Is it time to integrate

sweet pickles · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 07:34 AM

sports?

I swear, everytime I see WNBA or anything women's or men's when it comesto sports or olympics I can't help but wonder how we still have that in these times. We're told that women and men are equal however they still don't compete against each other very much. Do you think we still have a need to segregate the sexes? Is it really any different than segregating sports by race?

Soon2Bmomof2inMN · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 07:56 AM

No, they are seperated for a reason. Most men are just biologically bigger/stronger/faster than most women. Most women (I realize there are a few this doesn't hold true for) just can't compete with men on a physical level. To integrate them would only further pull the sexes apart because only the select few women who could compete would be able to earn a living in their particular sport.

sweet pickles · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 08:04 AM

So if that is the case why would we (women in general) take offense to a man pointing out that he is stronger, better, and faster than a woman if it's fact? Why does everything have to be segregated? We can't compete with men in golf? Skiing? Tennis? Nothing???

roxrkool · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by sweet pickles

So if that is the case why would we (women in general) take offense to a man pointing out that he is stronger, better, and faster than a woman if it's fact? Why does everything have to be segregated? We can't compete with men in golf? Skiing? Tennis? Nothing???

I'm not sure I've seen many women get offended at hearing men are generally stronger and faster than women, and better at certain things. I personally get offended when I'm told I can't do something because I'm a woman. Maybe I can't lift a tire, but that doesn't mean I can't change a tire with the right tools.

I would think that if there was a woman who could play basketball at the level required in the NBA, there's a chance she would be asked to play. Same thing with other sports, but those women are exceptions. At least right now.

Men have a few decades on women when it comes to most sports, but over the years, women have been decreasing the skills gap, which is apparent in almost any sports event you watch. However, will women ever reach the skill level or potential of men? I don't know. Maybe. But that's why they're segregated.

jillindelray · #5 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 08:19 AM

well, we are seeing some integration in golf right now. michelle wee and annika sorenstam have both played on the PGA tour...and they have done OK. not great...OK. golf is probably one of the few sports that men and women can compete equally. it doesn't necessarily matter who hits the ball the farthest off the tee....there are 2, 3, 4 more shots that need to be executed properly. i think the guys have been very gracious in allowing women into their sport.

car racing also allows women...and that danica got 4th in the indy 500!

co-ed professional TEAM sports would be interesting. football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey would be sports that could conceivably do this. but there would have to be rules guiding the allowable men and women playing at any given time.

individual "power" sports like tennis, skiing, speed skating, swimming, gymnastics, running, biking.....cannot have men and women compete head-to-head. men would dominate....and how is that fair? no, integration would be a set-back for women.

sweet pickles · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 08:24 AM

What about in the workplace? In a job that's more physical work, should just as many women be considered or since men are more capable physically, s hould they be looking for men to fill positions? For example - auto mechanic, carpenter, etc.

Soon2Bmomof2inMN · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 08:26 AM

I've never been offended hearing that a man is stronger/faster than I am, because it is the truth. You just can't deny the basic biology of it. Men are supposed to be bigger/stronger/faster than we are (notice I did NOT add "smarter" in there

) because traditionally men are the protectors and women are the caregivers. Yes, times have changed, but one thing you cannot change no matter how much time passes is the way we are genetically built (which I suppose could be a whole different debate in itself).

sweet pickles · #8 (**permalink**) 02-20-2006, 08:28 AM

[quote]I personally get offended when I'm told I can't do something because I'm a woman. Maybe I can't lift a tire, but that doesn't mean I can't change a tire with the right tools.[quote]

Well, if you were by yourself you wouldn't be able to change the tire, right? Technically the person would be right in saying you couldn't do it and if the reason is because you're a woman, he would be correct.