On track for sexism

By Societarian

This female Societarian is frankly disgusted by the poor treatment of South African runner Semenya. It seems this poor woman’s public show trial by the IAAF is like a throw back to some bygone age. If a man sets new standards like Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt, or badly like Eddie the Eel, no one questions his gender. But if a woman breaks down barriers her sexuality and gender are questioned.

Semenya is just another in a long line of women who have been vulgarly slurred for nothing more than her achievements.

Take for example:

Female boxing, which has recently been criticised and described as “unfeminine” despite the rave reviews it has seen for its sheer tactical innovations.

Or the furore that followed the entry of the first female golfer at the British Open Michelle Wie.

After winning her gold medal in Athens in 2004, Dame Kelly Homes was described as “un-lady-like” in some sections of the media due to her toned torso.

After Dame Ellen MacArthur broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe she was described by some columnists as being “manly”.

This is not the first time that female achievement in a certain field has been derided with male chauvinistic criticism. It sadly is nothing new, leading feminists writers such as Germaine Greer have had to undergo having their sexual orientation brought into question.

Derision is the first signs of male insecurity, but the absence of any prominent feminists in the public arena to defend this poor women – let alone any signs of a united female out cry – unfortunately highlight the current neutering of the modern feminist movement.

However, back to Semenya, this is for you: hold your head high, girl, as the more vocal the abuse the greater your achievements on the field scares your male detractors! So keep running!