Recent controversies have emerged regarding whether or not
females possessing male levels of testosterone have a competitive advantage and
if these athletes should be allowed to participate in women’s athletics
altogether. As Stephanie Findlay
asks, “Does a female athlete whose body naturally produces unusually high
levels of male hormones, allowing them to put in more muscle mass and recover
faster, have an ‘unfair’ advantage?” (2012, p. 1). In many new policing femininity movement, the International
Association of Athletics Federation has deemed that any woman having a
testosterone level exceeding that of the male threshold shall not be allowed to
compete. There have been plenty of
female athletes including South African sprinter Caster Semenya and University
of Baylor center Brittney Griner who have been unjustly cast as “men” due to
their body types and images. I
personally have no issue with female athletes who have higher testosterone or
hormone levels participating in women’s sports. No two athletes are alike. Even in men’s sports, there are certain individuals such as
Usain Bolt, LeBron James, and Adrian Peterson who are considered to be “freaks
of nature” based on their physical, strength, speed, and recovery time from
injuries. These athletes, along
with many others, possess a physical advantage over others in their respective
sports based solely on their genetic makeup. We adore and praise these athletes for their physical gifts,
so why should a female with the same advantages in her sport be criticized and
put down? The fact is a vision of
what femininity should be still exists in athletics. In my opinion, fans would rather cheer for a female athlete
who looks good but lacks talent than someone who possesses physical dominance
and skill. While sports fans want
male athletes to be scoring touchdowns, hitting home runs, and completing
highlight-reel slam dunks they would prefer a female who may not be dominant in
her sport but could star in the SI swimsuit edition. It is unfortunate that female athletes who may appear more
muscular and “manly” face negative criticism for their appearance. I believe that higher testosterone
levels are something natural that both men and women need to deal with in their
respective sports. In the same way
that height, weight, or vision may be an advantage for an athlete, having the
ability to recover faster and put on more muscle mass is a natural tool that
some athletes may be better at than others.
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about female athletes and how some athletes are criticized and questioned because of how their physical attributes are viewed because they do not fit the typical female gender stereotype. All bodies are different and created differently for a reason because we all cannot be the same.
On another note, as a female, it is degrading to have someone compare to me that, "I hit harder than a lot of guys," in reference to rugby, because they are inadvertently saying that men are superior in athletic abilities. I feel terrible for Brittney Griner because of how she was question along with Casper Semenya because their sex or gender should not be questioned due to their athletic abilities or appearance. I wish that society was different and did not judge female athletes in this manner because male athletes are never questioned in competition. For example, male athletes are never questioned as being feminine because they run fast or hit hard, but females are constantly questioned because men are viewed as stronger, faster, and more athletic. Hopefully in the future these issues will not be an issue anymore.
-Casey Daulbaugh
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aaron that I also have no personal issue with a woman having higher testosterone and hormone levels. This is not their fault and they can’t control their genetic makeup. We should praise these athletes as we do the male athletes in which the high form of talent they bring to their respective sport. I believe that these athletes such as Brittney Griner and Casper Semenya should be praised because of the dominance they show in their sport. As fans we cheer for male athletes that are physically dominant such as Lebron James or Chis Johnson because of their skill and talent and I believe the same should be for female athletes. Sports are not judged by physical appearance but as for results and it should go for both male and female.
ReplyDeleteI do disagree that many fans cheer female athletes who are more attractive than others. Serena Williams is a strong woman and is a star because of her physical dominance and skill and is praised by and adored by many fans. However, female athletes that are considered more attractive do get more opportunities such as endorsement deals and media attention such as Maria Sharapova or Alex Morgan, which I believe is not fair but its how society believes that attractiveness will sell products and bring attention to women's sports.
- Ryan Viselli
This is an interesting point you bring up Aaron. I think it is much more common to see attractive female athletes have an easier time in sport. Think about all the distractions you are free from when you don't "look like a man" and maintain femininity through competition. For example, you brought up Caster Semenya. Caster looked strikingly like a male and was forced in a side show in which her sex had to be tested in various ways. Someone like Candace Parker isn't going to have to go through those distractions and will have more time to fine tune her skills in her sport.
ReplyDeleteIt's just interesting to examine the fact that every attractive female athlete is a fan favorite while a masculine female athlete tends to be painted in scrutiny and doubt. Dominance in the chosen sport should really be all that matters.
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better myself. Everyone is different, no is alike on this earth. Imagine sports if everyone were alike! I don't think sports would even exist if that was the case. You cannot punish an individual for their testosterone and hormone levels in the sport they participate in. They have no control what they were born with. Instead of looking at individual as an “a girl or a boy” instead we should focus on what they can do in their sport and who they are as a person and athlete. It makes me sick to stomach knowing that Caster Semenya had to go through so much negativity as a person and athlete. Could you imagine going through testing just to prove who you were? Those who criticized her, have ignored the fact how hard she trained and worked just compete in the Olympics. Society and the media focus so much on Semenya's "questionable sex" it is pushed aside her success and dedication to her sport. Another point Aaron you bring up is how femininity is viewed in sports. You said, “In my opinion, fans would rather cheer for a female athlete who looks good but lacks talent than someone who possesses physical dominance and skill.” Despite how wrong this is, you are correct because just how society is unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it except teach those around us how wrong this is. But coming from a female perspective, I do not personally cheer just for the males that are just attractive to me so why is it like this for female athletes? Why is it acceptable in our society to do this? A female or any athlete for that matter, physical appearance should not affect the way they are viewed in there sport or how they compete. If you are good at what you do, you should be praised and noticed for all your hard work regardless of who you are.
-Chelsea VanAssche
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteThis is great that you already have 4 comments. Good job!
Dr. Spencer
Hey Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and everything you mentioned in the article. Just like you, I have no issue with any females who have higher testosterone or hormone levels that's participating in Women sports today. You made a great point about LeBron James and others of how they are considered to be a "freak of nature" in their sports today. There is no one in the NBA who is strong, fast, and has the skills as Lebron James. He is kind of a player that hardly comes around. This then goes to Women's basketball, where Brittney Griner is always getting talked about because how tall she is and how deep her voice is. There is nothing I feel we can do about this, if Griner could I'm sure she would love to play with men but that will never be accepted. She was gifted with the skills and everything she has, and I feel everyone has to just accept that.
Khiry Kelly