As I read this article I kept the same opposing viewpoint
that I had when we discussed this topic in class. If sports were divided and
organized by skill, I do not think I would be a dominant activist towards
either side, however I do have opinions on where it would take sport. In my
honest opinion, I would almost consider this a step backwards in the gender
equity battle. If more women were allowed in Men’s sports and it was based upon
skill alone, I do not think that we would see an increased roll of women in
sport. In fact, I feel that this would discourage women and that we would see
fewer women involved in sport.
The fact of the matter is that a dominant female athlete
most likely would not compete at a high level consistently with male athletes.
With this in mind, I do not think we would see the great stories of female
athletes inspiring younger generations to compete and get involved. If Jennie
Finch had played against males in baseball her whole career and took part in
baseball on the national level, I do not think we would have seen her make a
difference in the race for female empowerment or inspire female softball
players around the world.
As much as I believe in gender equity and the existence of
women’s sports, I tend to believe that separated sports do more good for women
then combining them would. This allows for women to be given a chance to
succeed at the most proper physical level, while keeping them very much
involved in the scene and future of sport.
Hunter,
ReplyDeleteI think you made some really interesting points. If we did allow the all-star female athletes play on male teams and they decided to play with the men, there really wouldn't be any all-star women athletes competing in women’s sports. I think that would lead to even less popularity of women’s sports which would most likely discourage more females from playing sports.
I do agree that combining them could be damaging to women’s sports, but I wonder how they would affect men’s sports. It could possibly lead to an increase in attendance and TV viewers because more women might be interested in watching. However, I do agree with you that they should stay separated.
-Erin