When Marti and Ghazaleh wanted to play baseball, it's not because they wanted to start some revolutionary movement of women playing baseball, they simply just wanted to play baseball! The fact that we are applying this to a certain sex makes this even more blatantly obvious that we don't want girls tainting a "man's" game.
I admire these two girls not only because they succeeded in a sport that they were told "wasn't for them", but also because they did in the face of adversity.
Adam S.
Kin 338I
T/Th 9:30-10:45
Reading the article, I found it amazing that they performed so well amidst all the tauntings and hecklers. Marti in fact goes to on to have a complete game with only one earned run.
Although, it wasn't the fact that women playing in a "man's sport" that attracted me to this story, because women have been outperforming men in various sports for decades. It was an excerpt from the story that caught my eye...
"In fact, most girls who play youth league baseball are usually convinced to switch to softball when they realize that there is no future in hardball. Sementelli and Sailors, both seniors who hope to play at the next level, are clearly not most girls."
How sad is that? That we have to convince someone that this sport is not for them? Were we not told as kid that we could do anything that we set our mind to? What makes this different than telling a blind kid that he can never play the piano, or telling a paraplegic he can never compete in the Olympics? When Marti and Ghazaleh wanted to play baseball, it's not because they wanted to start some revolutionary movement of women playing baseball, they simply just wanted to play baseball! The fact that we are applying this to a certain sex makes this even more blatantly obvious that we don't want girls tainting a "man's" game.
I admire these two girls not only because they succeeded in a sport that they were told "wasn't for them", but also because they did in the face of adversity.
Adam S.
Kin 338I
T/Th 9:30-10:45
Catching Up
Since Title IX, more women participate in team sports in high school and college. The benefits of participating in a sport include a higher graduation rate, a higher attendance in college, least likely to become pregnant in high school and a lesser chance of becoming obese during middle age. These all sound nice when said all together, but there are still challenges women face even since the passing of Title IX.
In college basketball, the UConn Lady Huskies had the most consecutive wins in women’s college basketball. The Lady Huskies big win was not even televised on major stations. In the 2008-2009 season they had a 100% graduation rate while the men’s team only 33% of them graduated. Even the Lady Huskies own forward Maya Moore was voted by ESPN the academic All-American of the year. Still all of these accomplishments go unnoticed. When these student athletes graduate, their talents might lead them to the WNBA, but still they hardly get endorsements like men and only receive a salary of $95,000. It seems that more history has to be written for women in sports before they are actually on a real equal playing field as men or have women in sports reached the unbreakable “glass ceiling”?
Kat Arcangel kin338I sec.5
Not Out Yet
Jelena Dokic first made her tennis debut in 1999 at Wimbledon's first round against Martina Hingis. Because of her rank of No. 129 at the time, she caused headlines as the lowest ranked player to defeat a top ranked player at the Wimbledon.
Fast forward a few years and Dokic had quickly risen to world rank of No. 4. Throughout her career as a professional, her father, Damir had always been a major presence. He built a bad reputation for himself as notorious for losing his cool and badgering tennis officials at games and events. Despite all of the negative publicity her father was drawing towards himself, Dokic was still able to cope and win her matches due to her remarkable skill. This, however, was not meant to last as she is only human and could only handle so much pressure before breaking. When she finally cut ties to her father, her ranked dropped dangerously low and she was no longer in the Top 100.
The events described in this article conjured up thoughts of the reading in the textbook about "All My Hopes And Dreams". The way I see it, is that even though despite his notoriety as just being a general thorn in her side at the games, Dokic's father was still in his own way supporting her. His methods were questionable to be sure, but the results were there for all to witness as shortly after her debut, she placed No. 4 in the world rankings. That also goes without saying that she must have had his support or the support of her family prior to appearing at Wimbledon in 1999. Her decline after cutting ties to her father may have been a result of a lack of support and/or loss of monetary funds as she admitted to be dealing with depression and having her father manage her monetary gains.
In more recent news, Dokic seems to have dealt with her past woes of physical pain and is on the rise again as she made a (rather clichéd) epic comeback in Malaysia this past Sunday. After all, the talent and skill is there, and there's no denying that part of Jelena Dokic.
Arick L.
KIN 3381 (#5681)
Spring 2011
Fast forward a few years and Dokic had quickly risen to world rank of No. 4. Throughout her career as a professional, her father, Damir had always been a major presence. He built a bad reputation for himself as notorious for losing his cool and badgering tennis officials at games and events. Despite all of the negative publicity her father was drawing towards himself, Dokic was still able to cope and win her matches due to her remarkable skill. This, however, was not meant to last as she is only human and could only handle so much pressure before breaking. When she finally cut ties to her father, her ranked dropped dangerously low and she was no longer in the Top 100.
