Females and Football?

  Yesterday I posted a link on our class Twitter page to an article titled, “Soccer Star Isom Doesn’t Make LSU Team.” It tells of Mo Isom, a senior and former goalkeeper for LSU’s women’s soccer team and how she tried out as a kickoff specialist for her school’s football team. Though she didn’t make the team (only one female has played at the FBS level), she has been invited back to try out again in August.

            Several aspects of this article grabbed my interest. First of all, the headline doesn’t mention that Isom is a female. The article itself does mention this and spends a few sentences to inform readers only one female has previously played at that level, and last year another female unsuccessfully tried out as kicker at Virginia Tech. Overall the article spends more words describing how Isom’s try out went and her accomplishments on LSU’s soccer team, all without evaluating the events based on her gender or sex. Unfortunately, a fair majority of comments posted after the article by readers concern Isom’s appearance. For me, the way the article was written is a parallel to how those intimately involved in the sports world are knowledgeable of the progress women have made, and though gender is still somewhat of a focus, hopefully we’ve reached a point where achievements are more notable. The disgusting comments following the article are a reflection of how the general public is unaware of the obstacles female athletes have faced, how the progress that has been made is taken for granted, and how there is still progress to be made. 

-Therese Weed

Kin 338I; Wednesdays 4-6:45

Comment for Therese Weed's Blog:

      Therese Weed said the headline did not mention that Isom was a women. I do not see where she is coming from because articles on Cristiano Ronaldo do not state that he is male in the title. I think Mo Isom is a competitive soccer player that does not give up and I love her deterministic attitude. I am happy that Isom did make the football team because she was well qualified.

     I like how Therese Weed recognized the obstacles still faced for female athletes. For instance, how the comments for the articles reflected her appearance rather her skills. I wish people would not talk about appearances like they defined Isom but instead how their accomplishments have fortunately got them where they are today. I believe by confronting these issues we need to acknowledge they exist and not be in denial about gender inequalities.

Avery Joharchi

Kin 332I

T/Th 9:30-10:45

Women Athletes Deserve More Respect.

I understand that one of the biggest industrial markets in today's society is sports; sports generate billions of dollars every year in revenue from ticket sales, food, group rates, fan gear, etc. Aside from all that, there's a concept one needs to know between professional athletes both men and women; their is a line that divides them and it's one that should be broken altogether.

 For men, it seems like they are always criticized starting with their collegiate career. Actually, it's surprising that even middle school boys are being scouted before they are even in high school and have their athletic future predicted. I understand that men's sports are a big deal; they are paid to compete at the highest level despite many tempting factors such as women interested only in their money, unnecessary spending, and time management especially when playing on the road. However, it seems these athletes are placed on pedestals and seen as gods by children and adults alike. For instance, Kobe Bryant is arguably the best player in the NBA with comparisons similar to Michael Jordan. In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault in Colorado while being married to his wife. Less than a decade later, Kobe Bryant is once again praised by becoming the reigning MVP and delivering back to back championships for the Lakers. Did we just happen to forget that this is the same man who was accused of sexual assault against a woman out of her will? There are stories like that all the time, with players bringing guns to the locker room or charges for assault and battery, but it seems these male athletes always still get the benefit, and all they need is a solid season.

After these revelations from men's sports, I feel like women should be treated with the same, if not higher respect than their male comrades. From a history perspective, women have always been the "underdog" in professional sports; with society taking their accomplishments for granted. For example, women's soccer was only made popular after the U.S Olympics when Hope Solo and the entire U.S Women's Team began winning. Unfortunately, those weren't the type of highlights you see on ESPN during the regular season. These women in professional sports are given the same rules and regulations as male athletes; they are given a higher than average salary and forced to manage their own time among family, friend, practice, and away games. However, you don't hear too many stories about women athletes going bankrupt or women bringing guns to practice. These women DESERVE so much respect, because as professional athletes, they stick to acting PROFESSIONAL. Rather than see what temptations can bring, they understand how they are competing at the highest levels, acting righteously as role models. It's not so easy for them either; Candace Parker, a profound WNBA Player with hopes of the Hall of Fame, got pregnant in 2003 after having dominant seasons. After being pregnant, that meant she would need to take one year off before returning to the floor. It takes a lot of professionalism and sacrifice to get back into basketball shape after pregnancy.
Women athletes know that; before they sign contracts, they know pregnancy is a big factor during the season and that issue alone and how they approach it deems much respect.

