Make no mistake, I'm not a feminist, or a 30-something married with kids ogling meaneater. But, really, is this fair? Is it equal? Shouldn't men be forced to play in the equivalent attire? Clearly it's not a necessary uniform, otherwise we'd have to watch the men play in a Speedo? EEEWW. No.
Am I an old fashioned prude by thinking that the women are placating the 'good ole boys' network by being eye candy first and athletes second? Can't women be in the Olympics fully clothed? Dignity intact, with no sand wedgies?
Google beach volleyball images and see how many of the images are being admired for their ball handling skills. Am I jealous? Sure, I haven't worn a bikini since the third grade.
When will these women be appreciated for their raw athletic ability and skill and not for the barely there bikini? Women should be allowed to play, regardless of what they wear. The media coverage is blatantly self serving.
Would women's beach volleyball get the same amount media coverage if the women were wearing the same attire as the men? No. Of course not. They would be on at 2 a.m. with the ugly shot puters.
Are we all suffering from Stockholm syndrome, the syndrome where a victim subconsciously identifies with her captors? We have justified the demeaning mandate and caved into the subliminal requirements.
What do we expect of our daughters? When I watch my daughter watching women's beach volleyball, what does she see? Does she see the technique, speed, ball control and strength? Sure. But she also sees that these women wear next to nothing and that's the main attraction. One commentator was counting hugs between players.
What do our daughters see? That she can't play this sport because she doesn' like the way she looks in a swim suit? Does she see the medals around the necks of champions or does she them as chains, pulled and led by the bearers of such praise?
Exhibit A:
USA men enjoy the comfort of shorts AND a shirt.
Exhibit B:
A popular angle used by photographers.
What does your daughter see?
