Women, Sport, and Media

After reading the blog regarding media and the UConn women’s basketball winning streak in the Sports, Media and Society section, I was reminded of the arguments made in the Birrell and Theberge reading assigned for class. The blog discusses the media’s portrayal, or lack thereof, of the recent UConn women’s winning streak. The blogger argues that we shouldn’t blame the media for the lack of excitement and importance surrounding the event. Instead, the blog suggests, we should blame society and the cultural constraints we put on gender and gender identity. That sport is an activity made to promote ideal masculinity and women are inferior and marginalized in this area. Birrell and Theberge argue these relations between male dominance and women are actively challenged and sometimes even transformed. I believe we are progressing in this area in sport and feel women athletes are becoming more recognized and given more power in today’s society. The battle for recognition and respect will continue in the years to come but we are progressing in the right direction. I agree with the blog post in the sense it is not entirely the media’s fault on whether or not the winning streak was given the coverage it deserves, but more on the ideologies of the public and their view on women and sport. Once we transform and better develop the concept of women athletics, the media will also conform to the wants of its audience and give more praise and attention to women’s sports. This is not an easy task and the connection between women athletes and the media will take some time to create a positive relationship.