I just feel that although we live in a society where men's sports ultimately bring more fans and revenue, women athletes deserve so much credit not only for their true athleticism, but they way they carry themselves as athletes; the way they act on and off the court. I know that I have the utmost respect for professional women athletes because of their triumphs and hard work, but it's time we let society know as well.

By: Eric Macalalad
Kin 338i, Wed: 4-6:45PM

Women's Male Sports Popularity

I have wondered why some of women’s sports tend to suffer from popularity when compared to those of men sports. (Especially when you look at mainstream sports like basketball, baseball/softball, etc.) Even putting women up in lingerie can’t seem to get women’s football higher than a novelty sport. But I believe this occurs for two reasons. First, women are playing a sport that has already an established as a male sport. I say this because there has been attempts in the past, not gender specific, that tried to become popular by competing with a fan base that has already been established. For instance, in 2000 the XFL was created as a football league when the NFL was on its offseason and after one season it had ceased operations. The second reason I think might be that some of these sports are altered versions of men sports. For instance, the WNBA has a smaller ball size, a shorter 3-point arc and smaller game quarters lengths. I think this may turn fans away because that same sport is already being played on a higher competitive level. That is not to say that the women in these sports are not talented, but it’s hard to take away the fan base of something that was first to strike.

Efrain P.

Kin 338i - Section

Wednesday 4:00 - 6:45

LGBT Coming Out

In writing my panel position paper I realized how important it is to for men and women to be able to express their sexuality and feel safe doing so. Having LGBT athletes come out and be an inspiration for others to feel comfortable to come out. Projects such as the "You can Play" has shown professional athletes that that many other people are in support of LGBT coming out in the open. There's also schools which have incorporated programs and workshops in their lists of options for their students to feel free and be open.  They focus on making schools safe for LGBT students by providing them with a resource to refer to for any concerns, or questions they may have regarding their sexuality With the help of these heterosexual athletic figures, hopefully every homosexual in sports will be able to come out comfortably and share their lives publicly with everyone. A person’s sexual preference should never affect the way people treat them or opportunities given. With the momentum of everyone getting involved in standing against this discrimination, the only factor that will hinder an athlete or coach from having a successful career will be their performance alone.

Stephanie Bruschini

KIN 338I S-2

Lesbians Coming Out in Sports

Lesbians should be able to come out into sports.(i know this is my discussion topic, but hell i feel pretty strong about it)  Out of all the reasons I found the thing that struck me the most was the suicide rate among lesbian teens. 38% of the teen lesbians polled (N=30,000) have tried to commit suicide, While straight teens were at about 8%. That’s over four times the amount. Counseling, anti-bullying and overall acceptance are obvious was to curve this but what I think will really help is if more athletes start to come out. We have seen kids in massive poverty escape gang life through sports by looking up to their sports heroes who have also “come from nothing”. If we get more girls to come out then I believe this attempted suicide rate will curve greatly. There have been past sports stars to come out but these ladies came out still when society was very hush about sexual orientation. Now, more than ever, our society is more accepting of the LGBT community. So I believe that if a group of lesbians in sport agreed to come out at the same time then it would be a statement that they are proud and it is “okay to be gay”. When younger, depressed, closet lesbians see this they will have someone to relate to, and instead of feeling alone they will have somebody to look up to. They will know that their sexual orientation is welcomed in mainstream society.

Im not arguing LGBT rights, marriage or anything like that, but I am stating that teen suicide could be curved. When I worked as an EMT up in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties (Richmond, Oakland, Hayward ect) I have had contacts with suicidal teens on 5150 holds (psychiatric hold, basically deemed a danger to themselves or others). Nothing was sadder when a young kid wanted to take their own life. If Lesbians were able to come out in sport and be accepted, and it changed just one girl’s thoughts of suicide it would be well worth it.

