Rio 2016 A Sexists Dream
Finally, the UK is ready to move on from the 2012 Olympics. No more Olympic values (which I can recite), we can forget Boris Johnson in a harness single-handedly embarrassing the nation and we can stop pretending that it wasn't all an excuse for a party. Sport is not my area, but feminism is. I enjoyed London 2012 but Rio 2016 not so much.
I could have chosen to discuss the dire facilities the athletes are subjected to in the Olympic village. However, a cold shower is the least of our worries when apparently society has reverted to a level of sexism only rivalled by the garbage which leaves Donald Trump's mouth. (i.e you wouldn't have your job if you weren't so pretty)
Instead, I'd like to focus on the sexism witnessed across the board. It's happening everywhere but this summer it's happening in sport. Recently it has been directed at Helen Skelton who was targeted for her 'revealing' outfit. Not only were other presenters in form fitting clothing but we must remember that she was presenting the swimming. If you have a problem with exposed skin then perhaps a sport renowned for it is not best for your viewing. However, it is also largely irrelevant. Helen Skelton can and should wear whatever she pleases. Attacking her appearance acts to remind women and girls that it is not what you are saying but what you are wearing which society deems important.
Furthermore, it should be addressed that this is not the only sexist issue of the Olympics so far. Female athletes being recorded as 'wives of' rather than identified for their own incredible achievements. I see no male athletes being branded by their marital status.
Whether you love or loathe sport the Olympics is not just about athleticism. It is 4-year marker of progress. The progress which appears to have been lost.
I could have chosen to discuss the dire facilities the athletes are subjected to in the Olympic village. However, a cold shower is the least of our worries when apparently society has reverted to a level of sexism only rivalled by the garbage which leaves Donald Trump's mouth. (i.e you wouldn't have your job if you weren't so pretty)
Instead, I'd like to focus on the sexism witnessed across the board. It's happening everywhere but this summer it's happening in sport. Recently it has been directed at Helen Skelton who was targeted for her 'revealing' outfit. Not only were other presenters in form fitting clothing but we must remember that she was presenting the swimming. If you have a problem with exposed skin then perhaps a sport renowned for it is not best for your viewing. However, it is also largely irrelevant. Helen Skelton can and should wear whatever she pleases. Attacking her appearance acts to remind women and girls that it is not what you are saying but what you are wearing which society deems important.
Furthermore, it should be addressed that this is not the only sexist issue of the Olympics so far. Female athletes being recorded as 'wives of' rather than identified for their own incredible achievements. I see no male athletes being branded by their marital status.
Whether you love or loathe sport the Olympics is not just about athleticism. It is 4-year marker of progress. The progress which appears to have been lost.
The reporting on the cycling was atrocious, they kept going on about Jason Kenny whenever it was Laura Trott's turn, and of course there was the "Jason Kenny's looking at her like 'what's for tea?'" that was a pretty awful comment! But I also don't think this is restricted solely to Rio 2016 at all, it's an ongoing issue whether or not the Olympics are on!
ReplyDeleteParis x
http://lifeinflorals.blogspot.co.uk/
I totally agree! Thanks for your comments.
DeleteI completely agree!
ReplyDeleteThe Helen Skelton incident was the first of many ��
Simone Biles commentary said she was almost good enough to be in the men's competition!
The analysis of every female competitors outfit not their performance, disregarding the Willian's sisters achievements (well put right by Andy Murray) the bullying of gabby Douglas and the Russian (I think) gymnast who was harassed for being too fat, the volleyball cameras focusing on bums not the ball.....
The list goes on. I think the only way for change is to keep talking about it like you have. Great post xxxx
Thanks so much for your comments. It is atrocious and needs to be changed.
Delete