The events described in this article conjured up thoughts of the reading in the textbook about "All My Hopes And Dreams". The way I see it, is that even though despite his notoriety as just being a general thorn in her side at the games, Dokic's father was still in his own way supporting her. His methods were questionable to be sure, but the results were there for all to witness as shortly after her debut, she placed No. 4 in the world rankings. That also goes without saying that she must have had his support or the support of her family prior to appearing at Wimbledon in 1999. Her decline after cutting ties to her father may have been a result of a lack of support and/or loss of monetary funds as she admitted to be dealing with depression and having her father manage her monetary gains.
In more recent news, Dokic seems to have dealt with her past woes of physical pain and is on the rise again as she made a (rather clichéd) epic comeback in Malaysia this past Sunday. After all, the talent and skill is there, and there's no denying that part of Jelena Dokic.
Arick L.
KIN 3381 (#5681)
Spring 2011
Are women bad for men in sports?
Bigragu, the youtube account name a man created, uploaded a video roughly five months ago regarding the influence women have on men in sports. While the video was publically published at the end of last year, I was absolutely appalled at what it was saying and thought it would be a great topic to get out there and discuss.
The man in front of the camera, I will stick with the name Bigragu since that is his account name, argues that women have a negative effect on men in sport. He started the video, however, trying to cover himself by saying, "behind every good man is a great woman." He went on to say that without women in the world men would be running around like crazy and it would be absolute chaos. I think this is his way to mask the stereotypes and absurd remarks he makes later regarding women.
The meat of the video began at around 3:00 when the man states, "A woman has a great affect on a man, except in sports, unless she is a fanatic about the sport the man is in as well." He continues by saying, "If she's not a fanatic, the man is not going to operate at 100%." I find this completely absurd. I will not argue against the fact that women have strong effects on men, just as men have powerful effects on women, but I do not think it is necessary to say that if a women is not a fanatic about her man's sport, he will not operate at 100%. I think men should take responsibility for their actions. If he is not performing at 100% or at the level he would like to, is he just going to blame it on the woman he is dating? Like we have discussed many times in our class, having power comes with a certain responsibility. Men should not feel guily about the power they posses in the sports world, but they do have to take responsibility for it. If a man cannot perform at the most elite level he should only blame himself, not his partner.
Another part of the video that hit me hard was around 4:20 when Bigragu says, "If [a man] wants mediocrity he can be with a woman who really doesnt like the sport." First of all, I dont think anyone, male or female, wants mediocrity. Everyone, whether it be in sports, school, or their job, wants the utmost success. To say, "wants mediocrity" is very pathetic. Additionally, he is essentially saying that if a man does not excel in the sport of his choice and he has a woman who does not necessarily like that sport, then it must be her fault. I will admit that I do believe one's partner in life influences the other's decisions and capabilities, but I think Bigragu takes it to a whole new level. Yes, I believe couples should support eachother, encouarge one another, and show respect for the other's interest, but is a woman the sole cause for a man's failure to reach the top? That answer is no.
At around 4:30 in the clip Bigragu stereotypes women as being uneducated and not knowledgable about sports. He mocks women as saying things like, "did he score a homerun?" at a football game or asking what inning it is at a football game. Although Bigrargu is not saying that all women are like this and have no idea about sports, he is still making these remarks that stereotype women. Once again, I think this is crazy and it makes it seem like all women are clueless about athletics.
The last quote I will use from the video comes around 5:00 when he is making a statement aimed at women saying, "Dont be mad if he's self absorbed; he's an athlete." To put it simply, this is an excuse. Bigragu has come up with am excuse for men that they are able to be self absorbed if they are athletes. If that is the case then men, dont get angry when your women are emotional, needy, moody, crabby, demanding, irrational, and bitchy once a month; they are women; they get their periods. That is all an excuse. I hate excuses and dont agree that men can say they are able to be self absorbed simply because are athletes. Just as women cannot rationalize their moody behavior because it is "that time of the month." Rule #76, no excuses, play like a champ (Wedding Crashers 2005).
