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Female doctors are just doctors, female teachers just teachers. So when exactly will female athletes be just athletes? It goes without saying that the world of sports is inherently sexist. It is almost completely male dominated, and I often wonder why it's that way, and if it will ever change.
The professional sports landscape consists of the NFL, MLB, NBA and when it exists, the NHL. No women there.
The only sports played by women that have ever drawn much public attention are soccer and tennis, and I hate to say it, but soccer peaked in popularity when Brandi Chastain ripped her shirt off after the clinching goal of the 1999 World Cup. I also wish women's tennis was popular for the right reasons. The top players are both graceful and strong, but a number of viewers tune in just to see Anna Kournikova parade around in a skirt.
Even when the WNBA tried to replicate the success of the major four professional leagues it failed, and instead the WNBA has struggled financially since its creation in 1997.
I wish I could point fingers at the American public and say, "give women's sports a chance!" I must confess though, that as both a female athlete and sports enthusiast, I find men's basketball much more thrilling to watch than its counterpart. Maybe it's because it's more fast paced or because dunks are exciting to watch, but whatever the reason, it's the truth. I do not find it as enjoyable to turn on a WNBA game as I do an NBA game, so in turn, can I really blame the sports world for being so discriminating?
Despite my frustrations, I am not willing to give up on women's sports just yet. I am optimistic. Throughout history, women have gained rights politically and socially and I feel that this important trend can be extended into the world of sports.
I have spent this season watching the LMU softball team and as an avid MLB fan I can tell anyone that these "women's" games can be just as exciting to watch. Because when it comes down to it, good athletes are just good athletes and exciting games are always exciting. People just need to give women's sports a fair chance.
Send comments to ahong@theloyolan.com.
