The perception I'm talking about here is that of the "mannish woman golfer" and beyond that, the idea that femininity and athletic excellence are mutually exclusive.
Today girls and young women who are just entering the game ... as players or as fans... may not even be aware of the reputation women's golf had in earlier decades. This was made clear to me when I asked Jordan... my talented and versatile assistant... to research the topic for tonight's show.
What to you think? Is women's professional golf still affected by a gay stereotype? Do old perceptions have an effect on today's sponsorships? Are these stereotypes being perpetuated by a certain "salaciousness-seeking" male media?
That's what we'll be talking about tonight on "Only Two Things". We'll be broadcasting from 9:30 - 10:30PM ET. And you can weigh in on-air by using call-in number 917-889-9592. Or join the conversation in the chat room or on Twitter... or just listen at BlogTalkRadio. Talk to you tonight.
It seems the LPGA's lesbian image is still alive only with an older population that never really followed the golf and a young guy population that endlessly fantasizes about "chicks making out".
ReplyDeletefemininity and athletic excellence are mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeletebut it still take quite a bit of deodorant to seperate the two
woody allen
.
ReplyDeletebased on my research of a top-flight championship ladies golf team here in the south, i can share the following observations;
1)they are as competative as the men in the sport (picture in your mind those little lady pixie olympic gynmasts as determined and competative as any athlete of any gender - no ?)
2)they dedicate themselves to push their bodies to the ultimate as i see them out running, practicing, pushing themselves during all hours of the day and in unpleasant weather and ususally with soem physical ailment
3)they are as ravenous in their appetites for food and drink as in competition
4)it may take them a while, but they clean up nicely, and with their uber-conditioned bodies, typically look very pretty
5)their opposite sex relationships resemble that of a pet and its owner - cute, warm, close, secure and for companionship, but no evidence of physical intimacy (as if they would rather COMPETE than COPULATE)
6)any sexual physical contact between same-sex team members is more a response to a temporary feeling and accidental convienience rather than a relationship oriented itimacy (i wouldn't call this lesbianism really since the interest in the behavior is short term and almost experimental rather than heart-felt yearning)
maybe its a human instinct not to get attached emotionally to someone you may have to kill someday in future competition
i don't see many top-flight athletes in long term relationships, but i do not have any fact based science on that comment
anyway have a good show,
frankD
ftlaudlerdale so FLA
I like the Woody Allen :)
ReplyDeleteWe still tend to socialize our daughters out of sports. We don't do this consciously but I think it happens naturally as we buy them barbies, encourage them to celebrate their birthdays with princess parties, and in lots of cases show less interest in their athletic pursuits and victories than we do in there brothers. That's probably one reason the manly female athlete stereotype still exists.
Christina Kim touched about this in her book this past year. I got a sense that most of the girls are straight......I was pretty close to a women's college basketball team decades back. I was engaged to a player. There were a few girls on the team that seemd to prefer relationships with females, but my girl and her closest friends were all straight.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit prejudiced , but I think there are many LPGA and Durameds women who are some of the most attractive women on the planet. Not to mention they are very nice people!
ReplyDeleteGolfgirl- can you link of post that pic I sent you yesterday of the Wendy's 3 Tour press conference. A picture is worth a thous. words! :)
I think this is the photo you were referring to Ducks... and I think it's proof positive that femininity and athletic excellence are NOT mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo. The girls are gorgeous, but I don't think it'll do anything to discourage the guys who endlessly fantasize about "chicks making out".
ReplyDelete;)
Interesting topic... in this day and age you'd think we'd have gotten past that. :o\
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm so tired of this issue in any sport or industry for that matter. It is 2011 guys and gals, who cares...
ReplyDeleteBut unfortunately, we as a society, are just fascinated by who sleeps with "what".
Let women play golf, damn good golf and let them have a private life as well.
And oh by the way, Tiger Woods is great for the game and such a wonderful role model for young boys!
Who cares....really?