I am not sure if it is just my computer or the video itself, but I was cut off at 5:14. If anyone is able to watch the remainder of the clip that would be great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pbiZoakYrk
Brittany Bowlin
Kin 338I 5681 (sec. 04)
The man in front of the camera, I will stick with the name Bigragu since that is his account name, argues that women have a negative effect on men in sport. He started the video, however, trying to cover himself by saying, "behind every good man is a great woman." He went on to say that without women in the world men would be running around like crazy and it would be absolute chaos. I think this is his way to mask the stereotypes and absurd remarks he makes later regarding women.
The meat of the video began at around 3:00 when the man states, "A woman has a great affect on a man, except in sports, unless she is a fanatic about the sport the man is in as well." He continues by saying, "If she's not a fanatic, the man is not going to operate at 100%." I find this completely absurd. I will not argue against the fact that women have strong effects on men, just as men have powerful effects on women, but I do not think it is necessary to say that if a women is not a fanatic about her man's sport, he will not operate at 100%. I think men should take responsibility for their actions. If he is not performing at 100% or at the level he would like to, is he just going to blame it on the woman he is dating? Like we have discussed many times in our class, having power comes with a certain responsibility. Men should not feel guily about the power they posses in the sports world, but they do have to take responsibility for it. If a man cannot perform at the most elite level he should only blame himself, not his partner.
Another part of the video that hit me hard was around 4:20 when Bigragu says, "If [a man] wants mediocrity he can be with a woman who really doesnt like the sport." First of all, I dont think anyone, male or female, wants mediocrity. Everyone, whether it be in sports, school, or their job, wants the utmost success. To say, "wants mediocrity" is very pathetic. Additionally, he is essentially saying that if a man does not excel in the sport of his choice and he has a woman who does not necessarily like that sport, then it must be her fault. I will admit that I do believe one's partner in life influences the other's decisions and capabilities, but I think Bigragu takes it to a whole new level. Yes, I believe couples should support eachother, encouarge one another, and show respect for the other's interest, but is a woman the sole cause for a man's failure to reach the top? That answer is no.
At around 4:30 in the clip Bigragu stereotypes women as being uneducated and not knowledgable about sports. He mocks women as saying things like, "did he score a homerun?" at a football game or asking what inning it is at a football game. Although Bigrargu is not saying that all women are like this and have no idea about sports, he is still making these remarks that stereotype women. Once again, I think this is crazy and it makes it seem like all women are clueless about athletics.
The last quote I will use from the video comes around 5:00 when he is making a statement aimed at women saying, "Dont be mad if he's self absorbed; he's an athlete." To put it simply, this is an excuse. Bigragu has come up with am excuse for men that they are able to be self absorbed if they are athletes. If that is the case then men, dont get angry when your women are emotional, needy, moody, crabby, demanding, irrational, and bitchy once a month; they are women; they get their periods. That is all an excuse. I hate excuses and dont agree that men can say they are able to be self absorbed simply because are athletes. Just as women cannot rationalize their moody behavior because it is "that time of the month." Rule #76, no excuses, play like a champ (Wedding Crashers 2005).
I am not sure if it is just my computer or the video itself, but I was cut off at 5:14. If anyone is able to watch the remainder of the clip that would be great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pbiZoakYrk
Brittany Bowlin
Kin 338I 5681 (sec. 04)
Two Female Athletes Share the Spotlight in a Male Sport
Whose to say that any sport is a "male sport"? The incredible story of two young girls facing each other in a sport widely known as a popular mens sport is a perfect demonstration of how a female is just as athletic and capable of performing any sport that are performed by male athletes. Young Marti Sementelli of Lake Balboa Birmingham and Ghazaleh Sailors of San Marcos faced each other on the pitchers mound last saturday and took the crowd by surprise with their amazing talent.
Before these two young athletes stepped up to the challenge, history has shown us that women in the past have also had their share of interest in many sports that were being played only by men because it was believed that women had too much to risk as an athlete or they simply did not meet the standards of a "strong, competitive athlete". Both Sailors and Sementelli not only proved that they have what it takes to compete against male athletes but may even be better than them at the sport they are playing, in this case it was baseball. The admiral aspect of these two athletes is that not only were they capable of winning a priority position in a "male sport", but they are respected by their teammates and their coach.
Sementelli and Sailors, much like many female athletes in the past, did not have the easiest path to cover before reaching their goals and it takes an even greater person, rather than an athlete, to be able to accept the obstacles and continue fighting for what they believe in. It is thanks to stand-out athletes such as Sementelli and Sailors that young female athletes find in them role models and are also encouraged to fight for their athletic goals, or any goal for that matter.
