Dear Female "Sports" Fan,
How is it possible for you to be a woman and enjoy sporting events at the same time? There are so many things that throw me for a loop when I hear this.
It doesn’t make sense.
You’ve never played the game…I haven’t seen you put on that helmet and or wear those shoulder pads. How could you possibly understand something that you’ve never played? Have you ever been in that locker room with the boys after a huge overtime win? I didn’t think so. You’ll never fully experience being on that court, field or ice as a man; I don’t think you’re capable of loving it as much.
It can’t be possible.
You can never answer those (meticulously thought out) stats questions. If you can’t name the player who rushed for 287 yards and had 3 TDs in the 1975 Rose Bowl, I really don’t think you’re worthy enough to call yourself a fan.
It’s just crazy.
You mean to tell me you’re genuinely interested in how the players are playing? I assumed you watched them just because they’re attractive to the eye. That jersey you just bought last week was (I'm sure) out of your unyielding lust for the man whose name is on the back.
It’s completely obvious.
If you’re not watching because those guys on skates have a lovely six-pack, then it has to be for the guy next door. You just want to impress him by connecting on something that he's interested in. I'm sure you just memorized the starting lineup 15-minutes before puck drop.
It's not a secret.
Maybe there isn't a guy. Maybe you're that girl who goes to the ballpark with your friends to get that perfect picture. I know it all too well; you wear all the gear, but I bet you don't even have a clue as to what is going on down on the field. I see those pictures... there's no way you can pay attention and still snap a photo at the same time.
It's not realistic.
Now please flash forward to the 21st-century. If you've ever had anyone tell you any of these things, politely turn away. You should never let another person scare you from what you're interested in. You may have never physically taken that snap, or felt the bone-crushing blow of a tackle on the field. That doesn't change how much you can respect the game from an outsider's perspective. Study the game, learn the stats and historical moments--not because you have to, but because it's interesting; wear your favorite person's jersey (even if they're hot); and don't be afraid to have that conversation with the guy next door about last night's game. You deserve to voice your opinion.
Deviate away from those social norms, girl.
