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
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I think this is so interesting, considering how we do stereotype male athletes as the 'dumb jock' it isn't too surprising to see an actual statistic attached to it. At the same time I kind of find it super stereotypical, I mean not every male-athlete is like that. I feel that things like this that show “problems” with the male-athletes in our society tend to give them a bad rep. I am sure that there is plenty of men that have gotten an education and have worked hard to be were they are at. Not to undermine what women have to do to get ahead as an athlete, which is a lot more and I'm sure everyone can agree with that, but they get to not be stereotyped in this way. No one thinks of the dumb female athlete, If anything they're too butch or too educated in how their body works to do any good in the standards of society. That's the one label women don't have to fight off, stupidity. I also do think that women not having to deal with this is the fact that they don't get endorsements or “free rides” in any college of their choosing, but at the same time can't the glorification we are handing these male athletes in doing so helping pump their stereotype?
Paola Jaime
T/TH 2-3:25
KIN 338I
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