Sementelli's quote says it all when it comes down to never giving up: "I'm not one to take the easy route if it means giving up something I love". -Marti Sementelli of Birmingham
-Elizabeth Ledezma
Kinesiology 338I-section 04
The Face of Women's MMA
The CEO of Strikeforce announced last February that Gina Carano would be returning to Strikeforce. This announcement was heard by MMA fans around the country and instantly brought much attention back to the women’s division.
In 2006 Carano debuted and in no time had a 7-0 record. Carano was one of the first women ever to access mainstream attention in MMA and got a great deal of coverage in the media. She usually was dominant in her fights and always the aggressor until she found herself outworked by a women by the name of Christiane Santos.
Carano who is only 28 fought last in 2009, in the Women’s Middleweight Championship against Christiane Santos and incurred the first loss of her career. After the loss to Santos, Carano took time off from MMA, to work on television commercials and movies. This left fans of Carano wondering if they would ever see their favorite women’s MMA fighter in the cage again. The announcement of Carano’s return to the sport draws lots of attention back to the women’s division and fans "including me" can not wait to see her fight again this summer.
I found this to be of importance to the topic of women in sport because because Gina Carano put a women’s face in the media to what was once thought of as only a man's sport. She also put women's MMA under the spot light and got them mainstream coverage. Carano also took advantage of this spot light and used her success in the sport to allow her to take her career in other directions. This ia all a huge accomplishment for women in MMA.
Jonathan Collins
Kin 338I Sec05
In 2006 Carano debuted and in no time had a 7-0 record. Carano was one of the first women ever to access mainstream attention in MMA and got a great deal of coverage in the media. She usually was dominant in her fights and always the aggressor until she found herself outworked by a women by the name of Christiane Santos.
Carano who is only 28 fought last in 2009, in the Women’s Middleweight Championship against Christiane Santos and incurred the first loss of her career. After the loss to Santos, Carano took time off from MMA, to work on television commercials and movies. This left fans of Carano wondering if they would ever see their favorite women’s MMA fighter in the cage again. The announcement of Carano’s return to the sport draws lots of attention back to the women’s division and fans "including me" can not wait to see her fight again this summer.
I found this to be of importance to the topic of women in sport because because Gina Carano put a women’s face in the media to what was once thought of as only a man's sport. She also put women's MMA under the spot light and got them mainstream coverage. Carano also took advantage of this spot light and used her success in the sport to allow her to take her career in other directions. This ia all a huge accomplishment for women in MMA.
Jonathan Collins
Kin 338I Sec05
Hierarchies are the Roots of Oppression
A common theme we have discussed in my women in sports class is the way our culture is set-up by hierarchies. These hierarchies oppress some while others profit from the oppression. Women have been oppressed through out history. Sports were created for men, to get our young men ready to be soldiers. Women were excluded from being a solider and excluded from sports.
If our government can control reproduction and production then the government can control the people. Reproduction control is evident today, the government funding for Plan Parenthood clinics is being cut, there are many strikes going on throughout the country trying to prevent this. It’s interesting that the federal funding cuts are services that help women and lower income individuals, although; men also use Plan Parenthood. Production control is evident throughout history; to control oil production we will fight and create war.
If we the people, want to control are believes and values, we have to have activists and leaders in our communities to reconstruct our society and take apart these oppressive hierarchies.
Amber M.
KIN 338I S.1
Why do young women drop out of sport and physical activity? A social ecological approach
There was a study done in 2009 that explored the significance of individual, social and environmental factors and how they each interact to influence the participation in physical activity for adolescent young women. Their main findings from the study indicated that there were many strategies that could be used to increase participation of young women in regards to physical activity. A few of these strategies were: enhancing intrinsic motivation for sport and physical activity (the basic and fundamental motivations); appealing to young women's need for socializing through opportunities for informal physical activity; educating parents about benefits of sport and physical activity; overcoming gender stereotypes about what is acceptable behavior for young women; improving physical education teacher's understanding of gender issues and motivating less physically active students to become more involved and active; increase the provision of accessible sport and physical activity facilities, programs, and services in schools; prioritize sport and physical activity in the school curriculum.
The study also explains the fact of having a supportive environment such as family and friends will also increase a young women's need to become involved in physical activity. The study also goes through the individual and social factors influencing the participation of young women in physical activity which I found very true. Some of those personal influences were lack of time, self-efficacy, enjoyment, concerns about body shape and weight management and pressure to conform to popular ideals of beauty. Some of the social factors were parents and peers, the level of support provided to the young women and barriers to physical activity whether it be a lack of access or gender barriers.
(article retrieved from EBSCOhost, taken from a scholarly journal on the CSULB Library web page)
GRACELYN CAMMARERI
KIN338I, SEC 5 (#4779)
SPRING 2011
The study also explains the fact of having a supportive environment such as family and friends will also increase a young women's need to become involved in physical activity. The study also goes through the individual and social factors influencing the participation of young women in physical activity which I found very true. Some of those personal influences were lack of time, self-efficacy, enjoyment, concerns about body shape and weight management and pressure to conform to popular ideals of beauty. Some of the social factors were parents and peers, the level of support provided to the young women and barriers to physical activity whether it be a lack of access or gender barriers.
(article retrieved from EBSCOhost, taken from a scholarly journal on the CSULB Library web page)
GRACELYN CAMMARERI
KIN338I, SEC 5 (#4779)
SPRING 2011
Champ Comes Back: Marloes Coenen Submits Liz Carmouche
While MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, is mostly associated with men fighting in a cage, there are also women who participate in the sport. This past weekend, One of the biggest MMA organiztions, Strikeforce, held an event with their 135 lb. Womens Champion, Marloes Coenen making her first defense of her title against contender Liz Carmouche as the co main event of the card.
Going into the fight, Carmouche was a huge underdog who had never competed on a Strikeforce event. But as the fight began, it was clear that Carmouche belonged in the same cage as the champion. Using her superior striking skills, she dominated Coenen for 3 of the 5 championship rounds and even scored some knockdowns as well as a veracious ground and pound assault. As the forth round began, Coenen realized she only had 2 rounds to pull of the win she could kiss her championship goodbye. When Carmouche had her on the canvas in the 4th round. Coenen locked up a miraculous Triangle Choke, a fairly tough submission to perform, forcing Carmouche to tap out, giving Coenan the win and her belt.
I thought this event was significant to our topic because a sport such a Mixed Martial Arts is labeled as dangerous and barbaric and while most promotions do not have a women's division, Strikeforce understands that women want to compete as well and the promotion even looks at the division in the same light as the men. This is evident by Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker putting them in the co main event position, higher positions then former men's champions and contenders that were also on the card.
Although she was beaten for the majority of the contest, Coenen walked away at the champion and gained the respect of fans and journalists alike. Carmouche also walked away stronger, as she is now viewed as a tough contender after proving herself on such a high level of competition.
http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/03/05/champ-comes-back-marloes-coenen-submits-liz-carmouche/
Michael J. Trimarco
Kin 338I Women In Sport 4779
Going into the fight, Carmouche was a huge underdog who had never competed on a Strikeforce event. But as the fight began, it was clear that Carmouche belonged in the same cage as the champion. Using her superior striking skills, she dominated Coenen for 3 of the 5 championship rounds and even scored some knockdowns as well as a veracious ground and pound assault. As the forth round began, Coenen realized she only had 2 rounds to pull of the win she could kiss her championship goodbye. When Carmouche had her on the canvas in the 4th round. Coenen locked up a miraculous Triangle Choke, a fairly tough submission to perform, forcing Carmouche to tap out, giving Coenan the win and her belt.
I thought this event was significant to our topic because a sport such a Mixed Martial Arts is labeled as dangerous and barbaric and while most promotions do not have a women's division, Strikeforce understands that women want to compete as well and the promotion even looks at the division in the same light as the men. This is evident by Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker putting them in the co main event position, higher positions then former men's champions and contenders that were also on the card.
Although she was beaten for the majority of the contest, Coenen walked away at the champion and gained the respect of fans and journalists alike. Carmouche also walked away stronger, as she is now viewed as a tough contender after proving herself on such a high level of competition.
http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/03/05/champ-comes-back-marloes-coenen-submits-liz-carmouche/
Michael J. Trimarco
Kin 338I Women In Sport 4779
History Made in San Anita Handicap
Chantal Sutherland became the first female to win the San Anita Handicap in its 74 runs. She rode on, 14-1 long shot, Game on Dude who is the son of another great horse Awesome Again. But the excitement was short lived due to a supposed inquiry in a bumping incident between Chantal and another rider. After deliberation there was a majority ruling to leave Chantal and Game on Dude as the winners. There was a lot of dissatisfaction coming from the stands and other riders when Chantal was guided to the winners podium. History was still made but not the way some would have liked it.
