In the following pictures we see females portrayed in a very masculine demeanor. Softball, what we consider baseball for females, creates a more masculine stereotype. Instead of the glamour, glitter, and shine we see with baseball wives, Softball players are generally viewed as butch or lesbian. The pictures all show females playing softball. Through their expression, their physical appearance, and simply by how they stand, they each create a very masculine and dominant vibe. They are all hardworking aggressive women who work hard to win hard.
Besides from the butch and masculine look these females have, many associate softball players being lesbian. Although there IS a good amount of lesbian softball players, this generalization should not be made for every softball player. These athletes are generally very built in the upper body with very strong defined arms, they have a manly look to themselves. In many cases, a woman who can perform in a sport as well or better than a male, many would automatically associate them as being lesbian. There is a sort of stigma created that says "if you aren't a male, you can't play sports..."
It is very unfortunate that people associate playing softball as butch and gay. Softball players are straight, gay, bi, and questioning. They come in all sizes and shapes. Media should recognize all of these hard working and confident players as valued members of the team.
I think the face of Softball ws Jenny FInch for obvious reasons. Not only was she tremendously talented, but also possessed beauty. But she never used her sexuality and beauty to her advantage. She always put the sport first.
ReplyDeleteSoftball players can be gorgeous; however, they got these stereotypes for a reason. Many are masculine and large.
ReplyDelete