Everything one does has a meaning in one’s life. Each action has an impact on his or her surroundings and himself or herself. People can use different things, such as writing, sports, or poetry to get their point across. Writer Burton Nelson uses certain specific techniques to frame her points about gender expectations for women in sports and society. Nelson begins her article, “I Won. I’m Sorry” with an anecdote by poet Sylvia Plath to convey her point. The anecdote conveys Plath’s personal ideology of men and gives a few examples showing that Plath needs to feel happy when men excel over women. Nelson uses Plath’s anecdote to frame her arguments by mischaracterizing women through stereotypes, giving men a sense of superiority, and countering women’s common view of themselves. …show more content…
American society has often mischaracterized women, especially through their looks and their past roles. Some of the common female stereotypes are that they are compassionate, complaisant, not as successful, but rather to appear beautiful and vulnerable and submissive to gain male approval. Nelson in her article states, “but most female winners play the femininity game to some extent, using femininity as a defense, a shield against accusations such as bitch, man-hater, or lesbian” (Nelson 526). Nelson uses Plath’s anecdote to show the societal truth. Feminine behavior and attire mitigate the affront of female victory and soften the hard edges of winning. Women who want to win in sports without losing male approval have to temper their victories with beauty, with softness, with smallness, and with smiles. Wearing makeup, jewelry, designer dresses, and having a soft demeanor will eventually help women win male