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My generation was brought up with language that created some of the systemic issues we are seeing play out in society. For boys, the biggest insult was to be labeled as a girl. “You throw like a girl” or “run like a girl.” The only thing worse than being labeled a girl...
Was being labeled as gay. But of course that was couched in slurs.
Now think logically about the dynamic that creates. *Girls = weak. Gay = bad. Men are great for no other reason than they are men.* That is the imprint.
Add to that other social conditioning and modeling.
Now think logically about the dynamic that creates. *Girls = weak. Gay = bad. Men are great for no other reason than they are men.* That is the imprint.
Add to that other social conditioning and modeling.
Think about the emotional dynamic that creates. About how boys then view everything in the world from that position. That view is reflected still today. The actions of Rep. Yoho and Rep. Williams are not the exception. It happens every day.
I have been fortunate to work and know some amazing women in my coaching career. @LoriLindsey6 @beckysauerbrunn @AbbyWambach #HomareSawa @Yael_Averbuch @sunshine_sully @torihuster #SoniaBompastor to name a few. Two of whom are FIFA World Player of the year winners. And yet...
That work is instantly discounted by others because “they’re women.” The response is “cmon man, it’s not like you worked with Messi.” Sawa taught me more about the game than maybe many other person in my life. @AbbyWambach came into WPS recovering from a badly broken leg.
Every day she had to “wake” her bad leg up. The first time we did a fitness exercise, not only was she leading the group but she was getting faster. Her third set was faster than her first. Coming off a leg break. Surrounded by other TOP pros and NT players. It was amazing.
But somehow they are less than? Don’t forget they did and do all this on a pittance. They do all of this with less resources and support than their male counterparts. On bad fields. I know many men who wouldn’t persevere in that situation but they show up. Every. Time.
I am proud to know these women. My life is forever enriched by my experiences with them. I am proud to date a strong woman who fights for what is right daily. So this kind of behavior, this language has to stop. It’s on me. I coach young men currently. It’s on me to be an example
But it’s also on you. It’s on you to judge people by their content and actions instead of their gender, race or sexual preferences. It’s on you to break the habits of this destructive language. We must do better. Especially the men.
Be the example, not the ones playing catch-up.
Be the example, not the ones playing catch-up.
