Sexism in the Olympics
Start writing a post
Sports

Sexism in the Olympics

Unfair portrayal of women athletes in the media.

10
Sexism in the Olympics
Caller Times

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49926
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31843
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955342
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180514
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments