Living in a time of political correctness it is crucial that we understand the smallest of issues, because we never know who is what nor do we know the circumstances. It is very easy to offend an individual, especially since we are living in such an age where the opinions of many different people are not being taken into consideration. In this discussion on gender identity and athletics, the issue is debated on different skill levels: high school, college, and professional. Athletes who identify as the opposite gender should, indeed, be allowed to compete on opposite gender teams because it gives these athletes a sense of belonging, it has been found to be no athletic advantages, and the correlation between body composition and gender identity.
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These targeted athletes are not allowed to participate because they are not the same, but with a growing population- it is normalizing. Disregarding skill level, these athletes are provided with a sense of belonging because they are in a team. In an article by Jesse and M. Clint Steinfeldt, Gender Role Conflict, Athletic Identity, and Help-Seeking Among High School Football Players, there is a concentration of social pressures which influence the decision of others through subculture; “Sport is a context that exposes adolescents to the attitudes, rituals, and values of society (Birrell & Cole, 1994; Koivula, 2001; Messner, 2002). The values and beliefs that operate within sport serve to reinforce qualities (e.g., competition, aggression, and toughness) associated with traditional understandings of masculinity (Sabo, 1985; Wellard, 2002). Given the prominence of sport in society, this socialization process contributes to the development of gender role norms of young men (Messner, 2002).” (Steinfeldt & Steinfeldt). This excerpt from this article elaborates on the concept of building self-esteem, but what we do not see are the _______ of those who do not want to live up to the ‘traditional understandings of masculinity.’ This brings in the concern of conforming to social pressure and ”fitting in.” Along with social pressures, individuals are forced to deal with losing …show more content…
As this topic becomes noticed more and more, it begins to limit the opportunities for athletes in college. With this is mind, “Many transgender athletes relate similar experiences that make their participation on college teams painful and frustrating: An athlete is called "she/he" and "it" by opposing players during a game. An athlete stops playing sports in college because it becomes too uncomfortable to use the locker room. An athlete has to change clothes in a utility closet separate from the rest of the team. An athlete quits the team because it becomes too painful to keep reminding coaches and teammates about the athlete 's preferred pronouns. None of the institutions or athletic conferences in which these athletes compete have a policy governing the inclusion of transgender student-athletes on sports teams.” (Griffin). This quote gives great insight to the reality that this issue brings to most of these individuals. It is unfair for them to have to give up something they are passionate about because an athletic department is unable to support their needs, simply because of their gender identity. Due to the lack of support universities are able to provide to these individuals, they are limited in how far they are able to go in their career as an athlete in
These targeted athletes are not allowed to participate because they are not the same, but with a growing population- it is normalizing. Disregarding skill level, these athletes are provided with a sense of belonging because they are in a team. In an article by Jesse and M. Clint Steinfeldt, Gender Role Conflict, Athletic Identity, and Help-Seeking Among High School Football Players, there is a concentration of social pressures which influence the decision of others through subculture; “Sport is a context that exposes adolescents to the attitudes, rituals, and values of society (Birrell & Cole, 1994; Koivula, 2001; Messner, 2002). The values and beliefs that operate within sport serve to reinforce qualities (e.g., competition, aggression, and toughness) associated with traditional understandings of masculinity (Sabo, 1985; Wellard, 2002). Given the prominence of sport in society, this socialization process contributes to the development of gender role norms of young men (Messner, 2002).” (Steinfeldt & Steinfeldt). This excerpt from this article elaborates on the concept of building self-esteem, but what we do not see are the _______ of those who do not want to live up to the ‘traditional understandings of masculinity.’ This brings in the concern of conforming to social pressure and ”fitting in.” Along with social pressures, individuals are forced to deal with losing …show more content…
As this topic becomes noticed more and more, it begins to limit the opportunities for athletes in college. With this is mind, “Many transgender athletes relate similar experiences that make their participation on college teams painful and frustrating: An athlete is called "she/he" and "it" by opposing players during a game. An athlete stops playing sports in college because it becomes too uncomfortable to use the locker room. An athlete has to change clothes in a utility closet separate from the rest of the team. An athlete quits the team because it becomes too painful to keep reminding coaches and teammates about the athlete 's preferred pronouns. None of the institutions or athletic conferences in which these athletes compete have a policy governing the inclusion of transgender student-athletes on sports teams.” (Griffin). This quote gives great insight to the reality that this issue brings to most of these individuals. It is unfair for them to have to give up something they are passionate about because an athletic department is unable to support their needs, simply because of their gender identity. Due to the lack of support universities are able to provide to these individuals, they are limited in how far they are able to go in their career as an athlete in