Devin Sweeney Lynch #3 Is Sexism Getting Better?

Within our class discussions and readings, we learned that there is sexism dwelling in our society. The media helps display the way women should look, and consequently, everyday activities, such as sports, tend to follow this idea. For a long time, sexism has been inherent in sports, and over the years, women have gained some sense of equality, yet it has not been enough. In particular, old sports, such as baseball and basketball have had more difficulties actually providing women with equal support. In the upcoming sports, such as Ultimate Frisbee and electronic sports (eSports), women have begun to appear as an equal and have been displayed as less sexist. Most of the traditionally American sports have had sexist complications with women appearing weaker as well as their outfits seen as objectifying. Pat Russos Soccer and Ideology highlights that the role of women in society is to be a sexual [object] for men (Russo). Womens attire in many sports is seen to be tight fitting to accentuate their bodies. Female players also tend to show more skin, so they are revealing more of their body. In volleyball, most women wear tight speedos and sports bras. In this sense, it appears that women are wearing this attire for the mans desire (class). On top of this objectification, Russo illustrates that female players are seen as less good and less demanding (Russo). For instance, within ice hockey, women play without contact unlike the men. This portrays the female players as weak and definitely not aggressive. This notion is present in the lack of spectators at womens hockey and basketball games compared to those of mens. More extremely, the Syracuse Mens Basketball game tickets cost about 50

Sweeney Lynch 2/3 dollars, and the womens games are free. In many sports, it appears that the general public focuses on men more than that of women (Class). Within Ultimate (Frisbee) and eSports women both physically and mentally are viewed differently. Ultimate is a growing sport, originating in the late 1900s and only really beginning to take strides within the last decade. Unlike many other sports, Ultimate does not have an umpire or a referee and relies on Spirit of the Game. I believe it is this aspect of the game along with its relatively newness to the world that we can experience a less sexist game. In the Ultimate scene, there are both men and womens teams, but there are also mixed teams incorporating four men and three women per team on the field. The sport is played exactly the same way, such as the field size, the type of disc, and the rules of the game for both men and women. Within the actually game play, women are not viewed as pretty, weak, or aggressive. For instance, I have witnessed many accounts of female players knocking into each other as well as male players. Also, women players will dive for the disc or stay close to another person and aggressively run for the disc. As well as being perceived equally to men on the field, their attire speaks well towards woman. Most Ultimate Frisbee players, especially on the more organized level wear similar clothing which comes from only a couple of different companies, such as Five and VC Ultimate, which specialize in Ultimate gear. This equipment is almost identical between the sexes and consists of a jersey t-shirt and loose shorts. While there are different sizes for men and women, female players barely show anymore skin than male players. Along with Ultimate Frisbee, there are other new rising sports that help show less sexist ways. ESports as well has begun to spread and feature women much more differently than most sports. Specifically the video game Starcraft 2, where players control armies to destroy each

Sweeney Lynch 3/3 other with similar concepts to that of Chess, presents considerable differences that reflect womens equality within this sport. First of all, the game is almost entirely viewed without actually seeing the person behind game. This is an obvious portrayal that women are not being objectified because spectators really cannot tell the difference between when a female or a male plays the game. During big tournaments, players are actually seen on stage, and their clothes almost always reflect their specific team, similar to that of other sports. I have never seen female players wearing skimpy outfits because quite honestly it would most likely be too uncomfortable to play. I understand that compared to men in eSports, there are not that many women that play, but it is noticeable that within the game, they are just as respected as the men. There is virtually no difference between the gameplay of a female or male, and along with this, I have never seen or heard of male players criticizing women for their weakness in the game. Sexism within sports is difficult to directly relate to the classroom, especially considering I will be working in Math. I think I will be able to help perpetuate the idea of women not being any different from men because I have a background in sports, Ultimate and eSports, where women are respected. If I help the school with inter mural sports, I can apply my knowledge this way. Also, I will for instance be able to relate my class problems towards female players. For instance, I may describe that Jessica is up to bat, and Christine is pitching the ball. There are infinitely examples where you can use female players instead of the more common male players. I think as educators we will value women in sports just as equally as men, even if it is through a simple problem which we never thought about before. Both Ultimate Frisbee and eSports have made me come to the understanding that sexism is getting better. Realizing that sports may be leaning towards less sexist values gives hope for the future for women.