Ever since the implementation of Title IX in 1972, the participation of women in sports has been radically increasing, yet their portrayal in the media has not shown the same progression (Liang, 2011). The pages of famous sports magazines like Sports Illustrated and ESPN sports magazine are dominated by mostly male athletes. There is an impression that women’s sports are less interesting than males through their lack of coverage. Even though women athletes are extremely successful with great abilities, the media chooses to present them in a position that sexually objectifies them. Moreover, a lot of times they will be represented in their gender appropriate sports. What is dominating these days is a hot body instead of athleticism.
Social feminist theories are based around the same idea; women face challenges and obstacles in society based on gender alone. There are clear distinctions between
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Yet they are still treated as second class citizens. The media continuously emphasizes gender stereotypes and trivializes the seriousness of women’s sports. Women need to speak up and defend the right for girls to play. Although, men are physiologically bigger, faster, and stronger, female athletes deserve to be celebrated and respected for their talent and not just their bodies. Females deserve to be a recognized part of the athletic community. And this is where the interactionalist theory comes to play because the athletic community is a community that inspires, influences, and motivates, builds character and determination, creates dreams and fulfills them. Moreover, it is a community that builds confidence and self-worth, fosters teamwork and trust regardless of gender. Sports have the power to unite us all if we let sports bridge the gender gap instead of deepening it. By enjoying sports, respecting all athletes, and celebrating the power of sport we all