Gender Roles In Athletes

Our discussion on gender and athletics the last couple of days have prompted me to do a blog on why there is no question why both males and females should be allowed to participate in sports. Most people would argue the same thing and that should be the end of the discussion. However, there are individuals out there who do not feel the same way. Throughout the past 100 years, gender roles of men and women have started to change greatly in our society. Female athletes have made big strides in gaining equal representation, and media coverage. The video we watched in class displayed this and other problems with athletics in popular culture. Most people would say it is a free country and we (the people), no matter what gender, can participate in any activity, whether it is sports related or not. I feel like I am arguing this for no reason because females continue to break stereotypes and cultural barriers that have prevented them from participating in sports, despite being discouraged. Take Danica Patrick as an example. Danica Patrick is a famous race car driver who is an inspiration to younger aspiring female race car drivers, or any sport for that matter. Danica has proved that she can compete and succeed in a sport that has been dominated by men. This right here shows how women have changed how they are viewed in the sporting world. They continue to challenge stereotypes against them. As gender roles continue to evolve, we will continue to see women participating in certain sports that were dominated by men at one time.