As one of the biggest sports fans you will ever find I hate to say that I don't enjoy following the Olympics, especially running. I'm just like any other college guy who loves watching football, baseball, or some basketball. But this is one of those rare occasions where the Olympics and a woman athlete has caught my attention. After reading and talking about South African runner Caster Semenya in class I have become interested in her story. We now all now her controversial story that many of her opponents and people believe her gender should be tested because of her success. I believe that if Caster wouldn't have been so dominate and broken records her gender would not have come into question but that is part of life when you win big and get yourself into the spotlight. Usually I believe a woman could portray many qualities of a man and just be super athletic but after seeing pictures of Caster Semenya I thought otherwise. Looking at pictures of Caster makes me feel lazy and want to hit the gym. This girl is ripped and could pass for being male. She is very strong and masculine looking. I don't think its right for people to discriminate her just because of her success and the way she looks but if she has nothing to hide then why not take a gender test. If I were in Caster's shoes I would laugh at the critics take a gender test and prove to the world that I'm that dominate and to take a hike. Just like everything in life and especially in professional sports, the more successful and dominate you're the more you put yourself into the spotlight and in the mouths of critics. I also don't agree with her family being so upset. I know it is disrespectful for critics to call your alleged "daughter" a male, but if theres nothing to hide then why not take a gender test. The IAAF should test every single athelete to ensure this problem goes away and not to single out Caster and make her feel discriminated against. Its unfortunate but in the society we live in today if a female looks like Caster and is that dominant it is going to raise question marks just because the stereotype of a female shouldn't be that masculine or dominate at a sport.
While I agree with some of your views I think that if I was apart of Caster's family I would feel insulted. Think of if someone came out and accussed a man of being a woman, how insulting that would be. There is already so much social pressure on women to be lady like and "pretty" that this would be huge embarrasing public issue.
ReplyDeleteAs you may have heard, the results of her gender test have shown that Caster Semenya is a hermaphrodite (see: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2009/09/10/2009-09-10_caster_semenya_.html). I think the focus on her must be incredibly difficult, not only for her, but as Courtney said, also for her family. I have no idea how this will effect her future career in track & field, but it has to have been traumatic.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your statement that these issue wouldn't even have been brought up had it not been for her success. Questions would have never even been raised if Caster were running at the back of the heat or even if she were mediocre. It's obvious from your views that you didn't know Caster was subjected to a gender test before you wrote your entry, but I'm curious as to what you think she should do now since it seems she can't really just tell them to take a hike. The article confirms that on the inside caster has no womb or ovaries and a high testosterone level. I also just wanted to state that I can definitely see why her family is upset. Think of the accused as being your own brother or sister. I know that I would want to protect them and I would be outraged at any accusations toward my family that had the potential to hurt them.
ReplyDeleteI personally think it is terrible to want to sex test a 18 year old girl. I wrote in my own blog how it does not seem fair to her as a young girl who is trying to fit in anyways and now people are saying she is a man. Its just not really fair and like you said in your article, if she had not won any awards, would she even be questioned? The answer is a definite no because people would not care because she has not won anything to make her any better than the other girls.
ReplyDeleteWhat has bothered me so much is hearing that after all of the comments that have been made about her and the controversy, she is now on suicide watch and is severely depressed. As I had stated in my blog, I don't think people remember that she is a human being, and not just a topic of discussion. It has obviously gone way too far, and she is someone to be admired for her strength and courage regarding this matter. I really hope she continues to dominate in track and field in the future, and shows people she doesn't quit and won't give up because of other people's opinions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of your points. If she had now won in the fashion that she did no one would care. So instead of waiting after the race to test athletes in question why not before? Why not confidential and random or all the athletes. It will eliminate any suspicion if the athletes have taken these gender tests and also once the results of a race have been finished they will not taint the victory or records set because the athletes were tested before the race and confidentially. Why can't it be like testing for performance enhancers?
ReplyDeleteYou brought up some good points, but in all I feel this is a sad case that has possibly ruined a woman's life and possibly her career. Her success and dominance has caused these problems, but in all actuality it is not her fault how she was born. The idea that everyone should be tested is a semi good one since it would take the pressure of any one individual but how would all the other women feel even if they have nothing to hide. Also I disagree about the family, they should be upset it is an insult to Caster and they are just trying to protect her and help her through this. In the end this is sad for Caster and her family and I hope she can be strong and come out on top.
ReplyDeleteYou made a great point when saying: "I believe that if Caster wouldn't have been so dominate and broken records her gender would not have come into question." Since you suggested gender testing of all athletes, are you including males as well? And now that we know Semenya was found to be born intersex, where should she be able to compete in sport?
ReplyDelete