Matt Lendvay
338i
W 4-650

A perfect Cinderella a Story

While ending the season with a superb home record of 10 wins and 3 loses, the 49ers struggled on the road all season long. This was the main reason why the team was the 7th seed going into the Big West tournament. Many doubted them because they were now going into the tournament facing their first opponent on the road where they have struggled season long. Their first opponent was Cal State Northridge, a team which they battled with during the season. The previous meeting between these two teams was decided by a thrilling double overtime victory by the 49ers. This game was going to be a really tough game to win especially on the road. Going into the tournament as the 7th seed, the niners were here to put up a fight. In game 1 they outlasted and defeated Cal State Northridge 57052. Following game 1 was another victory over Cal Poly by a score of 51-48. Everyone's attention was on Cal State Long Beach. The team that went into the tournament as the number 7seed stunned everyone by making it to the championship game. The magical run made Cal State Long Beach the first team in Big West history to know off the number 1 and 2 seed to advance to the title game. During the championship game the 49ers put up a fight against the guchos. The game consisted of runs by both teams. UC Santa Barbara ended the half by having a 21-20 over the 49ers. As the second had started, both teams started off ice cold. The first basket was scored by the guachos with 17 minutes left. Following the basket was a 14-6 run by the gauchos. The 49ers were not going home without a fight. Therefore, Long Beach responded and took a 39-38 lead with 8 minutes to play. Both teams were trading baskets back and forth until UC Santa Barbara outlasted the niners by a final score of 63-54. Even though Long Beach did not win the Big West title the players have made everyone proud. Especially their 3rd year head coach Jody Wynn who stated "As a coach staff, we are very proud of what this team has accomplished." This historical Cinderella run is now in the history books and will be remembered by all. What a thrilling run it was for the women's basketball team.

Kin 338i
Nancy Dinh
(W) 4-6:45pm

Title IX, C'mon!

We have gone over plenty of different cases for women so far in this class, and I have learned about great achievements that have been marginalized. The most interesting subject to me that we have covered so far is the information about Title IX. My debate is on this topic, arguing that it needs to be improved. At first, I was thinking it is fine and nothing should be changed, but after a brief presentation by Dr. Kauer my mind has changed.  The statistic, 85% of colleges are still not in compliance with Title IX blew my mind!
Yes, there are laws in place dealing with Title IX for schools to follow but what good are they if they are never enforced. Enforcement is the real issue here! There are currently three options if someone wants to enforce the Title IX law against the school. They are in-house compliant, OCR compliant, and lawsuit. The most effective is lawsuit, but who has the money to go head- to- head with big schools and their big lawyers? I think the Office Civil Rights committee needs to step up and make sure that schools who receive government money, comply with Title IX. If that means everyone loses then fine, and in order for change to happen a big statement must be made. Once schools begin to see that the OCR will enforce, schools will have no choice but to hop on board the Title IX wagon.

Michael Ikemura
KIN 338i.S2      

Thus Far...

Up until now the readings for this course have been interesting and connected in numerous ways. Each historical period we have learned about have had different influences on women in sport, but all seem to correlate with one another. For instance, the "pedestriennes" faced some of the same hardships from their society as those women who were ridiculed for their performance in the softball games, track and field sports, and basketball. I have always wanted to take a course that focused on women in our society through any channel because any way one studies women will turn back to how we are in our society TODAY. Here is a perfect example, and we talked about this in class last week. Women in our earlier history were not granted the same privileges to participate in a sport, they were judged for their stellar performances because their bodies were not feminine enough. They were supposed to be housewives and perform duties of the home and take care of the children. They were not supposed to focus their efforts on being an active and competitive athlete. This way of life had an influence on how many and who supported and competed in sports. Today, yes, we do see a significant amount of women in sports, but those same womanly expectations are still present. Women all over the world are judged for their bodies, even if you are not in a sport. The objective to be thin, beautiful, and feminine is still present. The thought that women should stay home to care for the home, their children, and their husbands is still present even though we see dual income families. Now with the economy it is difficult to live off of only one income, so women are forced to work and pursue careers. But, women are still given grief for working. Where do we draw the line? When will women be accepted by society in any role? In any organization there are a few different levels that make it operate. There are member who have roles, ranks, and controls. It seems to me that in our society women are not fully accepted in any role, on any ranking, or in any position to be in control. This can reflect athletes, professionals, politicians, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, etc. I guess my main questions is, will women ever dominate men? Or will men always have the upper hand no matter how much our world changes for the good or bad?

Chelsie Kurz
Kin338I