Women are only good for cooking, cleaning, and bearing/rearing children. Women aren’t intelligent enough to communicate with God, have any say in politics, or have professions and careers. So they most certainly aren’t capable of dunking a basketball on a ten foot rim. “Go make me a sandwich, woman!”
All completely false statements… and not to mention INSULTING! These are what we call gender roles (future blog?), and they are not pretty! The one I am specifically addressing in this particular post is the statement that: Women simply aren’t physically able to dunk.
Though our gender wasn’t the same as the inventor of the sport, James Naismith, nor were we the first to dunk, we have potential just like all men. Yes, I admit. It is easier for men to dunk due to their “superior athletic abilities,” physicality, and body types. And yes, I also admit that the typical body type of a female is “pear” shaped. Meaning that we have narrow shoulders, wide hips, and filled-out butts, generally carrying more fat than muscle to accommodate the children we give our husbands.
However, the world and its inhabitants are constantly evolving. People are getting taller, faster, and stronger due to things like steroids and hormones given to cows that make our milk taste better or weightlifting classes offered in schools. Women are becoming athletes too, as obvious by the Olympics this past summer. And we do it while being “drop-dead gorgeous.”
Although there is a higher percentage of NBA (National Basketball Association) players that can dunk than WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association), we are slowly climbing. More and more women are and will continue to “throw it down” in games. Players like Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie (first ever), Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, and…you guessed it, Brittney Griner. All with far above average height and wingspans to match. Their vertical leaps aren’t too shabby either.
These women are extraordinary athletes and extraordinary WOMEN! They are able to do things that regular men would “kill” to be able to do. So next time you think about dissing on a girl or not letting her join your football game, think about her potential to pummel you into a pulp. That’s what I call “Girl Power!” Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go practice my 360. J (385)
This post has an intriguing title! I'm curious, when you put "superior athletic abilities" in quotes, is that because you are mocking or being sarcastic? That's how I heard it in my head when I read this. Is that what you meant?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could explore this a bit more...do people still believe that men are better athletes, or is that just a hold over from more old-fashioned gender roles and expectations? Maybe it was (or continues to be) a perception based on how many male professional athletes get our attention (coverage, ticket sales, high salaries)? What are some sports that seem to have more equitable reputations? The WNBA certainly doesn't get much primetime attention, does it? Also...what about Title 19 and college sports. So, so, so many topic ideas!
One more thing...when I read the line "children we give our husbands" that gave me a pause. This seems to be phrased as an expectation in line with "only good for cooking, etc." like you have in the intro. Thought-provoking...
Thanks for your insight, Mizzay! I was so thrilled to see you had commented! The "superior athletic abilities" in quotation was me mocking men that don't realize how physically giften women can be! You are correct: the WNBA doesn't get its fair dues. I enjoy the blog part of your class!
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