If you have been following the Rio Olympics, you know that our female athletes have been killing it this year. From gymnastics to swimming, women are kicking butt and taking names as they represent the U-S-of-A. While much of the attention has been on their strength and determination, there have been multiple displays of sexism from mainstream media -- which is so surprising *eye roll.*
One example of this is so unbelievable, I truly thought I was watching a satirical news piece. But to my dismay, it was 100 percent serious.
On Thursday, August 11th, Fox News' "Sports Court," hosted by Tamara Holder, aired a segment discussing female athletes wearing makeup while competing. And naturally, they invited two men to give their professional opinion on the subject. That's right, because who better to discuss makeup than two middle aged men!
First of all, let's just talk about the fact that whether a woman chooses to wear makeup while competing is just that, her choice. Second, that decision to wear, or not wear, makeup is irrelevant when it comes to her athleticism. And third, physical appearance/attractiveness is never discussed when speaking of male athletes.
The two male guests, Bo Dietl and Mark Simone, were both on the same page when they boldly proclaimed that women should wear makeup while competing. Take a look at some of the memorable quotes from the segment:
"The whole point of the Olympics, the whole reason for this training, for this work to get there, is product endorsement." ...So that's the source of their dedication and commitment to the sport -- the hope of cosmetic sales! Here we thought it was about sports.
“I think when you see an athlete, why should I have to look at some chick’s zits? Why not a little blush on her lips and cover those zits?”
...Yes, take notes ladies, apply the blush directly to the apples of your lips, expert Bo Dietl says so.
“Would you put money behind a gal that won the gold medal that looks like a washed out rag?” ...An actual quote that came out of a human being's mouth.
To reduce the accomplishments of a strong, empowered woman by making her appearance and her body the topic of conversation is downright shameful. It's demeaning, disgusting, and sexist.
The men then turn the conversation towards Holder, the segment's host. Dietl says, “Tamara, look how beautiful you are with that makeup. What do you look like when you crawl out of bed in the morning? I’d rather have you now.” It's at this point that the female host laughs it off. She makes light of a comment where she is reduced to an object to be "had"; one that should meet a man's standard.
Perhaps the most disturbing quote of the segment came from Mark Simone, when he said so boldly, "You're going to be seen by a billion people -- put on makeup!" Apparently, it's not enough to be an Olympic athlete. It's not enough to be beautiful on the inside. It's not even enough to be just naturally beautiful. You must go out of your way to gain the approval of viewers.
To Mr. Simone and Mr. Dietl:
If an Olympic athlete wants to wear makeup as a way to express her personality, that's great. If she wants to show young girls they can be strong and feminine, that's fantastic. If she wants to wear fun eyeliner or a striking contour to feel confident, that's awesome. But no matter what she chooses, it will not be to please you or meet your standards of what it means to be beautiful.
We are sisters, daughters, mothers, and wives. We are beautiful and confident. We are strong, empowered, and determined. We are women -- and we are not here to be your eye candy.