I personally do not know much about horse racing, but I find it sad that so many people put a damper on such a momentous occasion. From what I read, there were three stewards who deliberated over the inquiry and 2-1 found Chantal as the winner. The second place rider, who would have won if the disqualification had gone through, stated "It's the wrong decision. I don't know why it took so long...those three stewards, they don't know what they're looking at." It almost seems like some didn't want a female to win this race, when the stewards who are appointed to decide whether a person is cheating made the decision to keep her as the winner. There was more commotion about the decisions of the stewards than the race and the winner herself. The article didn't give much information about Chantal and her past accomplishments but this one will go in the record books.
Douglas Donnenfield
Kin 338i sec 5
I personally do not know much about horse racing, but I find it sad that so many people put a damper on such a momentous occasion. From what I read, there were three stewards who deliberated over the inquiry and 2-1 found Chantal as the winner. The second place rider, who would have won if the disqualification had gone through, stated "It's the wrong decision. I don't know why it took so long...those three stewards, they don't know what they're looking at." It almost seems like some didn't want a female to win this race, when the stewards who are appointed to decide whether a person is cheating made the decision to keep her as the winner. There was more commotion about the decisions of the stewards than the race and the winner herself. The article didn't give much information about Chantal and her past accomplishments but this one will go in the record books.
Douglas Donnenfield
Kin 338i sec 5
Danica Patrick sets historic FEMALE mark...
During this past weekend (march 4-6) was the Las Vegas NASCAR weekend. Mark Martin won the race, but a more significant event took place. Racer Danica Patrick set a NASCAR female mark! She placed fourth which is the best finish for a woman in a national NASCAR race since Sara Christian, who placed fifth at Pittsburgh in the year 1949. An article from FOX Sports wrote, "The race will most likely be remembered for Danica Patrick’s history-making run and not the last-lap dramatics.” Earlier this year she became the first woman to lead a major NASCAR race at the Daytona International Speedway. While all these accomplishments are significant and great, Patrick continues to have to deal with gender-related comments, accomplishments etc. She finds herself continuing to have to deflect gender-related accomplishments. On Saturday March 5th, she was quoted saying, “I don’t think about trying to achieve the highest finishing position for a female…I think about trying to win the race.” This is a perfect example how gender still plays such a big role in sports. Why is it that her gender has to be brought up in the reports? She should be recognized as another racer making historic marks and she should be recognized as an athlete, putting her gender aside. It proves we, as a society, still have ways to go in this area. Luckily, Patrick’s achievements this year already are making comments, such as the one stated above, much more credible!
-Justine Segovia
kin 338I.S5
Girl Pitchers Facing Off Against Eachother
In Lake Balboa, California this past weekend marked what is said to be, "the first time in high school history" where two girl pitchers faced off against each other in a high school baseball game. Both Marti Sementelli and Ghazaleh Sailors of Birmingham High School and San Marcos High in Santa Barbara respectively had starting positions and played solid games. Even though Sementelli came out with the win, the statement behind this game was more important.
When Sementelli first came to the team her teammates were surprised and even said, "A girl, whoa." But then they realized how good she was and accepted her in such a male dominated sport. Her coach, Matt Lowry was quoted saying, "It's a great thing. I've never heard of it happening in high school sports where a girl's going to face a girl in an all-boy-dominated sport." An interesting fact is that there are roughly around 365 girls playing high school baseball in California but none have pitched against each other. Sementelli has said that there are uncomfortable situations but feels as though they are all her brothers. She was quoted saying, "they stick by no matter what... but they are very protective of me."
Having baseball as a male-dominated sport and now seeing a few hundred girls getting involved in high school baseball is a modern day League of Their Own. It just makes me think that having such a story on the news will bring more awareness to other girls that want to also play baseball in high school. I know that they will likely face issues like Sementelli did when she first joined the team. Her teammates were unsure of playing with a girl, but once they saw how good she was they accepted her. But one must ask, why should it come down to how good she is to make her acceptable to her teammates? Is that fair to her? The bigger question is how can the school and coaches make it easier for the athlete to be more accepted no matter if the player is a boy or girl or what kind of talent level they are at. Having this story come out will hopefully bring more awareness and help to change people's minds about girls entering male-dominated sports.
Jodie Goya
T/Th 2:00
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Step Toward Equality
For the first time in the 10-year history of the Women's NCAA Pac-10 Basketball Tournament game will be played in an NBA venue. The first two rounds of the women's events will be held at the University of Southern California's arena, the Galen Center. However, the semi-finals and title game will be held in the Staples Center. This marks a step toward equality in sports for women because this is the first time the men's basketball teams will have to share the NBA venue with the women's teams. This event is of great importance to women's sports because of the exposure that this venue will provide. Spectators, most notably young girls, may be more inspired to pursue their athletic goals after seeing members of the same gender participating in such a grand venue. This is definitely an improvement from the beginning, where women were not even allowed to participate in sports without people criticizing their femininity.
Karla Veliz
Kin 338i
Sec 5
Karla Veliz
Kin 338i
Sec 5
Women’s Struggle for Equality in Sports
Patriarchal American challenged the idea that women should be able to participate in competitive sports. Women playing sports before 1972, when Title IX was signed, faced fierced complaintsdue to issues of race, gender, and power. One of the most devastating challenges during the 1920's was that the Women's Division of the National Amateur Athletic Federation (WD-NAAF) argued that sports for women should not be so competitive. Women attending colleges, after such suggestions made by the WD-NAAF, had to get involved in play days instead of inter-scholastic or collegiate competition until the 1960's. During these times professional women athletes like Babe Didrikson and Jackie Mitchell endured rumors of their sexuality as women playing sports. Women playing baseball and African American track runners first had to look pretty, second be a scholar, and third devote time to their sport. When Title IX was abided in court, women athletic directors decided to organize the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). The AIAW grew in popularity, this infuriated male supremacy in sport ideologist, causing the NCAA to start organizing tournaments for women. Women were neglected from positions of power since the NCAA now controls both female and male sports. I believe that women do not share the same opportunities that men do in the world of sports, even after Title IX was passed. The current atmosphere around women in sports is being separate but equal, just like the Civil Right's Movement.
Nathan Johnson
Kin 338i
Nathan Johnson
Kin 338i
Texas coach leads team to victory hours after giving birth
Amber Branson just might be the most dedicated coach to her team, and guess what she’s a woman. Less than twenty four hours after giving birth Coach Branson was back coaching her high school girls basketball team to victory. Instead of taking time off, like most women need after giving birth, she returned to the bench and lead her team, the Indians, to a come from behind victory to send them to the state semifinals for the first time in eight years. Personally, I think this takes a lot of commitment and dedication on her part. She is there for the team when they need her the most and is helping to lead them towards a state title. Reading through some of the comments on the bottom of the articles many people view her actions in a negative way. Some call her a “control freak” for not entrusting her assistant coaches, others say she’s abandoning her child, she is not focused on her family, and she’s an “idiot” for leaving her child so quickly. I think that these people are vastly over reacting. It’s not like she completely abandoned her child and left her out in the cold. I wonder if these people would react the same way if a male coach was back to coach his team toward a state championship after his wife gave birth.
Jason Hermann
Kin 338i. S6
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Where Are The Women Coaches?
I never thought about how few female head coaches there are until our discussion in class. However, after hearing the statistics of fewer than 17% of both male and female teams have a female head coach I felt inequality. Why is it that I grew up with expecting all my coaches to be men? Why should I assume that a man would know the best strategies for woman's sport? My experience with male head coaches started when I first began playing. My coaches were always Fathers of other girls on the team. I also assumed it was ever Fathers' dream to teach their child to play sports, but how come Mothers did not share this dream? The Mothers were the team mom or score keeper as if they would know enough to actually coach a team to victory. Based on my experiences with coaches, I have always viewed male coaches to be great leaders for female athletes. They were loud, aggressive, and knowledgable of the game. I never had any issues being assigned male coaches over female. I believe this is a serious problem that young girls are fed from when they first start playing. All of their coaches are male and they have good experiences with them, not that could have got the same coaching ability from a female. The young girls get use to having male coaches and do not argue for the opportunity for a female head coach. This also feeds into girls do not experiencing great female coaches, so they do not pictures themselves being a great coach in the future. Our discussion in class brought up several other great explanations for the shortage of female coaches. One that particularly caught my attention was female head coaches are labeled to be gay or constantly under stress about defending their sexuality. This is just adds to the reason woman do not grow up thinking they want to be coach for a living. It is a sad reality that I hope woman can change in the future.
Gennifer Kluver
KIN 338I 9:30-10:45
"Workout clothing goes sleek and versatile"
As I was researching women and sports I came across an article in the LA Times, titled “Workout clothing goes sleek and versatile” it basically talked about a new women’s workout clothing line, which included sleeker thinner outfits. Vice president of merchandising, design and product development for Athleta Kelly Cooper said, “Women want to look good while exercising,". It went on about how women needed to dress “skimpier” in order to be motivated to hit the gym. Furthermore the article elaborates on the new style describing tops and bottoms.
In my opinion what you wear while working out does not affect your results, granted proper shoes, gym shorts and top be worn. My personal experience on going to the gym I always see the women who wear the sexier looking outfits more relaxed and taking it easy. This may not be the case for all women, but the majority of women who I have seen wearing tighter clothing always seem more worried about their makeup running, or who is looking at them. On the other hand you have the women who seem to really be into their workout sweating and panting, and they don’t seem to be worried about their clothing. Again it goes back to stereotyping women, claiming that by wearing sexier clothing motivates women to workout. When it is not always the case.
Ana Medrano, KIN 338I T-Th 9:30-10:45
In my opinion what you wear while working out does not affect your results, granted proper shoes, gym shorts and top be worn. My personal experience on going to the gym I always see the women who wear the sexier looking outfits more relaxed and taking it easy. This may not be the case for all women, but the majority of women who I have seen wearing tighter clothing always seem more worried about their makeup running, or who is looking at them. On the other hand you have the women who seem to really be into their workout sweating and panting, and they don’t seem to be worried about their clothing. Again it goes back to stereotyping women, claiming that by wearing sexier clothing motivates women to workout. When it is not always the case.
Ana Medrano, KIN 338I T-Th 9:30-10:45
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Equality in sports? Women arent there yet.
I was scrolling through google news when i found this article called "Equality in Sports? Women arent there yet".
Basically it goes through all the instances that women have been denied entry into sports. They used the winter olympics saying that even then in 2010, women were denied to enter for ski jumping because of medical concerns. Who ever said it was up to the government or the ioc or others in general to tell us as women what we should and shouldnt do?! What if we wanted to do a dangerous sport and accept the risks that come with it? I mean im sure those ski jumpers know that, and still want to do it just the same.
The article showed another example about fighting, how the 2012 olympics will be the first time women will be entered to fight. The argument for this 15 years ago was that our menstrual cycle makes us "unstable". What a crock!! That is a general ideology, or stereotype, not everyone acts crazy and pissed off like everyone thinks. Even if that is the case, then why not just let them box but not when they are on their menstrual cycle?? It makes no sense, there are ways around these excuses people make for not allowing women into these types of sports, and instead of denying them completely they should make some exceptions.
They talked about how Carleton University in Ottawa was trying to make a balance and to do that they cut out a bunch of boys sports, even completely took out football. Does that really show equality? That in order to make women equal they have to deny men the sports they also crave and love?? Equality should be letting women play the same sports at the same time right along men.
I am not a feminist, and do not solely represent women, but when people deny women because of popular beliefs, its ridiculous, why not let them prove themselves, and THEN make a decision on whether or not it should be allowed. Just like back in the day when everyone thought running would cause women's ovaries to fall out, it was proven that it wouldnt happen, and now? Now we have women running as far as they can whenever they can. I know for the case of the ski jumping, it is dangerous, but every other ski event is dangerous, people get hurt both men and women every olympics, why not include it? Or before making the decision to not include it, try it out??
This article is a good article detailing all the history and present issues with equality in sports today. If anyone wants to read it here is the link: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Equality+sports+Women+aren+there/4368587/story.html
Lyndsay Eden
Kin 338-i section 4779/5681
tuthurs 930
The results are in!
Today, March 3, 2011, the new study regarding racial and gender hiring practices was released for the NCAA. The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport released the report at the University of Central Florida. This was the first report since 2008 so the grades included data from both the 2009 and 2010 report. The report includes data collected from schools in Divisions I, II, and III. Although the numbers increased more dramatically for racial hiring practices, this blog is specific to gender hiring practices.
The overall grade received for gender hiring practices was a B, which is better than the previous C+ received in 2008. The highest marks received were in women’s basketball head coaches, assistant coaches for all women’s teams and senior women’s administrators. Other categories receiving excellent grades were gender hiring at both NCAA headquarters and administration in athletic departments. Categories receiving F’s were conference commissioners and Division I athletic directors.
In all, the NCAA was very pleased to see an increase in women’s participation in coaching and administration positions in sports. I too was pleased to see improvement but think there is still a TON of room for improvement. One such area for improvement includes the involvement of women in men’s sports. I think the only way to successfully show equality among men and women is for a female coach to be seen as the head coach for a men’s program. A few candidates to accomplish such a feat are Pat Summit (University of Tennessee), Tara VanDerveer (Stanford), and Joanne McCallie (Duke University).
It is a bittersweet day for women because they have shown good signs of improvement but are still not satisfied with the results. I wish women the best of luck with future improvements.
Ricky Malott
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)