Sports have traditionally been a man's domain, just as beauty shops and hair salons have traditionally been a woman's domain. But times have changed, men can be seen at nail salons getting a manicure or pedicure (which is by the way extremely attractive from a woman's point of view), or in the hair salon getting braided or twisted up and no one thinks twice- though the sistas may make some suggestive glances.
But what about women stepping foot in the man's domain- that great arena of sports where there are victors and spoils, losers and bragging rights? Can women ever be taken seriously as sports experts?
The evolution of women participating in sports has a lot to do with the passing of Title IX in 1972, which states that "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance" (Wikipedia.com).
Title IX launched a new era in women's sports. With federal funding more female sports programs were created in elementary schools up to colleges and universities. Female participation soared with new found encouragement.
Little girls, like me discovered the love for physical activity, the adrenaline of fierce competition and the rewards of increased confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills through active participation in sports. Without a doubt I know that my years as a basketball playing student-athlete have influenced my "can-do" attitude and fearless ambition in the world outside of sports. Sports have been a normal and indeed cherished part of a multitude of women's lives for the past 40+ years.
Isn't it about time that women are taken seriously as sports experts?
Well, yes and no.
I'm a woman, but I'm also a realist.
Women can have great knowledge of all sports from ice hockey to competitive cheerleading, but women do not participate regularly in all sports. Some sports are still heavily dominated by men, such as football and hockey (even though there is increasing participation in the Women's Professional Football League, check my WPFL article). There are women that play these sports but they are not the average.
Women can be sports experts in the sports that they have actively participated in. With that said if a woman has studied football and played football then she may qualify as a sports expert in football. Many women play basketball, tennis, and soccer along with other sports. Since they have knowledge of the game along with personal experience and study they are called experts in their field. In my opinion a woman can have knowledge of any sport, but she is not an "expert" if she has never been a participant immersed in the sport.
Am I wrong for believing this? Tell me if I am, I'm open to criticism, and can admit when I'm wrong, if I am wrong.
But I stand by my word:
Knowledge of the game is the prime characteristic of a sports expert, determined by years of study and actual experience.
For women to be sports experts they must participate fully and study the game. That's not to say that women can't comment on sports with few female participants, they are prone to have an educated opinion due to a general knowledge of sports. But it's not fair to expect someone who has not participated in a sport to know the particulars and specifics about what goes on outside of a generalized overview.
Adamant research and individual experience in sports participation increases the chance of women becoming sports experts. If she takes the time to research, study and play the sport she loves there's no reason not to call her an expert in her field.
I rather look their boobs than hear them talk, sorry
ummmm is that you Shanae? If so can I get an autograph
It is very sad that when we are about to elect a woman to the white house that women sports reporters are just seen as sex objects. It is really disgusting.
I think it is difficult for women in a lot of professional to be taken seriously if they are very attractive it is a societal problem in my opinion
Did you say boobs?
I love the article Shanae very insighful
As a woman who is now studying journalism in college I hope the times are changing
great article
I think if the female is professional and not showing her ass and tits every 5 secs that she will be respected
Yes, but I think this is disputable post.
My first internet- experience was not successful. But anyway I keep posting from time to time. All information online is for people to discuss. I think this is the most important thing why internet is so popular everywhere
One Comment on“ Mexico- March 6 deadline for spring- break flights” sadness Says: