We are nearing an era where the world is continuing to progress at a rapid rate. Hillary Clinton is on the fast track to becoming the next president. Queen Elizabeth reigns over 16 countries and three crown dependencies, even at the crisp age of 90 years old. There are constantly more and more female activists of all ages standing up for their beliefs and rights as individuals. However, as the 2016 Olympics in Rio are nearing an end, it is becoming more eminent that sexism is still a large issue around the world.
It doesn’t matter if it is a joke, an accident, or on purpose, speaking of women as though they are inferior is never the way to handle a situation. Commentators spend too much time critiquing an athlete’s every move when they should really be in awe of the talent that each individual exhibits.
Women who are constantly winning their events and breaking records are compared to men for being extraordinarily strong and competitive. One commentator called the women’s judo final a “catfight.” Another commentator compared the Final Five gymnasts, who were celebrating Simone Biles having completed an amazing routine, to “standing in the middle of a mall” because they were “too relaxed.”
There is a recent Fox News debate in which the panelists argued over the idea that women should wear make-up when they compete. I just want to know when the Olympics became a beauty pageant and not a contest over who was the best at their sport. If women have to wear makeup, then men should also make it a requirement. It’s only fair.
When it comes to the media, it is astounding how newspapers and online sources portray women after winning their events. One Hungarian swimmer, Katrina Hosszú, destroyed a world record in the 400-meter medley, but the NBC commentator said that her husband was the person responsible for her performance. After her third debut in the Olympics, trap shooter, Corey Cogdell-Unrein, was referred to as the “wife of a Bears’ linesman” on Twitter by the Chicago Tribune. Her name wasn’t even mentioned in the tweet. She earned a bronze metal and her husband got all the glory. Last but certainly not least, Katie Ledecky crushed a world record, whereas Michael Phelps tied for a silver metal. Guess which athlete got the headline and which got the sub-headline. Shocker, right?
Mexican gymnast, Alexa Moreno, was body shamed on Twitter for being slightly larger than other gymnasts. What people forget to realize is that Moreno is a talented and well trained athlete that dedicated her life to simply make it to the Olympics. Half of the world hasn’t even left the couch, yet they’re complaining about one female’s body type.
Women can compete at the same level as men. Women can break records. Women can have children and still perform to the best of their ability. Women can make headlines. Women can choose not to wear makeup when they compete. Women can change history. Women are only going to train harder and longer until they reach their goals.
News outlets need to realize their mistakes and treat all women and Olympians equally. Commentators' and panelists' opinions and beliefs are constantly broadcasted to the whole entire world, and the world isn't very happy right now. It is 2016; sexism shouldn't be a problem.
