Writing on controversial topics is not necessarily my forte as I try to be fairly unbiased, putting conscious effort into understanding all parts of the spectrum given a particular argument. I am unsure of what school of feminist thought I belong to, therefore this confronted me with the challenge of deciphering what angle to take when discussing the current societal issue of the perception of women in society.
As the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are coming to a close, there has been much controversy over the degrading portrayal of certain female athletes, sparking many news sources to highlight the inappropriate comments that have been made in the media. This topic has proven to be a serious bone of contention and many people are infuriated that it has managed to present itself in a setting where it is certainly not welcome. These women have devoted an ample amount of time and hard work into preparing for these games and yet somehow, the credit they deserve is often still deflected, or in the most irrelevant way their image defines their success.
One prime example that has sparked a lot of controversy lies within a statement made by Dan Hicks, a commentator from NBC News. It stemmed from the relationship between Katinka Hosszu, the professional swimmer from Hungary, and her husband Shane Tusup. One unique aspect of their relationship is that Tusup is Hosszu’s coach, allowing him to be fully involved with her training, seeing first-hand the progress that she makes on a day to day basis. When Hosszu shattered the world record in the women’s 400-meter individual medley, Hicks decided to chime in and claim that Tusup is “the guy responsible” for Hosszu’s success. Shots fired? Many news sources declare so. As an average, unbiased viewer the word choice definitely makes my nose crinkle. Tusup is unquestionably a major attribute to his wife’s success, but is he the one responsible for his wife’s achievements? Absolutely not.
The reason this statement struck a major chord with many is that it possessed sexist undertones which are certainly not welcome, especially at the Olympic Games. When Hicks uttered the word “responsible,” it sparked a pandemonium. Viewers and media outlets became outraged, highlighting the wrongfulness of this statement. According to Entertainment Weekly, Hicks wanted to give credit to Tusup as he is a major part of Hosszu’s story, but he wished that he had phrased it differently – the downside of speaking on live television. This explanation is undeniably valid. It seems fair to say that we are all guilty of phrasing things in a way that does not justify our thoughts correctly.
As a result, we often back up and rephrase these expressions. Well, Hicks sadly did not have the opportunity to make any alterations. Even after apologizing for his poor wording people are still not buying it. Some may believe that he was caught up in the sexist mindset that many news sources claim to be a theme at the Olympics this year. The constant comparison of female swimmer Katie Ledecky to a man, defining trap shooter Corey Cogdell-Unrein as “the wife of a Bear’s lineman,” or the irrelevant focus on Ibtihaj Muhammad competing in a Hijab has many feeling outraged at the lack of progress our society has presented.
Given the circumstances, my perception is that Hicks may have simply slipped up in his wording and wanted to give Tusup credit - not necessarily full credit for Hosszu's success. That being said, this instance was one of many facing much scrutiny and is a strong implication that people need to be more cautious when commenting, making sure to place more emphasis on what is really important - The athletic ability of these individuals and their outstanding accomplishments. Not their famous husband or the outfit they may be sporting.
